| A key to protecting the investment you have 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 fall maintenance. | ||
| Monthly | ||
| [ ] | 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. | |
Fall
| Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detector | ||
| [ ] | Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector. | |
| [ ] | Change the batteries in both. This should be done twice a year. | |
| Furnace / Heating System | ||
| [ ] | Have your system serviced by a qualified service company. | |
| [ ] | If you have electric baseboard heaters, vacuum them to remove dust. | |
| [ ] | Remove the grills on forced air systems and vacuum inside the ducts. | |
| [ ] | If you use a portable humidifier, it’s time to clean it. | |
| Water Heater | ||
| [ ] | Extend its life expectancy by draining a gallon or two of water from your hot water heater at least twice a year. | |
| Windows and Doors | ||
| [ ] | Put up storm windows. | |
| [ ] | Remove screens from the inside of casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass. | |
| [ ] | Ensure windows and skylights close tightly. | |
| [ ] | Make sure all doors to the outside shut tightly. Renew weather stripping as required. | |
| Outside | ||
| [ ] | Check your chimney for obstructions, such as bird’s nests. | |
| [ ] | Clean gutters and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof. | |
| [ ] | Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall. Remove mulch from the foundation wall as well. This helps prevent water damage. | |
| [ ] | Drain and store outdoor hoses. Prepare your outdoor faucets for winter freezes. | |
| [ ] | Protect young trees and bushes for winter and winterize gardens. | |
| [ ] | Trim shrubs and trees so that they clear the foundation, exterior walls, and roof of the house. | |
| [ ] | Store outdoor furniture. | |
| Well Water / Septic Tank | ||
| [ ] | If you have well water, test the water quality. Testing for bacteria twice a year is suggested. | |
| [ ] | If you have a septic tank, measure the sludge and scum to determine if the tank needs to be emptied before spring. As a general rule, septic tanks should be pumped out at least once every three years. | |
Shawn Anderson
PC Home Loans
8730 Tallon Lane NE
Suite 202
Lacey, WA 98516
(360) 402-0308 (360) 402-0308
shawn@pchomeloans.us
www.ShawnAtPCHomeLoans.com
Avg. Sales Price: 379,000
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