Spring is nearly

gone and summer is almost here, which means it's time for a thorough,

semi-annual maintenance check of your home. Doing a few chores now, will

help ensure you'll live more comfortably throughout the summer months.

Investing time

now can also save money on repair bills and save valuable time better

spent enjoying the season. Many of these simple tasks can add years to

the life of your home and prevent major headaches as the mercury rises.

Get started

include overhangs, awnings and exposed siding where snow and water might

collect and cause materials to decay. Repair or replace anyareas showing

water damage. Also, venture outside during the next storm and watch how

the rain rolls off your roof and out your gutters. Be sure that the water

empties a good distance from your foundation, so that it cannot seep into

your basement or settle at the foundation. Take advantage of this time

to make sure your gutters are clear and that water is moving unencumbered

through your downspouts.

Next, take

a look at all of your windows and doors for drafts and airleaks. Caulk

any seams and re-glaze windows if needed. It's a good idea to clean all

of your windows, inside and out, including the screens. Replacing any

worn weather-stripping around doors will help keep cool air in the houseand

your electric bills down.

Remember to

check the filters on your heating and cooling units each month, and replace

them as needed. And, considerhiring a professional to clean your ducts

where dust and airborne particles can build up.

This also is

the right time to service your air conditioner. Don't wait until it breaks

down likely during the most unbearable heat wave of the summer to focus

on maintaining your unit. If it's not already, shade the outdoor part

of the air conditioner from the sun, clean the unit and inspect the filter.

A little bit of cleaning and maintenance now could save you days or weeks

of suffering this summer.

Now it's time

to tackle the roof. Using a sturdy ladder, climb up to eye level to inspect

the flashing around chimneys and vents. Re-tar any cracks and repair or

replace any shingles that are buckled or broken. While you're at it, clean

out the gutters and downspouts and sweep the shingles free of sticks,

leaves and other debris.

Since you're

already outside, take a look at the paint on the house and the trim. Does

it need to be repainted or cleaned? It's a big job, but will make a considerable

difference in the look of your home. Wood that is properly protected from

the elements can last for many years.

Be wary of

conditions that invite termites. Termites threaten the structure of a

house by eating its framing lumber. And, because they look like ants,

termites are often difficult to identify. Keeping gutters and downspouts

clean and in good repair will help eliminate pools of water close to the

house that attract termites. Repairing leaky plumbing and drainage under

the house, and keeping the house and crawl space properly vented will

help keep these areas dry. Keep tree stumps and firewood from beneath

or around the house, and be sure that firewood is stored off the ground.

Finally, cut all shrubs and bushes away from the foundation.

Continuing

your outside inspection, appraise stair railings, steps and sidewalks

around your home. Tighten any loose connections and smooth outcracks or

ridges in the walkways. If your steps have settled or shifted, consider

hiring a professional to repair them, so that no one gets injured on your

property. Clean oil and dirt from the concrete walkways and driveway and

watch for ice damage that may have occurred during the winter months.

Lubricate door

hinges and replace any worn locks. And, don't forget to check the doorbell.

Inspect any fencing for holes and test gates for ease inmovement. The

track for your garage door may need a bit of lubrication as well. The

mailbox post should be stable and the house numbers clear replace any

house numbers that have broken or fallen off.

Spring is the

ideal time of year to inspect your fireplace and chimney. Look around

for visible cracks, nesting animals or other signs of damage. Use this

opportunity to have a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney, check

it thoroughly and make any necessary repairs.

Finally, review

your safety plan for evacuation in case of fire, tornado, hurricane or

other natural disaster. By having a plan of action that you and your family

prepared in advance, you may gain valuable time during an emergency. Above

all, taking the time to perform these maintenance checks will give you

the peace of mind to enjoy a safe, cool and healthy summer season.

(Eddie Lusher,

who is with Jerry Ballard Homes, is president of the Home Builders Association

of Midwest Georgia, which serves a membership of approximately 485 builders

and associate members in Fayette, Coweta, Spalding, Heard and Meriwether

counties.)

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