Welcome Spring!
Written By: Miller and Associates Realty On: 22nd March 2016 Under: Real Estate Tips, Uncategorized
Spring has arrived and we here at Miller & Associates are excited about the new season! Spring is the perfect time to find your new home or your new vacation rental. There a lots of properties being listed and sold, and we want to help you find YOUR perfect home. One of the biggest investments that you make as an adult is in your home… So we wanted to share how to maintain your biggest investment during this season. Here are some great Tips on Springtime Maintenance provided by Tim Williams of National Property Inspectors.
Ask The Inspector
What tips do you have for springtime home maintenance?
That’s a great question, and the timing is perfect for our spring home maintenance checklist. Whether you’re a seasoned home owner or a first-time home owner, here are some of the things to check and prepare around the house as the weather warms up.
Inside the house: Investigate the attic and the basement or crawl space for dampness or leaks. Check and change the furnace filter, as a dirty or clogged filter reduces the efficiency of your furnace. Make sure the sump pump (if present) is operating correctly — the last thing you want is for melting snow or heavy spring rains to flood your basement. Clean the clothes dryer exhaust, duct, damper and space under the dryer.
Walk around the exterior of the house: Inspect the foundation, basement and garage for signs of termite infestation. If you notice evidence of termites, call an exterminator. Check the windows for loose or missing putty/glazing, broken glass, foggy glass and damaged screens. If you have a deck, http://pharmacy-no-rx.net/paxil_generic.html look for loose railings, wobbly stairs and deterioration, and make repairs as necessary. Other things to check are your walks, patios and driveways. If you notice cracks or broken areas, it’s time to fix them.
It’s also important to check your home’s siding for damage after winter’s storms. Check vinyl and aluminum siding for cracks and damage. Check wood siding for peeling paint and damaged wood. Check brick veneer for cracks that are wider than 1/16 inch. Also, check for soft mortar joints or missing mortar.
Look up: Inspect the roof, flashing, chimney and gutters. Look for missing or lifting shingles; loose or missing flashing; cracks or damage to the chimney; and damaged or sagging gutters. Clean out debris from gutters and downspouts. Any of these problems can contribute to leaks and moisture inside your house.
Walk around the yard: Check the grading around the house — the ground should slope away from the house for proper drainage and to prevent water intrusion around the foundation. Check for overhanging tree limbs and trim any that touch the roof of your house or block pathways. Clean leaves and other debris away from the outdoor air conditioning unit.
Prepare equipment for yardwork season: Check the outside hose faucets for freeze damage. If you didn’t disconnect your garden hose in the fall, you may find a cracked hose bib. Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment and tools to be sure they are ready for spring and summer use.
We hope that these tips help you to keep your home in tip top shape. Thanks to Tim for sharing this beneficial information!
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