June is Home Ownership Month (seriously, who comes up with all these various months and days) so we thought we’d share a few ideas on protecting your home now and in the coming years.

Tips on How to Protect Your Home Value

How to Protect Your Home Value

1. Make Sure Your Roof is in Great Shape: I am not a fan of going up on my roof (I will do it if I have to) so every few weeks or so, especially after a violent storms kicks through I look around for any shingles or flashing seals that might be compromised. I also look around for bushes or trees that might be pushing up against the house and roof. Nothing will ruin a house faster than a water leak, especially a leak from the roof. If you are not sure or need a professional opinion (or someone to get up on your roof) you can call a trusted contractor. A good contractor won’t try and pitch on a brand new roof, just on the repairs needed.

Bug wise you can keep a look out for carpenter bees in the eaves of the house. They might start boring into the wood on the side of the roof which can create holes that water can get into and, over time, rot out those sections of the roof.

2. Check Anything That Sends Stuff Out of the House: It might seem silly but checking those outlets that send air or water out of the house is a good idea to keep regular tabs on. Dryer vents, fireplaces, etc. can get compromised pretty easily if left unattended. Birds, squirrels and smaller bugs might make some of these areas their home within your home. You don’t want that. Do some checks yourself or have a specialist come over to inspect (ie. chimney inspector) to keep those areas in top shape.

3. Keep Tabs on Ledges: Window and house ledges can get a brunt of water impact from storms and house drainage. Keep these areas in the best shape by assuring they are sealed properly and painted thoroughly. This will keep them lasting long into your house’s future. Carpenter bees, termites, and other insects will often choose these areas to munch on your home because these wooded areas can become soft (and thus easy to eat) if not treated for water damage regularly.

4. Pay Attention to Yard Drain: If you are buying a home then look around the yard property to see if there is potential drainage issues. If you are not sure what to look for a seasoned real estate agent will be able to point out possible issues or evidence of a solid drainage system. You should also look at your neighbors drainage to see if that poses a problem for your prospective house. If you have lived in your house for any particular amount of time then you more than likely have noticed good or bad drainage. Your home needs to have good drainage in order to protect it long term. Poor drainage can lead to pooling water in the yard and under the house. It can also impact water pushing up against foundation areas of the house. Water drainage is not the most technical work in the world, but it is hard work. Identify any underground utilities of concern. Rent some appropriate equipment to dig your trenches and then start to work with a more thorough drainage of your home.

Proper drainage will help to keep moisture down in the house, which will help prevent many bugs who thrive in moist situations. Good drainage from the yard will prevent pooling which will keep mosquitoes from having optimal breeding grounds on your property.

These preventative protection tips will help to keep the value of your home at its highest. They will also give you a great shot at having a minimal bug impact. We call that a win win!

How to Protect Your Home Value in Sevierville TN

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