It seems that with the new year we are all looking for a new goal, a new habit, or a new way of life. This is the time for resolutions. What are your new years resolutions? What types of things have made it on your list? Along with a myriad of other ideas, many people add something to their list regarding organization or home maintenance. If better home maintenance has made it to your checklist, then the following list will help you.

 
Monthly:

1. Clean dishwasher filter (if provided), usually at lower spray arm.
2. Purge garbage disposal by first filling kitchen sink with clean water, then turn on food disposer until water is drained through.
3. Change/clean air conditioning return filters monthly. This will help keep your air cleaner and system running more efficiently. Clogged air filters will make your system operate longer than required, thereby increasing your monthly bills.
4. Wash refrigerator/freezer interior walls and door liner with solution of 1 quart warm water: 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and wipe dry.
5. Vacuum and clean all return air ducts/grills.
6. Inspect lighting fixtures and replace blown light bulbs.
7. Clean clothes drier lint traps and or ducts to reduce fire risk.
8. Clean toaster oven crumb tray.

 

Quarterly:

1. Inspect exterior doors to ensure they are weather tight. Adjust or replace weather stripping as needed.
2. Service doors(incl. garage doors) and drawers, clean and lubricate latches, hinges and guides.
3. Inspect and repair exterior caulking around windows, doors, and siding.
4. Replace/clean central heating system(furnace) filters.
5. Re-tighten knobs on kitchen cabinets, don’t overtighten.

 
Semi-Annually:

1. Have heating and air conditioning systems inspected and serviced by licensed contractor.
2. Inspect and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace back up batteries.
3. Check (GFCI)ground fault interrupted circuits. Test if grounded and correct polarity.
4. Inspect and maintain proper drainage around home. Clean gutters and down-pipes and ensure water is flowing away from your home.
5. Inspect home for rodent droppings or other pests. Have home treated as needed.
6. Test sump pump for reliable operation, especially before any rainy season.
7. Wash fan housing and metal filter connected to range hood exhaust fans. These can be safely washed by placing them inside the dishwasher.
8. Vacuum coils behind refrigerator/freezer to remove dust, this will improve efficiency of unit.
9. Tap off a bucket of water from the hot water heater until it runs clean.

 

Annually:

1. Inspect and repair settling cracks (if necessary).
2. Inspect and lubricate garage door tracks.
3. Inspect exterior paint for cracking and wear. Repaint or seal as needed.
4. Drain and refill water heater.
5. Trip main breaker on electric panel.
6. Inspect all electric cords and replace if necessary.
7. Inspect attic for water damage, birds, and rodents.
8. Inspect all electrical cords and replace if necessary.
9. Inspect basement for moisture/mold and wood rot.
10. Inspect attic for signs of roof leaks or water damage, bird nests, rodent or squirrel nests, and clean if necessary.
11. Change water filters and have water softeners serviced.
12. Inspect roof flashings, chimney caps, shingles(for mold and damage) and caulking for possible damage.
13. Pressure wash deck, walkways and driveway.
14. Reseal wood decks with preservative and inspect and secure nails that may be protruding out. Nails have a tendency to pop out after very cold weather conditions.
15. Clean or replace oil filter(oil fired burner only).
16. Inspect outside electrical service feeder for exposed bare wires and tree interference.
17. Inspect basement/crawl space area for signs of termites and/or other wood-boring insects.
18. Use hose to wash off dirt from coil and fan in heat pump/condenser locate outside of house.
19. Inspect all hoses(and replace if necessary) connected to laundry washer unit.
20. Clean and seal ceramic tile grout lines in bathrooms/toilets/kitchen.
21. Check caulking at tub and shower, and replace if necessary.
22. Wash and blow clean bathroom exhaust fan grill and fan blades.
23. Wash windows(exterior and interior), screens, seals and ledges. Repair if necessary.
24. Clean and lubricate sliding glass door tracks and window tracks.
25. Check stucco joints around doors and windows.
26. Inspect the dishwasher’s motor motor spin seal, and replace if necessary.
27. Inspect laundry washer water fill hoses for cracks, blisters, corroded fittings and leaks.
28. Place beeswax or paraffin on built-in kitchen cabinets that have wooden guides.
29. Inspect for creosote deposits in the fireplace flue liner, these are black or brown residue of combustion that collects on the inner surfaces. If the build up is more than 1/8 inch, remove it.
30. Vacuum around the gas hot water heater(especially near furnace) to remove dirt and grime.

 
 

Special thanks to Scott Knudsen of Signature Home Services

Confused by the latest construction at the University Parkway interchange? To reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and traffic flow at the intersection of University Parkway and Sandhill Road, I-15 CORE is building the first Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) in Utah County. Although a bit tedious to navigate now with the construction, the new interchange is projected to be finished by the end of 2012 and will contribute greatly to increased traffic flow.

The interchange is a new type of interchange that might be confusing to some at first. To help reduce confusion, Utah Department of Transportation has released this cool animation to guide you through the changes and to help you get where you need to go safely. Go ahead and check it out below!



Want to know more about what is going on with I-15 construction?

31. Check out the Utah Department of Transportation Website
32. Check out the new UDOT animation video Center Street Interchange

Why buy a home? Many people can put together a very logical list combined with market statistics, mortgage rates, and home values about why you should buy a home. Although these are all very important factors in making a decision, we often forget the sentimental side to home ownership. This article explains the many positive aspects to owning a home that have nothing to do with the logical numbers and statistical games.

When buying a house, we strive to make it our home. We figuratively and literally, “put down roots.” Settling into a new home gives us a more long-term perspective, focused on creating new memories and friendships. Home owners tend to stay in one place longer than renters, promoting lifelong relationships with neighbors. Also, a home is a gathering place for extended family and close friends where the home owner can entertain. The home becomes a “container of memories” that can be shared by all.

A new home can also be a symbol of a new start or a new phase in life. Your just starting your new family and need a place to put a crib for the new baby. You need a place to start that garden that you’ve always wanted. Your little family is not as “little” as it used to be and it’s time to expand. A new job takes you to a new place. You are ready to retire and need a place to settle down. Reasons to buy a home vary, but the pride that comes from being a home owner is universal. The home is yours!

Next time you think about buying a home, don’t forget the joys of home ownership that are sure to follow your purchase.

Article Source: The Joys of Homeownership

Has anyone else been puzzled by all the construction they’re doing at the Provo I-15 Center Street Interchange? Although no one likes construction, they are making some neat improvements that should reduce traffic congestion and get you where you need to go. The on and off-ramps that have been closed at Center Street for the past several months are now open again. Even though they have not finished the construction completely, traffic is moving and they project to conclude construction by the end of 2012.

The interchange they have built is a new type of interchange that might be confusing to some at first. To help reduce confusion, Utah Department of Transportation has released this cool animation to guide you through the changes and to help you get where you need to go safely. Go ahead and check it out below!
 



Keep your eye out for further updates and drive safely!

In October, the average conventional 30-year, fixed-mortgage rate dropped below 4%, a historic low. In addition the average conventional 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage also fell to 3.28% from 3.72% just over a year ago. These rates have remained steady ever since the historic drop. So what does this mean for you as a homebuyer?

Of course, you need to take into consideration your own financial situation, but if you are planning on taking out a mortgage then with these rates, this could be the perfect timing for you. Essentially, lower interest rates mean a lower monthly payment, more house for your buck. If you were eyeing a home at $200,000 a year ago, you could probably get a home today for $250,000 with the same monthly payment. Depending on how comfortable you are with your finances, you could spend more on a nicer home or buy the home you originally wanted and save money in your monthly payment.  Is this the right time for you to buy? With these rates it very well could be.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your home buying options, feel free to contact me.

Sources:
Housing Wire
Los Altos Patch