The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, noses
are running (hopefully not yours)…spring has definitely arrived! It’s that time
of year when, if you are lucky enough to own property here in Charleston, SC , to
conduct the few simple maintenance operations that
1)
Are all too easy to overlook; and
2)
Are guaranteed to save you big money as time goes on.
Sooooooo…
Clear those branches
Termites are one of the nastiest little creatures on
Earth. They can enter a Charleston property undetected and immediately begin to
munch through your home’s wooden underpinnings. Branches that lean up against a
home provide the perfect pathway for termites and other creatures (the list
includes squirrels, mice and spiders). Spring is the easiest time to trim those
branches while leaves are just beginning to appear...right now the limbs probably
look a lot like freeway off-ramps to all sorts of critters. Cut branches at
least two feet clear of walls and roofs.
Inspect the Roof
They say that April showers bring May flowers - and the
roof on a Charleston property is the first defense against water. Once moisture
becomes trapped inside walls, major problems are likely to accompany those
flower. A visual
inspection of your roof can catch weak spots and minimize potential
damage. If it’s too dangerous to climb onto your roof, see how much you can do
with a pair of binoculars from a good vantage point.
Clean and Repair Screens
Plan to keep your Charleston area property cool on summer
nights? You’ll want the screens clean and free of build-ups which cloud your
view and block breezes. To clean screens yourself, lay them on a flat surface
and gently scrub with mildly soapy water. If holes have developed, a visit to
one of our Charleston hardware stores may be in order.
Clean and Repair Decks
Any property in Charleston, SC with outdoor wooden surfaces
like decks or swing sets will have been pummeled by the winter elements. Now is
the perfect time to clean and repair them. Check for loose or missing boards,
then use a pressure washer to clean the surfaces (but use a setting that
doesn’t remove any paint). Rough sports can be tamed by sanding—at which point
it may be time for a new coat of stain and sealer.
Taking on these small home maintenance tips in springtime
saves time and money—and for some reason, it always just feels right after you’ve gotten those jobs squared away before
summer. As always, I’m here to help my clients with all real estate concerns
here in town–call me today if you’d like a complimentary Charleston area property
pricing analysis!
Interested in selling your Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook Real Estate
Charleston, SC
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