Spring is in the Air – Home Improvement Tips for Better Living

rnSpring is fast approaching and at GA/ATL Property Management, we want to provide you with tips on how to improve home quality and retain housing market value. Whether you’re looking to keep your home cost efficient or boost resale value, routine maintenance and small repairs around the house will ensure that your property stays in top-notch condition. Here are some simple fixes and upgrades that are easy DIY (do-it-yourself) projects: 1. Clean the gutters. You will most likely see this at the very top of every home improvement list and there’s a reason – clogged gutters may lead to water damage, which can be extremely costly. Also, make sure your gutters are not sagging to prevent improper drainage. Here is a helpful video tutorial on How to Clean Rain Gutters and Downspouts, courtesy of Lowe’s. rn2. Install surge protectors if you haven’t already. This conserves energy as well as safeguards your appliances and electronic devices from power surges during the stormy season. Surge protectors are inexpensive and can be purchased virtually anywhere. 3. Level your yard. Not only should you do this to prevent flooding, but it also adds aesthetic value to your property. Depressions in your yard allows accumulation of water, leading to unsightly muddy patches. Pinpoint these uneven areas and fill low spots with a mixture of compost and sand. If you’re still unsure on how to properly level your yard, we recommend watching this 2 minute tutorial that will walk you through it step-by-step. rn4. Hire a trusted expert to clean your air ducts and change AC filters. This will enable your HVAC system to operate more effectively and remove allergens, debris and mold – improving your air quality. How often you change your AC filter depends on your living arrangement – for single occupants without pets or allergies, it is recommended that you replace your AC filter every 6-12 months. For an average single family home without pets, every three months. Residential homes with a cat or dog should change AC filters every 2 months. 5. Apply water-repellent seal to your deck. As we all know, spring is rainy season and leaving your deck untreated and defenseless against the elements would be unwise. Over time, water penetration can cause dry rot, warping, and cracking. A water-repellent sealant will help extend the life of your deck and keep water from seeping into the wood. Always remember to thoroughly clean your deck before applying sealant and to cover nearby foliage from being sprayed with harsh chemicals. There are several methods to applying sealant – (brush, roller, garden spray) choose what best suits your need and fits your schedule. 6. Replace the batteries in your smoke detector. It is recommended that you do this annually. Non-functioning smoke detectors can be deadly and failure to replace a worn out battery can prove fatal. If you simply cannot remember to switch out the batteries on a yearly basis, invest in a smoke alarm that runs on 10-year lithium batteries. These are reasonably priced at $20-$25 and can be found at your local hardware store. At GA/ATL Property Management, we take great initiatives to maintain our investor’s properties and provide our tenants the comfort that they deserve knowing they are in good hands. We hope these tips have been beneficial and will assist in saving you time and mone