Blog PostSource: Wanda Vazquez, Realtor
Every Fall we are reminded of changing our daylight saving time and change the batteries on the smoke detectors, but keep a home in good shape takes a few more items to check. Here a few home maintenance to-dos that will have your home ready to take on the winter season as a pro.
CLEAN THE GUTTERS
Gutters can get really congested, and the easiest way to clean it up is with a rubber kitchen spatula! You can remove the debris without scratching up the gutter.
INSPECT THE ROOF
At least once or twice a year it’s important to inspect your roof. Hire a professional or inspect the roof yourself to ensure there are no loose shingles that may cause leaks.
FERTILIZE & WATER THE LAWN
If you want the best lawn in town, fertilize four times a year. Choose a fertilizer that's labeled 4-1-2. (Those numbers refer to the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the fertilizer.)
AERATE THE SOIL
'Aerating' simply means making holes in the ground by removing plugs of soil. You should do it twice a year to helps roots thrive, but preferably in the Fall. You can rent a lawn aerator at any home and garden equipment rental store. Be sure to get one that actually removes plugs of soil rather than one that just pokes holes in the ground.
CHECK WINDOWS AND DOORS
Check the doors and windows for any damage or noticeable drafts. Sealing up any openings can save homeowners up to 20% on electricity costs.
CHECK YOUR DETECTORS, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, AND FIRST-AID KITS
Do you know that your smoke and CO detectors have an expiration date? Check batteries and expiration dates – smoke detectors are typically good for 10 years, and CO detectors last for about six years. Check your fire extinguisher in the kitchen, be sure it's not expired, and always have a handy first-aid kit close with bandaids, alcohol wipes, and ointments.
BOTTOM LINE
When you keep your home in good shape you are keeping the value up of your investment. Routine maintenance can prevent irreversible damage and costly repairs in the future. If your home needs some seasonal maintenance, now's the time to do it.
