Fall& Winter Home Maintenance Checklist for Greater Victoria,
November 2011 Edition
November 2011, and for parts of North America, snow, ice and all the other freezing reminders of winter time will have made a mark on the lifestyles of millions......
Not so much here in Greater Victoria, we have been lucky so far, a bit more rain, 
lots of leaves flying around in the wind, and even a few nights with a bit of ground frost...... Life is is Pfanntastic in Victoria, but Snow and Ice are all around us, Just look at Mount Baker and the Olympics.....
It would be so easy to ignore those final "pre-winter preperations for home and garden" in our mild climate.
By allocating just a few hours each weekend or when the weather allows you, prepare for all the typical seanonal maintenance events, so that by the time the real nasty stuff shows up, you will be all done and enjoying the benefits of your efforts.
To keep ongoing Victoria 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 November are both maintenance tips as well as getting ready for winter suggestions, questions and tips.
As you will notice, some items and suggestions are carried over from previous months, as you are getting ready for the Winter, we hope you will take the time to catch up on all the the items to ensure a smooth and trouble free holiday season for the family (and the home).
Outside of the house, let's do a good walk around and review and make a few maintenance fixes for example:
- Collect and Dispose of the last of the Leaves, they can become dangerous and clog up your drains and cause some serious trouble
- How is the lighting around the house, yard, walks etc ? You may be leaving and returning home in the dark by now, better be safe than sorry.
- All your Garden Furniture and equipment should now be stored and secured, be sure to close the valves on your BBQ.
- For your garden's, are you ready for the winter, pruned, protected and cleaned.? Did You take down all the Hanging Baskets, and other hanging items that might get or cause damage in the winter weather?
- When was the last time you had the septic emptied, the storm as well as the waste water drains cleaned?
- As the rainy season is upon us, how is the roof, the gutters, downspouts, windows, the caulking, weather stripping?
- 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 about the Chimney.... ? When was the last time the chimney and for that matter the heating unit it self was "professionally serviced"
- Have you Drained the Sprinkler system? and protect all outside bibs from freezing?
- Removing screens from windows, will let more light in the house, and prevent damage, and while youare at it Install the storm windows, or upgrade the existing windows in the house.
IN DOORS:
- 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. Clean all the Thermostats, and timers
- Smoke Detectors - Clean and 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 traps 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 PfanntasticVictoria Home Maintenance and Safety Checklist for November 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 Pfanntastic Victoria Home Maintenance Checklist for November, 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!
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist for Greater Victoria, October Edition
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