Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Fall maintenance plan

Many of you know I would rather be posting about all the wonderful and creative ways to decorate your porch for fall but I know how important it is to have a solidly maintained home and how critical it is to have a regular maintenance plan.

OK, I had to add at least one photo for inspiration

There is a chill in the air and it's clear fall has finally arrived which means it's now time for some fall maintenance. If you follow a regular plan your home stays a healthy living environment and you save costs by avoiding big "surprise" maintenance issues down the road. As I always say "you pay now or you pay later but either way, you pay".

So grab the kids, some gloves and head outdoors this weekend.
Check the outdoors

  • Clean out debris from gardens, pots, and areas around the house.
  • Clean out gutters and check downspouts and the roof for any signs of leaking.
  • Check and repair all exterior caulking. Look around windows, doors, and under the eaves.
  • Trim back any limbs or shrubs that are touching the house or roof.
  • Inspect and clean windows and install storm windows if you have them. 
  • Clean out window wells. 
  • Clean out under decks and porches.
  • Drain and cover exterior hose bibs.
  • Drain and store hoses before the temperature dips to freezing.

Check the inside

  • Have the furnace serviced and change the filter.
  • Check and replace any worn weather-stripping.
  • Check crawl space for any broken ducts, excess moisture or inspects. 
  • Replace any fallen insulation. 
  • Check chimney and have it cleaned, if needed.
  • Clean the garage and put away equipment no longer needed for this year.
  • Find and check snow shovels and snow removal equipment and replace now, if necessary.
  • Prepare lawn mower for winter storage after the last mowing. 

If you keep your home in good condition with a regular maintenance plan your property will:
  • Maintain its property value
  • Sell more readily and usually garner a higher price
  • Be more comfortable to live in
  • Have few expensive repair bills

Until next time, 

la chasse au bonheur



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