If you are stationed at Fort Cavazos, you already know that PCS orders can arrive with less notice than you would like. One day you are settled into your Killeen or Temple neighborhood, coaching your kid's soccer team and finally getting the backyard the way you want it. The next day you are looking at a 60-day timeline to pack your house, clear post, and move your family across the country.
Somewhere in that chaos of to-do lists is the housing inspection. Whether you live in on-post housing or you are a renter in one of Killeen's many military-friendly neighborhoods, the exterior condition of your home matters at move-out. Driveways with oil stains, siding covered in mold, and gutters packed with leaves can all result in charges against your deposit or delays in your clearing process.
This guide covers what inspectors typically look for on the exterior, how to keep your property ready year-round, and how professional pressure washing fits into your PCS timeline.
What Housing Inspectors Check Outside
Every housing office has its own checklist, but the exterior items that come up most often in the Fort Cavazos area include:
- Driveways and sidewalks: Oil stains, tire marks, red clay buildup, and general grime. Inspectors want to see clean concrete, not a surface that looks like it has not been washed in three years.
- Home exterior: Mold, mildew, and dirt on the siding, brick, or stucco. The north-facing walls are usually the worst because they get less sun and hold more moisture.
- Gutters: Packed with leaves and overflowing during rain is a common write-up. They want gutters clean and flowing.
- Patios and back porches: Algae, mold, and dirt buildup on concrete patios. Grease stains near grill areas.
- Fencing: While you are not expected to replace a weathered fence, excessive mold or debris accumulation on your side can be noted.
The PCS Cleaning Timeline
The best time to schedule exterior cleaning during a PCS is 1-2 weeks before your final inspection. This gives you enough time to address any issues that come up during the cleaning without being right up against your inspection date.
Here is a realistic timeline that works for most families:
- 30 days out: Book your pressure washing appointment. Popular months like May through August (peak PCS season) fill up fast, so do not wait.
- 10-14 days out: Have the exterior cleaned. Driveway, house wash, gutters, patio, and fence if needed.
- 7 days out: Do your own walk-around to check for anything the cleaning may have revealed, like peeling paint or damaged caulking.
- Inspection day: Walk the exterior with the inspector knowing everything is clean and you have addressed any visible issues.
Year-Round Maintenance for Military Families
You do not have to wait until PCS time to think about your home's exterior. In fact, staying on top of maintenance throughout your time at Fort Cavazos makes the move-out process much easier. Here are the seasonal tasks that matter most in the Temple-Killeen area:
January-February (Cedar Season): Mountain cedar pollen is at its peak. That yellow-green film coating everything is not just annoying to your sinuses. It stains lighter surfaces and promotes mold growth if it sits too long. A post-cedar-season wash in late February or early March removes the pollen before it causes permanent staining.
April-May (Storm Season): Spring thunderstorms wash red clay onto driveways and patios. They also fill gutters with debris. A spring cleaning addresses both issues and prepares your property for the hot summer months.
September-October (Pre-Holiday): A fall wash removes the summer buildup and gets your home looking good before the holidays. If you are hosting family who are visiting a service member, a clean exterior makes a strong first impression.
What Professional Cleaning Covers
A standard PCS exterior cleaning package typically includes:
- Pressure washing the entire driveway and all sidewalks
- Soft washing the house exterior (all four sides)
- Cleaning the back patio and any concrete porch areas
- Clearing gutters of debris and flushing downspouts
- Spot-treating oil stains, rust marks, and heavy biological growth
For a typical 1,800-2,200 square foot home in Killeen, this takes about 4-6 hours and runs between $400 and $700 depending on the condition of the property and the amount of staining.
Military Discount
We offer a 10% military discount to all active duty service members, veterans, and military families. This applies to every service we provide, whether it is a PCS cleaning, a one-time wash, or a recurring maintenance schedule. Just mention your military connection when you request your quote.
Getting Started
If you are preparing for a PCS move or just want to keep your home looking its best while you are stationed at Fort Cavazos, give us a call at (254) 555-0319 or request a free quote online. We serve all of Killeen, Temple, Harker Heights, and the surrounding Bell County area, and we can usually schedule your cleaning within a few days of your request. Our exterior house washing covers exactly this type of work.