The summer season is just around the corner! Now’s the perfect time to get your house ready before the warm weather hits, and we’ve gathered some great seasonal maintenance tips.

During the summer months, you’ll be using the outdoor spaces of your home just as much as the indoor. Start off by doing away with any yard debris and giving all your trees, bushes and plants a good trim. Getting rid of any overgrowth or fallen leaves and twigs will help keep the bugs and critters away. Plus, pruning keeps your yard looking nicely landscaped and the plants healthy in the long run.

Porches, walkways, patios and driveways—keeping these surfaces clean boosts your home’s curb appeal and makes your outdoor spaces more inviting. Sweep away any free-floating debris and then use a pressure washer with detergent. Scrubbing with soap and water should do the trick for any stubborn embedded dirt.

Next up is windows. Wash both the interior and exterior of all your windows with warm water and soap so you can keep an extra close eye on the kids when they’re playing outside. And don’t forget about the window screens. Hot, soapy water and a brush will have them looking brand new.

Since you’re more likely to turn on your air conditioner during the summer months, this is the time to inspect your windows and doors. Adding fresh sealant to any cracks or gaps will keep any cool air from escaping—and ultimately save energy and money. This will also help keep hot air and unwanted pests out of your house.

Don’t let the air quality inside your home add to those summer allergies. Take a damp rag to all ceiling fans and clean the vents and filters before firing up the air conditioner. It’s never a bad idea to get your air conditioner inspected by a professional to ensure that your unit is working properly, safely and efficiently.

Prepping your home for the season can be a lot of work. But once you’ve gone through all the steps, you can sit back, relax and play it cool this summer!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

It’s that time of year again, when the chill in the air and the shorter days make us long for the comfort of our own homes. It’s also a good time to tackle those seasonal tasks that will help make your home fall-ready. Here are a few tips that will make the fall maintenance process a breeze.

Start outside. If the leaves have already started falling, rake them regularly to ensure your lawn still gets the sunshine it needs to maintain that healthy green color. You’ll also want to clean the leaves out of your gutters to prevent any clogs that could damage your roof. While you’re checking the gutters, take a moment to inspect the roof. If you notice any signs of damage, get it taken care of now so you won’t have any issues come winter.

Walk around your house and look for any stray tree branches that could break or hit your house in cases of extreme weather. Trim any trees that look dangerous or unhealthy—this will help for both safety and post-winter growth.

Prepare the inside of your home with annual furnace maintenance. Having a professional check your heating system is the best way to make sure your house stays toasty in the coming months.

You can also maintain your home’s insulation by sealing gaps and checking for air leaks in the windows and doors. This can be done this by feeling for drafts in the frames and sealing them with weather stripping or caulk. If you find larger holes, fill them with heavy-duty hardware cloth to keep unwanted critters outside.

With every new season comes another opportunity to check your safety devices. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers should all be tested or replaced if necessary.

Finally, take pride in all that you’ve done to maintain and prepare your home for the cooler seasons. Once winter rolls around, you’ll be happy to have taken those extra precautions.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

Spring has sprung and it’s time to get your new Ponderosa home in tip-top shape with our seasonal maintenance tips!

Now that the sun is shining, it’s the perfect time to make sure your roof wasn’t damaged from any winter weather. Look for signs of wear and tear by checking the roof perimeter for missing shingles and the ceiling for any cracks. If you noticed any leaks in the previous few months, now is a good time to get them fixed.

Next up are gutters. They face the same elements as your roof, so it’s important to clean them at least once a year – twice if you have large trees overhead. Look for loose or leaky segments that could lead to a grime or sludge buildup.

It’s also a good time to make sure the air conditioning is summer ready. Replace the filter and dust off the vents, removing any allergens and particles you don’t want floating around.

Spring cleaning means out with the old and in with the new. Go through your closets, kitchen or any other storage space you don’t always think to clear out. It’s easy to hold onto clutter but there’s no better feeling than making space for a new year of collecting pieces you love. And, before you finish, make sure to wipe down your screens and electronics. From your phone to your laptop, devices go everywhere you go. Use a gentle wipe or microfiber cloth to clean off the dust and bacteria from previous months of use.

Now that you’re home has a new spring in its step, enjoy the warmer weather and longer days ahead. Happy spring!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

With brisk weather, family gatherings and more, it’s always helpful to give your home a little TLC to protect against everyday wear and tear. Take care of your new Ponderosa home and share some seasonal love with our maintenance tips – here to get you through the winter months.

There’s no better time to sip on hot chocolate with friends and family than around the fireplace, so make sure to keep the tradition safe by cleaning and inspecting the chimney for any signs of damage. Using a flashlight, safely look inside to ensure there are no obstructions, ash buildup or debris in the chute. Sweep up the floor and freshen up the wood to help stop any allergies or bad inhalents. Use this easy checklist to make sure your coziest corner stays in tip-top shape.

Keep an eye on your home’s entryway. Winter brings mud, dirt and wet shoes which track grime throughout the house. Add a welcome mat inside that friends and family can use when they enter, along with a designated area for shoes and layers. It’s an easy way to prevent bringing the outdoors in and will cut back on your overall cleaning time.

Don’t forget to clean your gutters and drains. Even though it hasn’t been the wettest of winters, drains can get backed up. A quick check around the home will go a long way in ensuring everything is ready for a few more chilly months.

Lastly, enjoy your beautiful home and get started making more memories with loved ones, because the season is far from over.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

Summer’s here and temperatures are rising! Now that the days are warm, it’s important to keep the interior and exterior of your new home well maintained. From leaves and flowers to food and drinks, make sure you’re cleaning off exposed surfaces so heat doesn’t make unnecessary stains on your patio and furniture.

Tidy up the yard by pruning and trimming trees and shrubbery. This will make it look landscaped and ensure the longterm health and growth of your plants.

Keep the hot air out and cool air in by taking care of your AC. Not only will you help lengthen its lifecycle but you’ll also keep it running more efficiently – for a cooler home and less energy costs. Change the  filters monthly and clean the buildup of dust and grime on the vents, this increases the air-quality and is crucial for those with allergies. Scheduling  annual AC checkups with a licensed technician will help avoid any bigger repair costs in the future and give you peace of mind.

Now’s the time to check your windows. You’ll want to make sure they’re closing properly so you don’t waste energy by trying to cool off the outside. Test the window sealants and look for any small openings along the bottom and sides. Lastly, double check the weather-stripping to make sure it’s in good condition.

As always, it’s important for safety to check your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regulary throughout the year, but it’s vital to check them during the summer due to the heat and dry conditions. Make sure batteries are fresh and that everything’s in working order by testing your detectors.

With these summer maintenance tips, it should be smooth sailing all summer long.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

Spring has sprung and now that we’re all firmly into the new season, it’s time to go beyond the annual spring cleaning with some seasonal home maintenance tips.

Winter weather means cold mornings, rainy nights and falling leaves, but now that the sun is shining it’s time to make sure your roof survived all that wear and tear. Check your roof for any signs of damage, look for cracks or missing shingles. If you came across any leaks during the rainy months, now is the perfect time to fix them while the weather cooperates.

Next up is the gutters. These pipelines face the same elements as your roof, so it’s important to keep them clean and unclogged. Check for loose or leaky portions and be aware that improper drainage can cause water to leak into the little nooks and crannies of your home.

An important part of general maintenance is to examine and check your chimney. The winter months are when it’s most in use, so have the flue inspected and the interior cleaned because you don’t want to be inhaling the remnants of winter throughout the year.

Lastly, it’s time to clean your decks, driveways and other exterior surfaces. No need to go overboard with a power washer, just make sure to thouroughly clean each surface specifically for its material. A wooden deck has different needs than a cement driveway, so make sure the tools and products you use will help increase the life of these outdoor areas.

Now that you’re home is back in tip-top shape, enjoy the beautiful days and warm weather the sunshine state will bring. Happy spring!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

With a new year comes new home care and maintenance tips here at Ponderosa Homes! With all this California rain, we found some helpful tips to keep your sanctuary safe from this winter weather.

There’s no better time to sip on hot chocolate and get cozy around the fireplace, but make sure to clean and inspect the chimney for any signs of damage. Take a flashlight and safely look inside, you’ll want to make sure there are no obstructions in the chute and that there isn’t a buildup of debris along the interior. Afterwards, sweep up the floor and remove any leftover ash from previous use. You never know what good old St. Nick could have left behind!

Pro-tip: ash is a natural source of calcium and nutrients for plants, so feel free to sprinkle some on your flower beds and watch your garden morph into spring.

It can be hard to leave nature at the door, especially when you’re on the go. After a few holiday parties and friendly gatherings, your carpets could need a little TLC – get them deep cleaned and see what a difference it makes just in time for allergy season.

It’s always important to clean your gutters and drains – in rainy weather they get backed up, so stay consistent and your home will thank you later. Same goes for rooftop checks to make sure there aren’t any leaks. As our state recovers from the drought, you’ll want to make sure your home doesn’t have to recover from the rain.

Lastly, enjoy your beautiful home and get started making more memories with your loved ones, the season isn’t over yet.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

It’s time to fall back! As the days get shorter and we start spending more time at home, it is important to make sure that your house is in great shape. Here are some fall maintenance tips to get you started. 

Fall leaves may look beautiful, but it is important to make sure that you don’t let them clog your gutters. Plan on cleaning your gutters this season to prevent any damage during rainstorms. 

Make sure your roof is in tip-top shape. The changing season brings more moisture and wind that can cause leaks and other pesky issues. Proactively get ahead of any problems by checking your roof’s condition soon.

Stay warm! As it gets cooler, it is important to have proper sealing and insulation to keep your home from losing heat. Check for air leaks from windows and doors by moving your hand around the frame. If you sense any draft, you can use weather stripping or caulk to create a seal. 

The holidays are just around the corner, and you will be busy before you know it, so don’t delay on checking on the condition of your home. Happy Fall! 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

Happy spring, Northern California! We’re looking forward to longer days and great weather! It’s important to keep your home running smoothly this season, so here are some spring maintenance tips to help you out.

It’s that time of the year to get all of your heavy cleaning out of the way, including dusting ceiling fans, vacuuming upholstery, washing cabinets and walls, flipping and cleaning mattresses and shampooing carpets.

Don’t forget to change your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A great way to remember is to do so when the time changes twice a year. 

Having good indoor air quality flowing throughout your home is really important – and spring is the perfect time to improve your indoor space. By changing your air conditioning and air purifier filters, you can help create a healthier breathing environment for your family. 

Get your outdoor furniture ready for the spring and summertime parties you’re going to have with your family, friends and neighbors. Clean cushions with a mild detergent and hose down tables.This is also a great time to perform any maintenance on your grill and remove any grease residue that may be lingering.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.

You may not think weather preparedness is necessary when you live in Northern California but, with El Nino approaching this winter, it’s a good idea to start thinking about ways to protect your home. Here are some helpful tips:

• Look into and purchase flood insurance before the storms start. If you already have a policy, call your broker or insurance company to ensure your property is properly covered for damages.

• Inspect various parts of your property including your home’s gutters, roof and yard. Clear debris from gutters, check the roof for cracks and holes and secure outdoor furniture or move indoors to minimize the risk of injury from strong winds.

• Secure plants, vegetation and trees in your yard to lessen the risk of injury from air-born objects due to strong winds.

• Have a plan and prepare an emergency kit with the essentials that your family may need during a storm. Make sure to have flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, canned food, packaged food items, blankets and warm sweaters in your kit.

• Receive updates on your phone by installing apps from the Weather Channel and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).

• Make copies of important documents and store in a safe deposit box or safely stored elsewhere outside your home.

• Create a list of contact numbers for emergency services, family members in/outside of the area and the power company.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to Like the Ponderosa Facebook page.