Home Repair Checklist

Here’s a handy home repair checklist for this fall. It includes some items most homeowners tend to overlook.
1.   Roof: Inspect the roof for loose shingles. Hint: If you have some extra roof shingles left over from your roofing job, immediately store a few in a not too noticeable area outside where they will be exposed to the elements. They will weather along with your roof shingles, and if you do need to replace an occasional shingle in the future, they will blend in very nicely with the rest of the roof. 
2.   Fireplace: Clean the fireplace of ashes if you have not done this since last winter. A good New Years Resolution would be to always clean the ashes in a timely fashion.
3.   Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
4.   Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won’t clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
5.   Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
6.   Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7.   Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8.   Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
9.   Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10.   Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.

11.   Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12.   Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.

13.   Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
14.   Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.
15.   Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
16.   Chimney: Clean the interior of the chimney. Don’t want to get covered with soot? Leave the dirty work to a chimneysweep. If you can’t get Mary Poppins, try the yellow pages.
17.   Patio Furniture: Protect outdoor items such as patio furniture, grills, and hoses. The best protection is inside storage in a basement, garage, or shed. If this is not possible, wrap or cover them securely. Remember to drain the hoses first.

How To Clean A Smelly Bathroom

A Very Good Cleaner – Canister Vacuum Cleaner

How To Choose A Vacuum Cleaner

Random Posts

• Feng Shui Decorating In USA
• Summer Home Interior Decorating
• Arranging Wall Art – Wall Decorations
• Kitchen Cabinet Styles
• French Country Home Decorating Ideas
• Home Office Designs – Modern home office furniture
• Interior Color Scheme–Adding Black To Your Room
• The Home Of Director Roland Emmerich In London
• Norway Villa at the Edge, JVA Design
• White Living Room Designs