A key to protecting the investment you've made in your home is by following a regular maintenance schedule. By performing preventative maintenance on an on-going basis, you'll avoid many of the big ticket repair items that can lower the value of your home.

Here are helpful checklists for monthly and spring maintenance.

Inside Your Home

• Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.
• Check the filters on your heating and cooling systems.  Be sure to clean and change according to the manufacturer's schedule.
• If you have a humidifier or an electronic air filter, check these as well.  
• Check faucets for drips. 
• Check plumbing for leaks.
• Check furnace air filters each month during the heating season.  Clean or replace as necessary.
• Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys.  Have each clean and serviced as needed.
• When spring begins, shut down and clean furnace humidifier.  Close the furnace humidifier damper on units with central air conditioning. 
• Check air conditioning system and clean or replace air filters.  Have system serviced as need (recommend every 2 to 3 years).
• Check and clean dehumidifier as necessary.
• Where possible, turn off furnace and fireplace pilot lights.
• Deep clean carpets and rugs.
• Vacuum air duct grills and bathroom fan grill.
• Inspect your dryer's lint duct.  Disconnect it from the dryer and vacuum out lint from the duct and areas surrounding your dryer.

In the Basement

• Ensure sump pump is operating properly.  Check to be sure discharge pipe is connected and allows water to drain away from the foundation.
• Check pipes for condensation or dripping.  
• Check the basement floor trap to be sure it contains water.  Refill as necessary.
  

Outside Your Home

• Examine foundation walls for cracks, leaks or signs of moisture.  Repair as required.
• Check paint on outside walls and fence.  Repair and paint as necessary.
• Check level of any exterior steps or decks which may have moved due to frost or settling.  Re-level as necessary.
• Check and clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Repair loose joints and ensure secure attachment to your home. 
• Clear any obstructions and make sure water flows away from your foundation. 
• Remove any debris from drainage ditches and culverts.
• Prune and fertilize landscaping as necessary.
• Make a visual inspection of your roof (or hire a professional to do so).  Note the general condition.  Sagging could be a sign of structural damage and should be checked by a professional.  Inspect all roof flashings, checking for signs of cracking or leakage.  Replace broken or damaged shingles as needed.
• Inspect windows and doorways.  Replace damaged caulking and weather stripping. 
• Check for and seal holes that could be an entry point for pests and rodents.
  

   
I can't stress how important the following step is.    

• Have a thorough termite inspection if you don't currently have a termite service.  Follow up on any treatment and repair recommendations.     

Remember, termites swarm the first day the tempertaure hits between 75-80 degrees. So have your termite inspector come in and do this crucial spring time pre-clean up. It will save you money in the long run.

Vincent Martinez

Prudential Network of Homes

107-02 Jamaica Ave.

Richmond Hill, NY 11418

Email: ProRealtor@verizon.net

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