Governors Grove Home Improvement Checklist

Our wonderful community in now over a decade and a half old, but still looks great! In fact, home values are steadily rising. This is due to homeowner care and attention, and in part to the significant effort on the part of your Homeowners’ Association who recognizes the importance of keeping your most expensive investment in top shape.
As a reminder there are some things that you should consider doing if you have not already done so in order to keep your home looking great and maintain its value.

· Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC): If your HVAC unit is the original system installed by the builder, it is long overdue to be replaced. Modern units are much more energy efficient and proactively replacing the unit now will save a major headache when it becomes unrepairable during the next heat or cold snap.

· HVAC Seasonal Duct Operation: Cleaning out your ducts is a good idea, especially the one leading from your dryer. If it has never been done, you will be amazed how much lint has built up over the years. Cleaning the ducts will certainly result in energy savings, but more importantly, reduce a potentially dangerous fire hazard.

· Attic Fan: Many residents have had attic fans installed, which has resulted in significant energy savings during the summer. This moderately costing procedure will also extend the life of your roof.

· Solar Film: A number of residents have been extremely happy with the installation of solar film on their windows, especially those getting direct afternoon sunlight into their living rooms and bedrooms. There are numerous manufacturers who can install high quality film that will not darken the windows or be noticeable from either the inside or outside, but will provide additional energy savings by reducing the interior temperature.

· Deck: Most units still have their original deck, but unfortunately, many of them have been neglected. During the last HOA inspections, a number of decks were identified as requiring power washing as well as some type of sealant being applied. One option that some residents have chosen is to use a service such as Deck Helmet to apply a more durable coating onto their existing wood decks that is guaranteed to last 10 years. If you choose to go this route, please ensure your deck color is approved by the HOA Board.

· Driveway Sealant: Some of the driveways throughout the neighborhood are showing a great deal of wear, even some having significant cracks. Sealing your driveway every few years is an inexpensive way to avoid having to repair or even replace your driveway at a much greater cost.

· Window Insulation: A number of residents have reported that the insulation between the panes of some of their original windows are expanding into the pane itself. Unfortunately, the only solution is to contact several window specialists to have the entire window (or in some cases, the entire bank of windows) replaced at a competitive price.

· Garage Doors: The original garage doors on all of the homes are wood and some have already been replaced due to weather damage and wear. Several years ago, the Board approved the use of aluminum doors to replace the wood ones if desired. An aluminum door will be lighter and therefore less of a strain on the electric garage door opener. If you choose to replace your existing garage door, please ensure your choice of replacement door is approved by the HOA.

· Power Wash Concrete Steps: Many homeowners have been attentive to power wash their concrete steps to remove the dirt and mold that accumulates over the years. This is an in expensive way to retain a clean and attentive appearance of your home.

· Window Replacement: A number of homeowner have begun to replace windows and the door access to their decks. New windows are more energy efficient and are easier to maintain. For the Beezer homes, the Board has approved a change to the front windows that improves the appearance and reduces the window treatments inside the home.

· Attic Insulation: There have been some improvements in the types of insulation and effective RH factor that can reduce the interior heat. It may be worth the investment, along with the solar film and attic fans.

· Wood Frame, Rake nBoards, Eves and Bump-Outs: Particularly over the past two years, many homeowners have repainted or replace wood that had deteriorated due to heat and age. The Board has permitted the use of vinyl in some instances, which will be easier to maintain over a longer lifespan.

· Iron Railing: During the most recent home inspections, the Board noted that the iron rails at many homes was showing evidence of rust and deteriorated paint. It may be worthwhile for all homeowners to inspect the quality of the finish on these iron railings and repaint now before they show rust.

· Faded Shutters: For the homes that have shutters alongside their front windows, homeowners will want to assess the degree to which the original shutters are faded. The faded shutters detract from the home’s appearance and may be cited next year during the Spring Home Inspections.

The HOA can provide a list of contractors who have done work for Governors Grove residents in the past and have received favorable reviews. The HOA will compile a list of residents interested in HVAC replacement and may assist in getting a group discount similar to what has been successfully done in the past.