Home Maintenance is an important aspect of owning a home and most jobs around the house can be done inexpensively and quickly.
FALL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Drainage - The standard way of grading a lot is to have the
lot sloped so that the water drains to the front. Make sure you have no clutter
along the sides of the house as the water may be prevented from running away
from the house; thus, seeping into the basement. If the lot slopes into the
house, at certain points, be vigilant in regards to the water ingress.
Electric - You will want to have GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter)
plugs installed outdoors, if you don't already, as this will prevent shock in
most cases. You can trip each breaker in the panel to test the circuit. *Caution
- Turn off the power and lockout, so no one else can turn it on, before
commencing with electrical work*
Garden - Trim down the roses
and deciduous trees. Tie down any lattice etc. so that the wind causes no
damage.
Gutters/Drain Spouts - The
major reason for having these is to protect the foundation. Any down spouts
that are not functioning properly should be replaced so that water can run away
from the house. It is advisable to extend the down spout a few feet away from
the house also.
Heater/Furnace - Step one is to put a filter in. The filter is most
likely dirty from use over the summer. A new filter will help the furnace
operate more efficiently and also clean up the air in the home. Vacuum the
outside of the furnace and around it when changing the filter to prevent dust
backups. Check that the forced air system works in all rooms by a check of the
vents. Crack the heater and if it doesn't warm up, you will want to have the thermocouple
tested. The heat exchanger should be checked also. You are looking to make sure
that no gas is entering the clean air circulating in the home.
Paint -
Paint protects the surface beneath it from water damage. Check over the outside
of your home and if there are any areas that require painting, have them
painted.
Roofs –
Check the roof before the rainy season gets into full swing. *Caution: Do not
get on top of the roof to check it.* You can check the roof from inside the
attic, again using caution. On a sunny day, go into the attic and look up, if
you see light coming through it leaks. If there are water stains on the beams,
then it leaks. Look at the sheathing for signs of water damage. Call a
professional roofer if you notice any of these signs.
Water Heater/Tank – The supply of hot water to the home is controlled by the water tank.
The tank can be electric, gas powered, oil burner, solar etc…. Are there any
leaks, water spots around the tank? This could indicate a rusted out heater
that needs to be replaced. Check the temperature value by quickly opening and
closing it. Water should run through it
and drain down the drain hole. If it doesn’t open, have a plumber check it out.
You can drain the tank through the drain stem at the bottom of the tank.
Connect a hose to the drain stem, making sure to have the other end of the
house outside, and open the value. *Caution – Beware of the hot water coming
out of the tank.*
Weather Stripping - Be sure to check around the doors and windows for functioning weather
stripping. Heating bills are expensive enough without trying to heat the
outdoors, so fix any areas that require it.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive list, however, it will aide you in the upkeep of your property.
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If you have any real estate questions or comments, call me at 250.884.3980. or email me!
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