NOVA Homes Blog: Your NOVA Home May Checklist

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Your NOVA Home May Checklist

Now that summer is on the horizon, May is the month to get your Northern Virginia home for what lies ahead. Start at the very top with your attic, work your way out with a stop in the kitchen, before heading outside to tackle the outdoor projects. According to Bob Vila, these are the 5 most important projects for your NOVA home to prepare for the dog days of summer.

1. Prepare for the Heat
While the weather has been enjoyable as of late, we tend to forget just how warm it can get during the summer months. If you prepare ahead of time, you can enjoy the summer with comfortable indoor temperatures without breaking the bank. No unnecessary cooling bills for the NOVA homeowner here!

The first step is addressing your attic insulation. Think about installing an attic fan to sweep out the heat and keep your HVAC system in tip-top shape. Next up, ceiling fans. These should be installed in rooms where you spend the most time— kitchen, family room, and bedrooms— and using these instead of the AC will save you money in the long run.

2. Update the Kitchen
For this season's update, it doesn't have to be a total renovation. Want a quick change? Think about swapping out your old tile for a new backsplash. Or if your ready for a more lengthy weekend project, try refacing your kitchen cabinets. A new wood or a bright coat of paint can instantly brighten up the kitchen in your NOVA home.

3. Yard and Garden Sprucing
May is the time to prepare to spend your days outside in the summer. Improve your landscaping with edging, or plant container gardens or flowers that will cheer up your walkways. For some added fun, try creating your own outdoor pots out of everyday items. Old shoes and even appliances make interesting yard embellishments.

4. No Summer Pests
The best way to deal with outdoor pests in the summer is the natural way. For instance, mice cannot stand the smell of peppermint and cockroaches will flee from Tabasco sauce. Find natural ways to scare off these critters and your summer in the Northern Virginia area will be one of the best yet.

5. Get Ready to Barbecue
Spruce up your deck and patio before barbecue season. Make any necessary repairs to the patio surface and check that your grill is in working order. It's best to clean off old residue and dirt before you fire up the charcoal!

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn

No comments:

Post a Comment

..........................................

When you first meet Earle, she greets you with a firm handshake and a broad smile. She has a certain charm and friendly nature that immediately set you at ease. As you talk to her, she listens intently. You can see by the earnest look on her face that she’s already developing ideas and strategies to accomplish your goals. By the end of your conversation, you’re surprised that someone can have such a clear understanding of your needs after just one meeting. This is the essence of Earle’s real estate service. She’s a straightforward businesswoman who doesn’t let up until her clients are satisfied.
View My Complete Profile

......................................

Northern Virginia is a thriving area consisting of several communities that thrive with historical and cultural richness as well as physical beauty.
With all that the Northern Virginia area offers, there’s never a shortage of things to do, natural beauty and great schools. From the ocean to the mountains to the nation’s capital, this is a part of the country that has it all!
Earle has assembled some helpful resources to help you with finding your new home. From her comprehensive list of Local Links, her Home Style Guide, or hands on personal help, described below, you know you can count on Earle.