Summer Maintenance Checklist : Using Stovall Team as your Realtors ranks #1

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 Inspect the Windows – If you have outdated windows, warm Summer is the perfect time of year to replace them with energy efficient ones.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.