I Enjoy Winter but .. . . .
This year the winter has been especially hard for most areas of the country.
The west coast especially California needed the water.
But Mother Nature took it a little too far this year with all the flooding, high winds, and heavy snowfall.
Needless to say, this kind of weather can take a heavy toll on any home.
I did a short Facebook Live to show some of the damage I discovered recently on my own home.
I know this is nothing compared to other homeowners who got hit incredibly hard.
My heart goes out to all those who’s homes were damaged this winter.
With that said, the reason I bring this up is that Spring will be here sooner than we think.
That means the big box retailers will be stepping up their marketing campaigns enticing people to get out and start remodeling.
That’s a great idea on face value, but they’re not going to be promoting maintenance and repair from the harsh winter.
That’s Up To YOU!
Before you start even thinking about your spring remodeling plans – that new deck, outdoor kitchen, bathroom refresh, kitchen upgrade, – how about taking a short walk around your home to see what damage there might be?
Here’s a simple list of some areas to look for damage.
Roof – Damage to roofs are common during strong winter storms. Check for missing roof material, areas that might be deformed by ice build-up, or blown away by sharp winds. Get a ladder and check the gutters and downspouts.
Siding – Check for missing or damaged siding.
Foundation Damage – Look closely around the entire home for cracks in the foundation material. Make sure that water did not pool next to the foundation, or get into the crawl space. Even if you don’t suspect anything, it’s worth a peek into the crawl space.
Paint and Caulking – The paint and caulking on your home are vital to protecting your home from the elements, no matter what the season. Check around the windows and doors and make sure there is no damage to the caulking. Inspect all the painted surfaces for cracks, peeling and splintering.
Fences – When the winter is harsh the ground density changes dramatically. Look for leaning posts, damage or missing fence boards or wire.
Fixing the problems you find my not be as ‘sexy’ or satisfying as that new deck or bathroom, if you don’t take care of these things first you will pay for it later. Either with further damage or in the future selling price of your home. Or Both.
IF you want to really dig into the condition of your home we have the tool for you.
This worksheet is a comprehensive road map that will lead you through the
exterior components of your home.
Use This Simple Checklist to:
- Systematically Evaluate The Major Exterior Components of Your Home.
- Have a greater understanding of the overall condition of your homes’ exterior.
- Note the strengths and weaknesses of each area.
- Uncover the Repair and Maintenance “surprises” that can cost you dearly if not addressed early.
- Act as a reference for future reviews of the condition of your home.
