Summer is the perfect time of year to break out the power washers and screwdrivers to keep your home looking its best, both inside and out.
Annual upkeep should be at the top of every homeowners to-do list in order to maintain its visual appeal as well as keeping costs to a minimum. It will always be less expensive to maintain your home rather than have to fix major problems that could have been avoided.
Thankfully the beautiful weather in coastal Orange County in early Summer draws us outdoors into our yards and into the home maintenance mode.
HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
1. Power Wash – You can either rent a power washer or hire a professional, but either way, concentrate on removing debris from the driveway, sidewalks, pavers or other outdoor space, and the exterior of your home.
2. Inspect the Windows – If you have outdated windows, warm Summer is the perfect time of year to replace them with energy efficient ones. If not replacing windows, be sure to give them a good cleaning, using newspaper instead of pa-per towels. Take down the window treatments and clean them too. Also check the screens to make sure they are not ripped and are securely in place.
3. Clean out the Gutters – You’d be surprised at how much debris can collect in your gutters during the rainy season. Break out the ladder (or hire a professional) and clean them out.
4. Check the Roof – Take a look at your roof to make sure you haven’t lost any shingles over the course of the year, which could cause leaks.
5. Change Air Filters – Every year you should replace the filters in your heating and cooling systems to get the most out of the units. This will not only help to prolong the life of the system, but will help keep allergens to a minimum.
6. Replace Batteries in Smoke Detectors – This one doesn’t need any explanation and you will avoid the jarring beep reminder.
7. Refresh the Mulch or Stone – No matter what you use as the surroundings for plants and flowers, giving it a fresh layer will have it looking its best.
Giving your home an annual inspection to check for damage is the best way to keep overall costs to a minimum and have your home looking its best.
5 Ways to Add Curb Appeal
If your home’s curb appeal makes a great first impression, everyone — including potential homebuyers — will want to see what’s inside. Check out these simple, low-cost improvements that you can do in a day, a week, or a month.
1.Create perfect symmetry. Symmetry is not only pleasing to the eye, it’s also the simplest to arrange. Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create welcoming entryways.
2.Replace old hardware House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. If they’re out of date or dingy, your home may not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.
3.Do a mailbox makeover Mailboxes should complement the home and express the homeowner’s personality. When choosing a hanging drop box, pick a box that mirrors your home’s trimmings. Dress up posted boxes by staining or painting the wooden post to match the house’s trim and woodwork. Create structures for your box from materials found throughout the hardscaping. Warning: Consult a professional when designing and building structures.
4. Install outdoor lighting Low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. If you aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures.
5. Create a new planting bed Add contrast and color to your home exterior with a new planting bed. Prime spots are at the front corners of the yard, along driveways or walk-ways, and immediately in front of the house.
If you are considering selling your home, the Stovall Team wants to help you. Our outstanding marketing techniques and attention to details is second to none. Our staging program has proven to achieve a higher net and a faster marketing time for every one of our sellers. Call The Stovall Team today at 714.343.9294 or 714.378.3438 for information.