The beginning of the year is the perfect time for goal setting. Many people take the first few days of January to lay out their plans for the new year. Personal goals are important and can cover anything from health and financial goals to taking up new hobbies and travel.
We have some suggestions for those who like projects or plan to improve their homes during the coming year.
Pressure Wash: Pressure Washing the exterior of your home keeps it looking good and helps preserve the paint, thus protecting the home. Other areas that could use an annual pressure washing? Decks, fences, driveways and sidewalks. Dirt weakens and wears away finish on wooden decks, fences and walkways. Clean sidewalks and driveways increase curb appeal.
Clean the Windows: As long as you’re pressure washing the house, consider cleaning the windows, too. A proper cleaning helps reduce pollen and dirt build up. Plus, cleaning windows gives home owners the opportunity to clear out spider webs and check for wood rot around sills.
Caulk/Weather Stripping: Making sure caulk and weather stripping is in good shape helps the house year-round. It keeps the cold air out in the winter and the hot air out in the summer. How do you know you need to update weather stripping? Check for temperature differences near windows and doors, or water on rainy days.
Trim Plants and Branches Away from the House: Keeping landscaping trimmed is great for curb appeal, but it also protects the home. Small animals can get on the roof, and possibly even in the house, from limbs that brush against the house. Plants against the house can bring dirt, bugs and mildew to the home. Keeping them trimmed protects paint, siding and other exterior finishes.
Fresh Paint: Of course we aren’t going to leave painting off the list! Homeowners should plan to update interior paint every three to five years depending on the wear and tear in the home. Some spaces, like kitchens and family rooms may need to be painted more often, while rarely used rooms like dining and formal living rooms can go a little longer.
Not only does repainting provide the opportunity to update colors and decor in the home, it allows home owners to do a closer inspection of their home and possibly identify small leaks, or even termites. Fixing these issues before they get out of hand is critical. Painting trim and molding keeps homes looking fresh, especially in high traffic areas.
Exterior house painting recommendations vary based on your home’s finish, exposure and even landscaping. Most North Georgia home owners can go five to seven years before needing to paint the exterior of their homes. However, changing up front door and shutter colors can breath new life into the house, especially if you plan to update landscaping. If you’re ready to breathe new life into the interior or exterior of your home, reach out to schedule a free estimate.