If Only…

I don’t know about you guys but over my lifetime I’ve began a lot of sentences with, “I should have done ____________.” Or, If only I would have ___________.” Like leaving your front door open while the air conditioner is running in this sauna-like July heat, regret is a waste of energy. American author, Mercedes Lackey, says it another way, “If only. Those must be the two saddest words in the world.” As it pertains to your home, I want to help you avoid saying those two little sad words, “if only.”

Below are 6 areas of your home that you need to look at.

Air Conditioner:

-Inspect the unit to make sure it’s in good working condition. Look for proper insulation around the cold suction line on the outdoor unit . 

-Check the return air filters inside the home.The A/C must be levelled and free from obstruction. Should not have trees or plants next to it or above it

-Do not fully cover your A/C unit during the winter or it will cause the fins to rust inside. Instead, consider covering it with a piece of plywood and secure it with a rock.

-Most HVAC manufactures recommend that the unit be serviced at least once per year by a licensed HVAC contractor.

Deck:

-Maintain your deck by ensuring it’s stained or painted on a regular basis.

-Check the overall structure every Spring and Fall.

-Ensure there are proper footings to prevent sinking. Most new decks have been built to modern standards but older decks may not have been. Posts should be on concrete footings.

-Proper guardrails should be at least 36” to 42” tall. This is to prevent someone from falling off the deck.

Garage:

-Ensure entrance door to the home has a working fire-rated door.

-Check safety electronic eye beams on automatic door openers are aligned and operational.

-Use a 2×4 under the door to test if the door automatically reverses when the door touches it. The door should automatically reverse if the electronic eye beams are obstructed or if the door meets minimal resistance. This protects small children or pets from being crushed.

Rodents/Pest Prevention:

-Check for common rodent entry points, including open gaps in the exterior, such as soffit, fascia or ridge vents on the roof.

-Another common entry point is where the A/C lines enter the house.

Exterior Painting of the House:

-Ensure that wood is properly painted and not rotted. If bare wood is showing this can lead to wood rot. If caught early it may be a minor painting repair. Left too long and it could lead to major wood rot and water entry into the home.

Crawl Space:

-If you don’t have someone checking your crawl space ,such as a pest control professional ,it’s a good idea to take a look around to make sure insulation is still in place, water pipes aren’t leaking, and you don’t have unusual water entry through the foundation.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by doing any of the above please reach out to me. Let’s have a conversation and let me help you. Trust me. It’s better to put in the work now and say, “I did,” then to find yourself a few days, weeks, or months later uttering those two lonely words…if only.

If only- the two saddest words in the world.