Now that May has arrived, it’s the right time to make sure your home has survived the comparatively harsher winter weather (we live in Georgia, so harsh is relative!). Here’s a checklist you can reference to make sure things are in good working order.
- Complete an Exterior Inspection: Do a simple walk-around of your property and focus on windows, your chimney, gutters, and deck.
- Wash windows using a squeegee or soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or high-pressure spray washers which can damage your glass.
- Exterior Walls and Foundations: Inspect eaves and gutter downspouts for water damage. Look at your foundation for cracks. Identifying issues early on will save you future headaches and significant dollars.
- Roof Inspection: Depending on the roof’s pitch, a pair of binoculars will do the trick to help you identify cracked or missing shingles or nails popping through the roof.
- Outdoor Lighting: Make sure all lights are in working order including porches, landscape lighting, and security lighting.
- Check Safety Devices: If you forgot to replace smoke detector batteries when we changed the clocks, do so soon. While you’re at it, check your fire extinguisher’s expiration date and make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order.
- Deep Clean Your Grill: Now is when your grill does the heavy lifting. Clean grates and the interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water. Check gas grill fuel lines for cracks.
- Spruce Up Garden Paths: Pull weeds, add fresh gravel to gravel paths, and replace or reposition broken stepping stones.
- Clean-Out the Garage: We know this is not a fun project, but you will feel so much better when you clean shelves, dispose of expired chemicals and give the floor a good cleaning.
- Check Air Conditioning: Have your unit inspected, change out filters, check hose connections for leaks, and confirm drain pans are draining freely. This should be part of your semi-annual HVAC service to keep all units in good working order.
- Repair Decks and Keep Them Safe: May is Deck Safety Month. Look for warped, splintered, or loose boards and repair them right away. Give it a deep clean unless you have a wood deck that looks faded or worn. Then it’s time to stain and reseal it. Check railings and steps to ensure they are firmly in place. This is a top priority, especially for decks that are high off the ground. If your deck has seen better days – give us a call at
(770) 781-4641. We’d be happy to inspect your current structure and recommend the best way to enhance your enjoyment with a new deck or screened porch.
