A house is not just wood beams, concrete, and metal — it’s an investment. And like any investment, a house needs care and nurturing to achieve growth and pay off long term. We know how hard you’ve worked to own your own home, so we’ve compiled a list of best practices you can follow to prepare for every season and keep your investment thriving all year long.
Spring Cleaning
- Inspect Your Roof
- After a long, harsh winter, checking the health and status of your roof for holes or missing tiles — and fixing any weak spots — is vital to prepare for a rainy spring.
- Reassess Your Homeowner’s Policy
- This should be done annually to ensure you are getting the coverage you need at the right price. Start by deciding how much coverage you need, make sure you have a firm understanding of what is covered — and what’s not — then check your deductible and premium for increases.
- Turn on Outdoor Faucets
- Spring is time for watering gardens, bathing the dog, and washing your car. Open up your outside water pipes and get to work!
- Check out Your HOA
- If you have a homeowner’s association, they may have stipulations that impact how you care for the outside of your home. Take a look at the fine print to make sure you are in-code and avoid any fines.
Summer-Lovin’ Your Home
- Service Your Air Conditioner
- Keep your cool and avoid being stuck in the heat this summer by removing and cleaning filters on window units or having a professional inspect your central air unit.
- Update Insulation
- Stop letting your money slip through the cracks! Ensure you have adequate insulation throughout your home to keep the cool air in and hot air out.
- Inspect the Foundation
- A bug infestation can be grueling on your home’s health — as well as your patience. Seal the foundation of your home, as well as any other openings, to eliminate bug entrances.
- Check for Leaks
- Even simple drips from hoses and exterior faucets can cause significant spikes in your utility bills. Inspect each thoroughly for water leakage to save valuable time and money.
Autumn Maintenance
- Give Your Gutters Some TLC
- Prepare for falling leaves and prevent costly blockages, leaking and ice dams by inspecting, cleaning and possibly replacing your gutters annually.
- Avoid Drafts
- Heat is important the closer we get to the winter months. But, letting it escape through gaps around windows or doors is not good for anyone. Caulk or install weatherstripping in open areas to save big on heating costs.
- Drain Outdoor Faucets
- Water expands as it freezes, so freezing in your pipes can cause them to crack or even burst — costing you big. Make sure water is completely drained from pipes after closing them to avoid massive damage to your home and wallet.
- Fertilize Your Lawn
- Roots are still active when grass is not growing. Give your lawn an extra boost to thrive in the spring and summer by fertilizing to prevent winter damage.
Beat the Winter Cold
- Check Your Fireplace
- Roasting chestnuts on an open fire could quickly cause your entire house to go up in flames if you forget to clean out your chimney! Have a professional clean soot and other flammable debris, along with any critters, out of your fireplace before lighting it up.
- Inspect Your Water Heater
- There’s nothing quite like a steaming hot shower on a cold winter’s day — but a problematic water heater can throw a wrench into your plans. Ensure your water heater is clean and working to avoid any costly inconveniences.
- Protect Indoor Pipes
- Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Avoid this possibility by installing pipe insulation under sinks, in crawl spaces, and in basements for a fraction of the cost.
- Remove Ailing Tree Limbs
- A fallen branch weighted with snow can cause harm to people and homes below it — and your wallet. Before harsh weather hits, consider having a professional analyze surrounding trees and remove any ailing limbs that will likely fall.
For more information on how you can make the most out of your investment, contact us today!