Don’t Let Your Home Become the County Fair

There is something about county fair season that makes summer feel like summer.

The lights, the rides, the food trucks, the games, and—of course—the smell of something being deep-fried that probably should not be. For a few days, the fairgrounds become a small city of temporary structures, electrical connections, extension cords, and equipment designed to get the job done and then pack up and leave.

That works perfectly for the fair.

But when it comes to your home, temporary is not the goal.

Your home is meant to be a permanent structure-safe, secure, and ready to handle whatever summer, winter, or everyday life throws at it. So while you are enjoying the county fair this season, take a few minutes when you get home to give your own property a quick inspection.

Check Your Backyard "Rides"

Your deck and outdoor stairs may not have roller coasters, but they still deserve a little attention.

Take a walk around your deck, porch, and exterior stairs. Give the handrails a good shake to make sure they are secure. Look for loose or damaged boards, popped nails, deteriorated wood, or anything that could create a trip or fall hazard.

You do not need an inspector's toolbox to spot some of these problems. Sometimes, a simple walk around the property is all it takes to notice something that needs attention.

Inspect Your Home's "Power Grid"

At the fair, food vendors and rides can require some serious electrical power. Heavy-duty cords and temporary connections are everywhere.

Your home may not be powering a Ferris wheel, but your outdoor electrical system still deserves some attention.

Check your exterior GFCI outlets and make sure the test and reset functions operate properly. Take a look at extension cords as well. Make sure they are not damaged, overloaded, or being used in a way they were not designed for.

And remember: extension cords are a convenience, not a permanent wiring solution.

Look for the Uninvited Guests

The county fair is not the only place that attracts unwanted visitors.

Warm temperatures and summer humidity can create ideal conditions for insects, rodents, and other pests around your home. Your attic, crawlspace, basement, and other less frequently visited areas can provide the perfect place for them to move in unnoticed.

Take a quick look for droppings, nesting materials, damaged insulation, moisture, or other signs that something may have taken up residence without paying rent.

If you find something suspicious, don't ignore it. Small problems are generally much easier—and less expensive—to address before they become major ones.

Enjoy the Fair—Then Check Your Home

The county fair is supposed to be temporary. Your home is not.

So enjoy the rides, eat the funnel cake, try your luck at the games, and make some memories with the family. But when you get home, take a few minutes to walk around your property.

A quick visual inspection can help identify loose railings, electrical concerns, moisture, pests, and other small issues before they turn into bigger problems.

Because your home may not have a Ferris wheel in the backyard, but it still deserves a safety check.

And if you are not sure what you are looking at, that is what a professional home inspection is for.

Enjoy the fair—and keep your home firmly on solid ground.