In the sweltering Florida summer, no one is especially eager to tackle home improvement projects. After all, spending the day at the beach or in air-conditioned comfort is far more inviting during those hot days. But with cooler weather, fall is the perfect time to tackle the projects that have languished since May. Here are three home improvement projects for Jacksonville residents to undertake this fall.
Pressure Washing and Painting
Summers in northeast Florida are rainy and hot. The result of all that rain and heat is the proliferation of mold and mildew on exterior surfaces. If you want to brighten your home and get rid of the dirt and grime, rent a pressure washer for the weekend. A gasoline-powered pressure washer can make cleaning your home and flat surfaces much easier. For your home and concrete surfaces, pre-treat the area with a one-to-one ratio of bleach and water in a pump sprayer. Test an inconspicuous area of your home with the pressure washer before you begin; large pressure washers can remove the paint from your home. You will find that the treated area shines like a new penny when you have finished pressure washing it. The Florida Home Builders Association has more inspection items listed on its blog.
As you move around your home, pay close attention to any areas that might need paint. If the “body” of your home is in good shape, consider painting the trim if it needs it. Keeping your home in good repair, including the paint job, will go a long way to improving resale value and curb appeal.
Planting Beds and Shrubs
After all the summer rains, weeds may have overrun your flower beds. Fall is the time to remove last spring’s mulch, to pull the weeds, and to mulch afresh your planting beds. Later in the fall, trim back your hedges to get them under control. With all the rain, shrubs have been growing at an exponential rate.
Roof Inspection and Repair
Fall is a great time to inspect your roof to find any problem areas that may require attention. First, perform a visual inspection to note any missing or broken shingles. Repair or replace these shingles immediately to prevent a leak from the ceiling. While you are on the roof, check chronic problem areas such as sky lights, chimneys, and vent stacks for rotten wood. An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. Staying ahead of roof problems can prolong the life of your roof. Here are some more tips to make repairs — that way, you can keep small problems from ballooning up to big issues in the future.
These do-it-yourself home improvement projects are not terribly labor-intensive and can get you back to enjoying the outdoors again after the long hot summer.
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