Seasonal Home Maintenance Reduces Home Improvement Costs
The clocks changing Saturday night (Halloween) is a good reminder to perform the following maintenance items at home to keep your property in great condition. You will
even have an extra hour to get the work done.
- Change batteries in all smoke detectors and while you are changing batteries remove any dust or cobwebs. Dust and dirt can interfere with proper operation of smoke detectors and older homes without hard wired smoke detectors rely on batteries to provide the warning.
- Make sure you have a fully charged fire extinguisher in close proximity to your kitchen. It is a good idea to review the location and operation of fire extinguishers with everyone in the household.
- Change the filters for the air handler. Your HVAC system will operate more efficiently when it gets clean air.
- Adjust programmable thermostats for the time change. If you do not have a programmable thermostat this is a simple upgrade that will save you $$$.
- Inspect all the doors and windows. Check for proper operation, obstructions and cleanliness. Adjust, clean and lubricate as needed.
- Check gutters and downspouts for clear flow and inspect roof for broken tiles or shingles. Gutters should be cleared from a ladder not the roof. The gutters and roof should be inspected before the onset of winter weather.
- Test the GFIC outlets. The test consists of pushing the test button and resetting the outlet.
- Inspect the landscaping. Trim trees and bushes that are overgrown and too close to eaves, walls and roofs. Look for any dead or diseased plant material and treat or remove as required. Dead tree limbs can damage the building and branches touching the home provide access for unwanted critters.
- Clean the windows and glass doors.
- Think about home safety:
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Make sure emergency contact information is accessible
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Keep a first aid kit stocked
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Make sure grab bars are in place and secure
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Reduce clutter
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Check exterior lighting for security and an illuminated path of entry.
- Test all the plumbing fixtures for proper flow and drainage.
Some of these items can be inspected and serviced by a homeowner. If you are not qualified or inclined to address these issues yourself hire a licensed contractor to assist you. Neglecting routine maintenance often leads to bigger problems later.
Happy Halloween!
Michael Stein, The Gentleman Builder, is a home building and remodeling expert located in BonitaSprings, <Florida. Michael has over
twenty-seven years experience in the home building and real estate development
business and has built thousands of home throughout the United States.