Summertime and the living is easy, right? Well,
don’t get too comfortable. There are some crucial home cleaning projects you
should tackle in the good weather to help your home hold its value for the long
haul.
Whether your home is two years old or a classic concrete block
ranch from 1950, you can help your house hold its value and scream curb appeal
with a few simple fair weather cleaning projects. Keeping a home in shape in a
little like good dental hygiene… routine attention prevents major renovation!
With the sun shining, here are the top projects you should
schedule before settling into vacation mode. Stay on top of these at least once
a year and you’ll not only help your home shine, but you’ll fend off the threat
of more costly repairs and replacements in the future:
1. Power wash. Blast off mold, oxidized stains, kicked up mud, and the grim
insect life which can build up over the course of a year. This is good not only
for your exterior walls, but also driveways, patios, and panel fencing (both
sides, please!). If you don’t own a power washer, you can usually rent one
affordably. Be careful with power washers, though, as they can also strip paint
when dialed up and used improperly. If power washing isn’t your bag personally,
hire someone with a track record to handle this wet-and-wild job.
2. Gut the gutters. Freely flowing gutters prevent a host of problems. Dig
out the muck and you’ll be certain that water isn’t backing up under your roof
or running down to the foundation. While you’re working, check the downspouts
for cracks and corrosion. Be sure to run water through the clean gutters to see
if there are any holes you may have missed while inspecting the clean gutters.
3. Wash the windows. This is an inside and outside approach, because
if you want to maximize the light your house lets in, you need to get the panes
from both directions. Start with the outside. While power washing can sometimes
be harsh on window seals, using a hose with a green/garden safe cleaning fluid
is a good way to start. Once you’ve take care of the outside, remove and wash
any indoor window treatments (blinds, drapes) and do a thorough job with the
glass. Some people like to use old newspaper as it makes an excellent
eco-friendly alternative to rolls of paper towels.
4. Shore-up sheds and garages. Start by discarding. A year or even a
season can result in piles of unwanted objects or half-used containers of
questionable chemicals. Be ruthless in what you keep. Once you’ve identified
the must-keep items, haul them out and clean the interior of the shed or garage.
Replace items mindfully.
I love to sell clean homes! If you think your house is at maximum
curb appeal, why not find out how much it’s worth? Get in touch: valerie@valeriemcconville.com
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