With spring just around the corner and the weather warming up, it is tempting to just take off and spend your time at the beach or just out in the yard. But first thing first, it is also time to spruce up the house. I have included a few non-traditional tips for things to do before summer is upon us:
Check your roof- This is one of the most ignored parts of the home, yet is the most integral. If you have a roof problem, it doesn't matter much about the rest of the home. You may think, it is just a small leak or that one damaged/missing shingle doesn't affect much yet, I will wait untill next year. The only problem is that once you get a leak, it starts causing many other issues. Even if the leak does not affect the inside the home, it can cause mold and deterioration of your rafters and attice insulation. This can cause the cost of repair/replacement to increase significantly.
- Check your flashing around chimney, roof vents, a/c-heating units and any other roof penetration. Reseal if needed.
- Missing/Damaged Shingles need to be replaced immediately.
- Check facia flashing and rain gutters. Make sure the flashing is in good condition and the gutters are tight against the facia boards and clear of leaves and debris.
- Check the vents to ensure they are clear of birds, insects, and small animals and provide the needed ventilation.
- If your shingles are curling it is time to replace them and you may need to install more vents.
- Clay/tile shingles should be checked for if they are loose, cracked, damaged or missing and replaced as needed.
- Tar/gravel roofs may need to be resealed every few years and make sure drains are clear.
How's the paint?- Depending on where you live and what type of material makes up the exterior of your home, will determine your paint needs. Generally every 5 to 10 years you should repaint your home. This not only continues protecting it from the enviroment, but adds a nice fresh look.
- Check for peeling or blistered paint. Sand and touch up if small area.
- Use a pressure washer on low pressure to spray off the exterior. This will give your home a nice clean look and help liven it up. Be careful not to use high pressure that will remove your paint or other coatings.
- Check the facia boards, and repaint if needed. Easy way to add some new color and look to your home.
Doors & Windows- It is important that your doors and windows are secure and working properly. This will prevent injuries and help increase their energy efficiency. Plus they are the face of your home.
- Clean all your glass windows inside and out. This really makes a home sparkle and lets you enjoy the beauty of the your yard as it comes to life.
- Check the seals and recaulk and seal if needed. This helps reduce water, dust and insects from entering your home, and helps improve the efficiency of your home, saving you money.
- If you have single pane windows, maybe it is time to replace them with more efficient dual pane, low-e windows. This really helps reduce your heating and cooling costs, and offers a great return when you sell your home.
- Ensure your locks and handles all work smoothly. If not, use a graphite lubricant or whatever is recommended by the manufacture. DO NOT USE WD-40 as it may provide temporary releif, but long term problems, by collecting dust and material inside, which will cause further damage.
- Polish your door handles.
- Check the hinges and pins. Tighten and lubricate (graphite) if needed.
Lighting- Lighting is very important in a home. Take a survey and see you you could use some extra light somewhere or an update of fixtures.
- Replace incandesant lamps with energy efficient CFL bulbs. They now make them in all different type and wattages
- If your fixtures are looking dated, replace them ad give your home a nice upgrade and new feel.
- There is no better light than natural light. If you have a dark spot in your home, consider installing a light tube/skylight.
Well I hope that has helped you in getting ready for this spring. If you have a project that you are not capable of doing, contact your real estate agent for a list of qualified service providers.
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