Home Maintenance Guidelines   Fall Maintenance Reminders:

As Fall approaches you can take a few key steps to ensure your home serves you well through the coming months. Please take to check these items in and around your home and attend to any that need maintenance.

Clean and test smoke alarms. Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers. Change and clean the air filters every 30 to 90 days. Caulk and paint minor drywall cracks. Operate the heating system. Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies. Adjust or replace weather stripping on exterior doors; as needed.         

Check the fit of exterior doors; thresholds are adjustable. Check caulking, inside (sink, tub & shower) and out, and touch up. Review safe fireplace operation. Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have other repairs done by professionals. Winterize PBV valve in case of below freezing weather. Remove and clean the screens in all faucets. Clean gutters, check downspouts; confirm that splash blocks drain away from house. Check foundation, concrete and yard for settling; fill in as needed for positive drainage. On pleasant days, open windows to allow house to breathe. Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.

Other Maintenance Reminders:

Every month run water in unused bathroom sinks so the P-traps do not dry out. Every six months check under all sinks for possible leaks. Pay special attention to hand sprayers; they can potentially loosen as a result of use. They should be hand tightened. Reminder, assure Atrium brand windows are always completely closed before attempting to lock. Always maintain interior temperatures at 75/winter and 85 summer/ whether the home is occupied or not, this will help to avoid excessive drywall cracking.