February 2018 - Mercer Savings Bank

Congratulations, West Central Ohio! We’ve almost made it through the dreary winter months. Snow has its charm, but even the biggest snow fans among us have to admit that there can be too much of a good thing.To get us through these last few weeks before warmer weather sets in for good, let’s turn our gaze toward spring. Specifically, what can we do to get our homes ready for the warmer months?For all you homeowners out there, we’ve come up with some maintenance items you’ll want to check into before spring and summer, as well as some home improvement tips if you’re looking to take advantage of the summer building season.Getting Ready For Warm Weather: Maintenance Tips for Your HomeWinter throws many challenges at local homeowners. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on shingles, heavy snow can break limbs on trees, and gaps in windows can let in the bitter Ohio cold. Spring and summer may seem like a welcome relief from the trials of winter storms, but are they really?Warmer months in West Central Ohio can bring a new set of headaches for homeowners. That’s why the spring is an ideal time to perform routine maintenance on your house in order to get it all set for the long, hot days of summer.Here are some things you might want to add to your spring cleaning list this year:Clean your gutters. On the first warm day of spring, it’s not uncommon to see ladders going up all over the Mercer and Darke County area. People are eager to clean the gunk out of their gutters. Why is this important? If your gutter is clogged, it could cause a leak in your roof or water damage since the water can’t drain properly.Replace your filters. Before your air conditioner takes over for your furnace, take ten minutes to replace the air filter. This should be done every 90 days or so, and don’t forget to change it again before autumn.Don’t forget the vents. When you’re changing your filters, don’t forget to clean out the dryer vent. If it gets clogged, it could be a fire hazard. And if your house has foundation vents, make sure those are clear from leaves and winter debris. Unrestricted airflow helps prevent mold growth.Test your smoke alarms. Did you know spring is the season with the highest daily average of fires? While you’re doing your spring cleaning, make sure to test your smoke alarms to ensure they’re in proper working order.Check your roof. Take a look at your roof to see if any shingles are damaged or missing after the winter storms have done their worst.Landscape. Even if you aren’t an avid gardener, it can still be fun to get outside and tackle some landscaping projects as the weather warms. And if you’re thinking about selling your house down the road, keep in mind that landscaping is one of the 3 easy ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. Bring on the Heat! Planning for Home Improvement ProjectsEarly spring isn’t the best time for construction in Ohio. Although the weather is warming up, the ground may still be frozen and conditions tend to be very wet. That’s what makes it a good time for interior projects, like putting on a fresh coat of paint, updating your kitchen cabinets, or replacing outdated carpet.If you’re looking for home improvement ideas, here are the top 7 home improvement trends in the past year according to Consumer Reports:Indoor gardening. Last year, many people chose to renovate their kitchen with greenery in mind. Indoor gardening can be as simple as a set of shelves by a sunny window to hold herb planters or as high-tech as residential hydroponic growing equipment.Smart home technology. Smart technology isn’t new but it is becoming sophisticated. If you’re renovating, keep in mind that there are a lot of handy new ways to incorporate tech into your house, from digital assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home to sensors that can turn off your water if a leak is detected.Smaller homes. The average size of new homes is decreasing. To cut down on operating costs, people are looking at smaller homes that have flexible floor plans and are more energy efficient.Matte finishes. According to Consumer Reports, a new trend is matte appliances. For example, instead of stainless steel or chrome, more people are choosing matte finishes for appliances, fixtures, and surfaces.Induction cooking. Many people likely still prefer their gas or electric stove, but induction cooktops are growing in popularity.Self-cleaning toilets. Did you know there’s such a thing as a self-cleaning toilet? Apparently there are models out there that use a special electrolyzed water and UV lighting to keep the toilet clean.Mix and match appliances. Instead of the regular fridge and freezer combo, some people opted for things like appliance drawers (compact versions of things like fridges, dishwashers, and microwaves). For larger home renovation projects, keep in mind that summer is a popular time for exterior construction projects. Start planning ahead now if you have a major home improvement project on your wish list.While you’re planning, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind which projects will add the most value to your home. So before you get started, read up on the 3 least valuable home improvements.Home Loans for West Central Ohio HomeownersDo you have a home improvement project in mind? Mercer Savings Bank is here to help make it happen. Talk to one of our local bank representatives about how a home construction loan or home equity loan can help finance your project. You can contact us online, visit one of our local offices, or give us a call to get started.

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