Home Maintenance Tips

There is no doubt that owning a home takes work. There is always a project or two or twelve on my "Honey-Do" list. So I thought I would share a few thoughts on regular Home Maintenance.

 In the SRING it is a good idea to:

• Fill in low areas around the foundation so that water drains away from the house. This may involve removing and rock or mulch before putting filling in the low lying areas with dirt.
• Clean your gutters and make sure they are free of debris. There are many different style gutter-guards one can install to help keep the gutters clean. Don't forget to make sure your downspouts are cleaned out and firmly connected. Consult a professional or sale associate at your local do-it-yourself retailer.
• If you are a brave soul who doesn't mind being up on the roof, check your chimney for loose bricks and mortar. If you are afraid to be on the roof or notice any damage by all means consult a professional. Remember, safety first!
• If you have shrubs and plants around your air conditioner, be sure to prune them back to allow for plenty of air movement around the unit. Now is a good time to have a professional service your unit to make sure it is working at its best.
• Clean out any window wells. It is amazing how much debris (and critters) can accumulate in them over time.

 In the FALL it is a good idea to:

• Remove any small seedlings growing around the house and in the yard. We have a several trees that result in the spouting of unwanted seedlings. You can always post a notice in the paper for anyone wanting them.
• Check the roofline to ensure branches are not rubbing or scraping. If they are, prune them back to prevent future damage.
• Check the caulk around any pipes, vents or other openings in the side of your house. A tight seal will result in savings in your heating bill.
• Have an Energy Audit completed on your home. This small investment will tell you where heat can / will escape from your house. In addition you will get all kinds of energy saving tips.

One tip I always tell people is to change the batteries in their smoke detectors in the SPRING and the FALL. I like to do this task at the start and end of daylight savings time.

I am sure there are many other hseful tips you can think of and I would love to hear them, Feel free to drop me a note and I will add them to the list.