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Home Maintenance Tips

By
Real Estate Agent with Lisa Von Domek Team TX License #0552989

A general check around your home, both inside and out, is important – and regular maintenance will help save you money.  Spring/Summer opens the perfect opportunity to have your air conditioning and other mechanical systems checked by a home maintenance professional. Some of these additional tasks listed below can be performed by you as well, so take the time to spruce up your home because it will save you money and time!  

Loose Objects
Check for loose gutters, downspouts, shingles and siding or cracks in the sidewalk and driveway that need repair and cleaning.  If shingles are missing, curling, broken or cracked they should be replaced.

 

Clogged Gutters
Gutters should be cleaned in the spring and again in the fall. Leaves and twigs clogging your gutters will prevent rain from draining properly. While cleaning your gutters, check for holes or rust and make sure they are securely attached to the house.

 

Shrubs & Trees
Prune trees and bushes as necessary; clean away organic debris that has gathered during the winter. Pruning removes deadwood, improves shape and maintains the plants health.

 

Sprinkler Systems
Run a line test and check all heads to insure they are operating properly…don’t have a “geyser” wasting water with a broken head.

 

Decks & Patios
Test your deck for any boards or railings that need replacing. Maintenance to your walkways will help prevent guests and your family from tripping or falling. Take the time to examine all the wood carefully to see if any boards are rotten.
Walk around your deck and listen for squeaks. Try to feel for soft spots or sagging areas.

 

Pipes
Inside the house check the pipes in the kitchen and baths for leaks that need fixing. Repair any dripping faucets or tubs. Check the shutoff valve at each plumbing fixture to make sure they function.

 

Batteries
Inspect and replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Batteries weaken with age and should be checked regularly and replaced generally once a year.

 

Oven/Stove Top
Give your kitchen range, hood and oven area a good cleaning to remove all built-up grease to prevent fires. Keeping this area clean of cooking grease will help keep a stovetop fire from spreading.

 

Air Conditioner
Have a professional air conditioning contractor inspect and maintain your system as recommended by the manufacturer.

 

Water Heater
Check around the bottom of your water heater to make sure there are no leaks or rusting. Replace it if you find any.

Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, have it cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.

 

This and other useful information is available from Home Warranty of America, click here!

Comments (1)

Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Excellent tips!  These are all things that create buyers perception of value and none of them should be ignored.

Jun 06, 2011 04:28 AM