Home Maintenance Checklist for Greater Victoria, September Edition

 Home Maintenance Checklist for Greater Victoria, September Edition

 

September already, and we are desperately trying to hang on to summer....... and so far so good, near perfect weather, kids are back to school (careful on the roads and near school zones).....

 

On the other hand, we know it all about to change isn't it, getting dark sooner, a little more moisture in the air, dew and condensation on everything in the mornings...... 

 

Never mind the fact that the first few leaves showing signs of turning brown, oh boy this is starting to look like we might need to do a bunch of stuff to stay ahead of the changing of the seasons and do some maintenance. 

 

But it is not all bad, just allocate a few hours each weekend to prepare and handle all the typical maintenance and seasonal change events, and by the time the weather man/woman, says that fall is here, you are enjoying a bit of R&R time or walking one of the amazing trails in and around Victoria, taking in the beauty of the season rather than working against the season.

However, please allocate a few hours here or there, and complete the few items on the Greater Victoria Home Maintenance Checklist for September, once done you will be happy you did.
To keep ongoing home and property maintenance manageable Peter and Linda Pfann  have created a short list of suggestions for you as a quick and easy monthly reminder. You will find that completing these easy and simple tasks, will avoid getting "burned" with more extensive and expensive repairs in the long run.

Our Suggestions for September therefore are both maintenance as well as getting ready for fall and winter suggestions, questions and tips.

 

Outside of the house, let's do a good walk around and review and make a few maintenance fixes for example:

 

• If you have lots of potential leaves and or fall debris, get ready, by getting gutter guards on your gutters, have a plan for collecting and getting rid of surplus leaves and branches etc.
• How is the lighting around the house, yard, walks etc. not that it is getting darker earlier, can you walk around your house and from and to all the places that may need to get at, without potential hazards, tripping danger, so keep things well lit, clear of stuff and overgrowth.
• What are you going to do with the patio/balcony furniture, seasonal yard decorations, BB Q's etc. etc. do you have place for things and if so, is it safe, secure and ready for you get at.
• For your garden's are you ready for the "fruits of your labour" or is the crop in already.....?
• When was the last time you had the septic emptied, the storm as well as the waste water drains cleaned?
• As the rainy season will eventually be upon us, how is the roof, the gutters, downspouts, windows, the caulking, weather stripping, storm windows?
• Is there any need to trim, prune, relocate, remove any plants, scrubs, trees etc.?
• How is the fence looking, the gates, the siding for the house, is/are the storage shed(s), garage(s) ready for the fall and winter season?
• How is the Chimney.... ? When was the last time the chimney and for that matter the heating unit it self was "professionally serviced"
  

 

The way we often look after things is walking around with a tool belt or bag of basic tools, and fix things as we go about our way for a few hours at the time.
Here is your Greater Victoria Home Maintenance Checklist for September 2011:
If you have any suggestions items that you think we should add or explain more about, please contact Peter and Linda Pfann

 

• How is the oil/propane supply? if you are heating or cooking with either, now is the time to make sure you have ample supply, and while you are at it, when was the last time the furnace was "professionally cleaned"? (there should be a sticker on the furnace with a date or series of dates). 
• Do you have a gas, propane, wood or pellet heater or fireplace? When was the last time the heating unit it self was "professionally serviced" 
• For Hot water heating systems, now is the time to bleed the air out of the system (if any) and check if there is any obvious visual issues with the system (have a professional make repairs).
• Clean all heaters, ducts, vents, make sure all dampers, and shut offs are working as intended
  
• Smoke Detectors - Check operation by pushing test button to cause it to emit sound - if it does not check the circuit breaker. Check and replace the battery when necessary. (Most detectors will emit an intermittent beep when the battery is failing).
• Check CO (Carbon Monoxide) detectors if installed.
• Check the fire extinguishers for proper charge levels indicated on the gauge. Homeowners may contact their local Fire Department for recommendations on the appropriate number of extinguishers and the best locations to place them.
• Test all GFCIs to ensure proper operation.
• Clean in-sink garburator blades by grinding small ice cubes and sliced lemon, while running cold water down the drain (this will remove food debris which causes odors).
• Clean or replace range hood filter and make sure it exhausts properly.
• Check for signs of water leaks around toilets, under sinks and around dishwasher regularly.
• Clean and freshen sink drains by flushing with warm water and baking soda.
• Inspect and clean or replace furnace filters, humidifier plates or drums and electronic air filters. Clean with a calcium and rust remover or replace as required per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Clean aerators on faucets regularly and check screens in washing machine supply hoses.
• Check water filters and water softener appliances regularly. The life of the filters is dependent upon water usage and local water conditions.
• Clean your dryer lint trap regularly, if your home has a booster fan installed be sure to check and clean the lint trap in that as well. Damaged or torn lint traps should be replaced.
• Check the Temperature Pressure Release (TPR) valve on the water heater.
• The hot water tank could also be drained every six months to prevent sediment build up. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation to turn off gas or power and protect against hot water burns. (mixed opinions exist on flushing water tanks)
• Check the Garage door safety retreat mechanism, adjust or repair as needed.
• Keep propane and other flammable products properly closed and secure, and in shaded areas and prevent overheating.

 

To complete this entire Victoria Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist for September will take  a few hours each day during a weekend.
If you do not want to climb on ladders or feel uncomfortable completing some or all of these tasks,  please talk to Peter and Linda Pfann, 
we have a number of resources that will ensure that you home and yourself are well cared for any time of the year.

With this Victoria Home Maintenance Checklist for September, the work does not have to feel or be a chore, so we hope you have a little Pfunn with it, make it a family project and share the load.
Before you know it, you will be enjoying the fruits of your labour, and will have saved lots of money, time and frustration.

 

• In case you missed last months Home Maintenance Tips, please catch up here now, before your Home Maintenance becomes a big job.
• If you wonder what tools you may need, Here is a link to our Home Maintenance Basic Tool Kit.
• For additional Home Maintenance tips and suggestions we have compiled them here for your convenience.

Here is a link to the Victoria Real Estate Board Statistical Reports, and published every month.

Planning to buy, sell, upgrade, downsize, invest in real estate or relocate to Greater Victoria, and need information about your present or new area of choice?....... No Problem.
Peter and Linda Pfann now offer a FREE Pfanntastic Internet Service, keeping you informed about Greater Victoria Market Activity, includingnew listings, current and recent sales, price adjustments, statistics, graphs and a variety of additional handy real estate tools for your benefit. This absolutely Free no hassle service is completely customized to your specific requirements.
We call it Victoria Market Snapshot, and this amazing little tool will ask you a few questions, and provides you with an updated snapshot of the property type(s), location (s) and real estate market activity as per your requirements.
The Pfanntastic Victoria Market Snapshot Service is Free, The Information is Invaluable, Request Your Victoria Market Snap Shot Right Now!

 Home Maintenance Checklist for Greater Victoria, September Edition

 

 

Please let us know how we can be of Service to you.

Kind Regards, and Live a Pfanntastic Life

 Peter & Linda Pfann,

MBA, ABR, SRES, E-Pro, CSA, Associate Broker & Realtors

 

 

"Pfanntastic Homes, Old Fashion Service, Since 1986."

 

 

 

Real Estate Consultants & Associate Broker at;

Cornerstone Properties Ltd.

# 106 - 1001 Cloverdale Ave.

Victoria BC, V8X 4C9

 

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Direct Fax:          1(250) 412 - 6530

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