For the last few weeks we've talked a lot about the importance of home maintenance at this time of year.

And, everything we have told you is true about observing the condition of your home and then acting to prevent big problems.

It will soon become clear which ones of you have taken our friendly but important advice!

Those of you who have prepared your house for the coming winter storms will rest in comfort. Those who didn't will face sleepless nights and compounding damage to the very thing that separates you from all that is cold and wet.

Viewing the Harbor with fresh eyes

Frankly as we look around the Harbor we often wonder: Which part of the idea that a house is all that is between its inhabitants and Mother Nature's fury, is so hard to understand?

So today, we're admittedly on our soapbox, hoping to find more like-minded folks who realize how individuals' home maintenance affects the appearance and reputation of our whole town.

It is no wonder that potential newcomers - many with business ideas - decide not to invest here. Sometimes they just take one quick look at the shabby condition of so much of our real estate and make snap judgments about the people living inside.

Take a look at the houses on your block. How many have missing roofing, broken windows, bad doors and peeling paint?

To get a fresh look, drive a different route than usual. Watch out for pedestrians but also really look at the individual houses. As you drive further, what impression are you getting of the community as a whole?

How do you feel about all the junk vehicles, clutter and garbage you see?

Now's the hard part. Take a fresh look at your house. Is there anything on your property that you should dispose of?

Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Service advocates responsible home ownership. Quality home ownership not only creates pride in oneself and the community, but also stimulates the economic and aesthetic qualities of our lives, opening the door to prosperity.

It's amazing how often changing the whole look and feel of a neighborhood can start with a new paint job on the worst house on the block.

Paint can brighten a neighborhood

Check this out:

Our average Grays Harbor house is probably 1,500 square feet and 1 1/2 stories. Even if the siding is in poor shape a good paint job will require only about 10 gallons of paint and spot primer.

You can buy great paint for well under $20 a gallon. With another $25 for brushes and preparation tools, that's only $225 to paint the average Harbor house.

A typical paint job lasts for five to 10 years in our climate. So, averaged over time, a nicely painted home costs you just $30 a year.

Getting prepped and primed

That being said, there's still time to clean up and paint up. We're told you can use 100 percent acrylic latex paint when temperatures dip to as low as 40 degrees. Scraping can be done in the rain.

To get started, prime all the bare wood, then caulk the defects. If you plan to use a power washer, do it lightly or it will force water into the siding, only to bubble up the paint later.

We recommend using a soapy scrub brush and the garden hose this time of year. Where mildew exists, you'll need 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water.

Here is our general formula: First, cover all the plants with plastic and move the cars. Then mix 1/3 cup liquid soap with 1/3 gallon of cheap bleach and one cup of tri-sodium phosphate, purchased from your local hardware store. Scrub the solution onto the siding, then go watch the first half of the ball game.

At half time, hose off everything very thoroughly. You are now ready for the second half of the game.

During commercials look around the inside of the house for any water that made it through the windows, doors or trim. Make notes to repair and caulk these areas when you scrape the loose paint and prime the bare wood during the week.

You're now ready to cover the windows and paint.

All for one and one for all

The fastest method we know of is to have a paint party with your neighbors. Everybody gets the benefit of lots of help in a short period of time, the job gets done and just in time to watch the game - that's called teamwork.

Imagine what you would be looking at if the Seahawks, Mariners or Sonics didn't have this key element. Winning communities require teamwork, too.

Now get out there - don't waste the light.

Dave Murnen is the construction department manager and Pat Beaty is a construction specialist at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services. Do you have questions about home repair, remodeling, becoming a homeowner or a member of our contractor pool? Call 533-7828 or visit us at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.