Indiana Lakeside Home Care and Planning

Summer in Indiana marks an interesting phenomenon when many residents begin refer to this time of year as “lake season.” To area visitors, it almost seems as if people are speaking in code when they casually ask one another if they are heading to the lake each weekend. For many, it represents a time to retreat into the simplicity of the outdoors, enjoy the sun, swim and vanish off of the grid for a while to relax and regroup. Not only are Lake properties extremely prized sanctuaries, they also appreciate in value due to their desirable nature. However, due to the primarily seasonal use, they require attention in order to maintain quality and overall value.

A common misconception surrounding lakeside properties is that they are exposed to significantly more exterior threats such as weather-related wear and moisture because of the close proximity to water. In reality these structures do not incur any more damage for these reasons. In fact, lake home care is very similar to upkeep on a residential home (depending on the structure).   Because they are typically only used for short periods of time, certain exterior maintenance jobs are more likely to be neglected and minor exterior issues may otherwise go unnoticed causing future problems.

While diligent year-round attention is often best preventative measure against structural threats and costly repairs, it’s not the most realistic or convenient expectation for property owners. Typically, many people try to cram minor repairs and upkeep duties before or after a big gathering or annual summer getaway. Unfortunately this often causes important detailed repairs and small indications of exterior damage to slip through the cracks.

Although specific details of lake house exterior maintenance can differ along with various structures, the basic principles of care remain the same. Ensure that the exterior is pressure washed when possible to prevent the growth of mold, mildew and algae that can lead to rot or otherwise ultimately decrease the value of the precious lakeside home.

When it comes to more extensive maintenance, whether it’s exterior painting or deck staining I recommend consulting a professional to get the job done efficiently. It’s understandable that neglecting upkeep is not something that is generally done intentionally. Lake property owners often look forward to the time of year when they can enjoy themselves and unwind at their favorite location. Scheduling inspections ahead of time is the best way to create peace of mind and ensure that the best getaways are safe to appreciate in value and house great memories.