March 28, 2014/1 Comment/in Uncategorized /by Matt Pelton
After a long, dark winter, spring’s bright sun and warm days are a breath of fresh air. It’s also time to complete a few home maintenance items that will help avoid big repair bills later.
Visually inspect your roof. The roof is your home’s first line of defense against water damage. Now is the time to inspect and repair any loose or worn shingles and repair any water damage. Don’t delay, you could find yourself facing water damage inside your home and the need for messy drywall or plaster repair.
Clean the gutters. Gutters direct rain away from your roof, home and foundation and protecting all 3 in the process. Clogged gutters, meanwhile, open your home to water damage—and there’s a good possibility you won’t notice the damage until you need an expensive repair.
Replace batteries in the smoke detectors. Sometimes, it’s a matter of life or death and you never know when you’ll need them. Take the time to change batteries now.
Clean or replace HVAC filters. You need to do this more often than once a year. A dirty filter forces the HVAC system to work harder, which is like blowing money out the window. It will also shorten the life of the system. Clear any new vegetation around the AC compressor. To work efficiently compressors needs good airflow.
Check the washing machine hot and cold water lines. Look for cracks that could become leaks. A leaky hose under pressure can cause major damage in a short period of time. Invest a few extra dollars on braided lines.
Clean the clothes dryer vent. Not all the lint is caught in the trap, some makes its way into the dryer vent. A clear vent will save you money by reducing the running time and a plugged vent could cause a fire.
Clean and repair window screens. In many parts of the country, you can keep your house cool at night by opening windows. Gently scrub with soapy water and patch small holes, as needed.
Check the seals around all windows and doors in your home. The cold winter weather can crack and harden caulk and other seals. Inspect them and repair or replace as needed. You’ll reduce your air-conditioning bill and could prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.
Repair cracked or peeling paint. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood. A good paint job makes your home look nice and provides a protective barrier from the elements. Touch-up painting is easy to do and inexpensive.
Prepare your lawn mower for summer. Change the engine oil and sharpen the blade. You’ll extend the life of the mower and improve the curb appeal of your home.
You’ll probably need to dedicate a couple days to complete this list but don’t look at them as chores, rather view them as preventative saving measures—ones that will help you save on utility bills and avoid big repairs. It might be the highest paid work you’ve done this week!
Important reminder- Rental property maintenance is the owners responsibility. Real Property Management offers free estimates and reduced rates for preventative maintenance items to our clients.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
