Many homeowners wonder when to schedule home maintenance. Some of you, the do-it -yourselfers take great pride in doing the maintenance yourself or only calling a contractor in on the big jobs. Some of you busy moms and professionals would rather have someone else do it quickly and right the first time. Either way is fine - just do it or have it done.
Following is a brief outline of some of the most common home maintenance jobs and repairs, as well as a guide on how to select contractors should you decide to hire one.
The old adage of "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" rings true for home maintenance. Simple and relatively inexpensive regular maintenance can help avoid many extensive and expensive problems.
Home maintenance by season:
Fall Maintenance
Clean and repair gutters. Recaulk exteriors around windows and doors. Fill all other holes and gaps. Remove debris and moss from the roof. Keep debris away from the home such as leaves, plants, wood, etc. Replace your furnace filter and have your furnace serviced. Late fall/early winter freeze proof your exterior plumbing.
Winter Maintenance
Recaulk and regrout in tubs/shower and sinks. Check seals on dishwasher/washer. Check dishwasher/washer hoses for leaks. Check dryer hose and vent for lint blockage. Check for leaks in your attic, basement and your water heater.
Spring Maintenance
Clean and repair gutters. Remove debris and moss from roof. Replace damaged roof shingles. Repair torn screens and check siding. Power wash walkways and drive ways. Power wash and restain decks and check for rot/insects. Late spring/early summer cut back trees and shrubs hanging over or touching the home.
Summer Maintenance
Check exterior paint and sand/repaint as necessary.
How to select a contractor:
Get a referral from your real estate agent. One way to retain or increase property value is by doing the proper maintenance and sometimes upgrades - your real estate agent knows all about that and most likely, if she/he is a good agent, she/he knows which companies do a great job when it comes to maintenance, repair and remodel.
If you are looking for a contractor in the Seattle area, contact Kerstin G. Brooks or Krisanne Heinze of the Brooks & Heinze Team at RE/MAX NW Realtors for a referral to a roofer, electrician, plumber, handyman, power washer, cleaner, and more.
Have a great day,
Kerstin G. Brooks
The Brooks & Heinze Team
206.276.5827
Email: info@propertyinseattle.com
Web: www.propertyinseattle.com
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