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Homeownership Tips

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

Sometimes as homeowners we become lax in protecting one of most important investments.  Our home requires regular maintenance.  One suggestion is to develop a annual maintenance schedule which includes a monthly task list for your property.  This will act a friendly reminder, and will help you prevent costly future repairs.  Following is a list of some maintenance items you may like to include on your To Do List:

•  Checking for foundations and wall cracks annually.

•  Have your chimney checked and cleaned once a year.

•  Drain the water heater.  This will clean out the tank and increase life expectancy.

•  Trim shrubs and trees surrounding your home.  There should be 3-inches of airspace between shrubs and structure.

•  Mowing and trimming yard.

•  Remove and clean windows.  This will insure windows will function properly for a longer period of time.

•  Cover or shut-off your outside water faucets prior to winter.

•  Clean gutters and downspouts at least twice a year.

•  Check and repair leaky faucets as needed.  Also, inspect attic and basement for water leaks.

•  Inspect and repair weather stripping and caulking around doors, windows and cracks in siding.

•  Insure there is no separation of soil from foundation of home.  This is due to lack of watering your yard.  This may cause serious damage to home.

•  Check exterior paint for cracking, peeling, fading or blistering.

•  Check for tile and grout repair within home.

•  Replace batteries within smoke detectors twice a year.

•  Replace heating and cooling filters once a month.  Recommend servicing these units once a year.

•  Inspect dryer and stove vents for free flowing of air.

•  Be sure you know where all shut-off values are located for water and gas.  Also, the main electrical box for the property.

•  Inspect for wood-eating insects annually.

•  Inspect for roof damage at least once a year.   

Vickie McCartney
Maverick Realty - Owensboro, KY
Broker, Real Estate Agent Owensboro KY

Hi John~  Preventative maintenance is one of the best things we can do while owning a home.  It saves a lot of money and headaches later on down the line!

Jul 07, 2010 07:31 AM