Here are a few things you can do to keep your home and garden in tip-top shape this Spring:
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Inspect exterior paint. Repaint if necessary, using the same color. If your home has a wood exterior, expect to repaint every two to four years. (You'll need to repaint frequently if the walls receive direct sunlight in the morning and mid-afternoon).
Check driveways and walks for frost damage. Repair them if cracked, broken, or uneven to provide a level walking surface.
Check the shut-off valves at all plumbing fixtures to make sure they function.
Lubricate garage door hardware. Inspect to make sure doors travel smoothly.
Prepare your lawn and remove weeds.
Replace all extension cords that are brittle, worn or damaged.
Review your fire escape plan with your family.
Check for leaks under cabinets and the hot water heater.
Check the flow of water in faucet aerators. If the level of water is reduced, clear aerator screens. In rooms where sinks, showers or bathtubs are not often used, run water into the drain to keep the sink trap filled. Do the same with the floor drain in the basement (if you have a basement).
Here are a few things you can do to keep your home and garden in tip-top shape this Summer:
If you live in a multi-level home, adjust the vents for even cooling. Partially close vents on the lower level so more cool air will be directed to the upper level.
Inspect and repaint French doors and wood doors.
Drain your water heater to remove sediment.
Clean wood-burning fireplaces.
Have your carpets professionally cleaned.
Oil hinges and locks on exterior doors. Touch up areas on exterior doors that appear cracked or peeling.
Clean kitchen exhaust hood and air filter.
Fertilize lawn.
Check all window and door locks for proper operation.
Inspect air filters in furnace/air conditioning system for dust. Clean and replace as needed. For the first year you own your home, replace the air filter every month. Afterwards, replace every other month.
Check the water hoses on your clothes washer, refrigerator, icemaker and dishwasher for cracks and bubbles.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape this Fall:
Plant new lawn and fertilize.
If you live in a climate with below freezing temperatures, remove your garden hose from the outside faucet to prevent water from freezing in the line and bursting pipes.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer.
Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the flues, and check your fireplace damper.
Winterize landscaping and remove leaves.
Clean your gutters and downspouts.
Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heating/cooling costs.
Make sure there are working nightlights at the top and bottom of all stairs.
Remove bird nests from outdoor electrical fixtures.
Check your home for water leaks.
Clean humidifier.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your home and garden in tip-top shape this Winter:
If you live in a multi-level home, adjust the vents for even heating. Partially close vents on the upper level so more warm air will be directed to the lower level.
Have your roof inspected. Also inspect your roof for damages after storms and strong winds.
Move furniture to change flow patterns in rooms to save wear and tear on carpets.
Have your heating and cooling systems professionally inspected.
Test, clean and replace batteries in smoke detectors
Test all ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFCI) type outlets.
Lubricate interior door hinges.
Inspect tile for loose or missing grout, cracks, chips, or damaged caulking.
Inspect shower doors and tubs for proper fit. Remove and reapply caulking as needed.
Replace or repair broken tiles.
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.
Inspect fencing and repair any loose boards.
Inspect landscaping for proper drainage, especially if you have altered your grading from the original installation.
