Life in Big Canoe, Real Estate in the Mountains

Ahhhh the good old summertime; relaxing by the pool, canoeing on a glassy lake, fishing, long naps on the porch. You are almost there, but before you trade in your boots for flip-flops, take a look around the house to make sure you have the necessary seasonal maintenance completed. Down the road you will be swinging on your hammock with peace of mind while your neighbor is wondering why he’s having problems with his house. Take a gander through this checklist. Who knows, you may be closer to flip flops than you think!

1. April Showers can wreak havoc on your humble abode. Prepare by cleaning your gutters and pressure washing all that mildew from the winter.  Backed up gutters can not only rust out the gutter system, but the back up water can also the damage the surrounding wood.  Replace any bad exterior trim before it becomes a problem, and check your roof for any loose, missing, or damaged shingles. An ounce of prevention…you know the rest.

2. It’s a Jungle Out There-Trim back all the bushes and tree limbs from all sides of the house. They can act as highways for bugs and flying squirrels. Also be sure to look at the base of your house. Keep all debris 6 inches away from the siding. There’s no need to roll out the red carpet for uninvited guests. Make sure your termite bond is in good shape, and if you don’t have one then bite the bullet and order one before you regret it. Most bonds will provide ample coverage for any termite damage. 

 Also note, there is a big difference between a “repair bond” and “re-treat bond.”  A repair bond insures against any covered pest damage, most often termite damage.  A re-treat bond does not cover the cost of repairing any damage to your home from pests.  It only covers the cost of re-applying the treatment around the dwelling.

3. May Flowers – Big Canoe is unique as we don’t have lawns but rather a natural forest floor. Most residents choose to spruce up their yards with native woodland gardens and mulch. Ordering mulch by the truckload is usually less expensive and the best part is that once you spread it you don’t have to mow it!

4. Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot? –  Now is the perfect time to have your HVAC serviced,  BEFORE it gets too hot. Make sure that all the filters are changed and you’ll be cooler than the Fonz. While you’re at it have a chimney sweep clean out the chimney. Caked up creosote can catch on fire inside your chimney.  The summer months are also typically a slower time of year for the chimney sweeps, so you may catch a break on the price.

5.  Don’t Feed the Wildlife! – Much of the North Georgia including Big Canoe is in the woods.  Big Canoe is also a registered wildlife sanctuary which means we have woodland creatures with which we share space.  For our family, it is always special when we are able to see wild turkey, deer, and the occasional black bear.  Keep in mind that the wildlife in Big Canoe is wild.  While it might seem innocuous, feeding the animals helps them to lose their natural fear of people (which is not good).  Having your bird feeders ransacked or your garbage strewn across your driveway is no fun.  Do your part, and either stow your garbage where it can not be reached or better yet, take it to the dump!  And, for the sake of the animals, do not teach them that people should be associated with food – please do not feed the animals!

~Karin Elliott is a resident of the North Georgia mountain Community of Big Canoe. See all Karin’s Big Canoe Real Estate Listings here. Read more about living in Big Canoe in her blog Life in Big Canoe, Real Estate in the Mountains.