The new and improved “Honey-do” list
Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow and we all know what that means: an early Spring! The wet, dark days of winter are coming to a quick end and it’s time to dry out that rain jacket and begin your exciting spring home improvement projects. We at John Erwin Remodeling understand weather’s wear on your house. Our crew has been called out for repairs of inadequate siding installations, improper window sealing, and know what is in the dark corners of your crawl-spaces countless times. Here’s what you can do to keep your home (and your pocketbook) happy:
The first thing to inspect after the rainy season? Your homes siding. Take a quick walk around your house with a keen eye and look for the following: water damage, exposed nails, lack of caulking, and fading or missing paint. If your siding seems to be soggy around the base, push on it, and if your finger goes through, you have water damage. Water damage can spread behind the siding and into your walls, causing rot and mold. If you notice exposed, rusting nails, this could also mean water build-up behind the siding. Make sure all the vertical seams and joints of your siding are properly caulked. Lastly, adding a fresh coat of paint to the siding will increase its lifespan and durability. Updating the siding on your house drastically improves its sustainability and re-sale value.
Next, check all of your windows. Your windows should be air-tight and completely dry. The windows should have absolutely no draft, shutting flush against the frame. If you notice condensation between panes or water collecting around the base of the window, this could indicate a leak, thus leading to mildew, moss growth, and reduced heating efficiency. Window improvements must be taken seriously in an effort to increase the longevity of your house.
Lastly, If you’re up for an adventure, grab some old clothes, a pair of safety glasses, a mask, and hop down under your house and take a peek. We rarely realize what we’re living on top of, but the well-being of your house’s nether regions make a huge difference in your indoor air quality. A few places to check first are under your kitchen sink and under your bathrooms. Make sure all the plumbing is sealed and not leaking, no one wants to let a drip turn into a pond! Next, check for any lighting coming through your foundation and framing. The seeping light could be a perfect access point for unwanted critters, who can lead to structural holes, ruin your house’s electrical work, and make some pretty creepy bumps in the night.
Did your house pass the spring check-up? If so, a great addition to your house could be adding skylights. We all know the need for natural lighting living in the Pacific Northwest. By adding skylights, your house will be full of natural light during the spring and summer months. Skylights increase your house’s energy efficiency by keeping your light switches off during the day. Skylights also provide extra vitamin D to improve your physical health. Moreover, skylights can act as a natural disinfectant by preventing dampness inside your house.
Improving your house’s overall seal will produce a tangible result, letting you enjoy all stages of the weather. Give us a call at John Erwin Remodeling to gain full advantage of the wonderful weather to come. By taking these steps, we can help you to “Spring” your house into a home!
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