Category: Homeowner Tips

The first thing you will want to do to maintain your home this spring is head outdoors. You will want to take a good long look at the exterior of your home, and not just by walking around. Get out a ladder and look at the roof. It is important to inspect your roof for any damage that may have occurred during the cold months of adverse weather. Also, while you are up on your ladder, check out the gutters as they tend to collect debris and leaves as the weather changes. Any clogs or build ups in your gutters can lead to damage for your home as water gets backed up. Give those gutters a thorough cleaning so that your house will be ready for the months to come. Next, you will want to examine the rest of the exterior of your home. Do you see any damage that needs repair or window or door frames that have leaks or cracks? These types of things should be repaired as quickly as possible as they make your home less energy efficient and will cost more on your monthly utility bills. Once you have thoroughly examined and repaired your home, it is time to look around your yard. Have things become overgrown and unkempt? Now is the time to trim back all the bushes and cut the grass so that it will grow in more nicely in warmer temperatures. The leaves have probably begun to pile up by now, so break out the rake and get to work. Get rid of all those piles of leaves so that your yard has room to breathe and grow now. Now you can head indoors and take a look around. One important thing to do that many people forget is to change is air filters. Air filters should be changed often so that your HVAC system can continue to run efficiently and help keep heating and cooling costs down as well as properly heat and cool your home. Another house item that often takes a beating during the winter months is the refrigerator. It is used often for holiday entertaining and because people are just staying home more during the winter. Take the time to thoroughly clean your refrigerator and vacuum the refrigerator coils as they tend to collect dust. Lastly, it is important to check your smoke detector batteries often to ensure they are working correctly. Smoke detectors save lives every day and it is good to check them frequently to protect you and your family. By doing these things, you can keep your house running properly and avoid costly repairs.]]>

Homeowners that value their property understand how home maintenance helps to protect their investments. Maintaining your home might consist of occasionally making smaller repairs, or it could necessitate more costly renovations. Every component inside of your home must be properly maintained, serviced and repaired when needed so that the value of your house does not diminish. Managing these costs is simple and easy when you establish your finances, build strong relationships with your preferred contractors and take the time needed to analyze each situation objectively. When it comes to home maintenance, there are both one time and recurring costs. Expenses such as energy, trash, water and sewer might be paid on a monthly or quarterly basis. Landscaping and weatherization costs can fluctuate depending on region. Homes with pools can be sold for a higher price, but they are also more expensive to maintain. One time expenses are more substantial, but they also occur less frequently. While you can use calculators and other tools to estimate home repair bills, there will always be variables. Consider building a structured timeline in which repairs will be made, so that you can put aside a set amount of money on a regular basis. For example, a homeowner that needs to replace both the roof and water heater in his or her home can calculate the total in advance and plan to have the repairs made a few months apart. While one set of repairs is being made, the homeowner can be saving for the other. Any home that comes with a warranty also has lower home maintenance costs, on average. Major structural repairs and home servicing expenses can be eliminated when there is a warranty in place. Homeowners insurance covers repairs that occur as a result of acts of nature, vandalism and burglary in most cases. Every appliance and accessory in the home will need to be replaced at some point. Scheduling regular servicing can help to extend the life of your appliances, and some maintenance services can even be performed by the homeowner. Checking your hot water heater, changing the air filter and making minor repairs to sinks and faucets will not only help your household to run more efficiently, it will also save you money. Read all repair manuals and service guides that come with your home appliances, and keep careful track of past servicing dates. Occasionally, homeowners encounter home maintenance costs that throw them through a loop. If you have recently found out that your home has a major flaw, you should consider all of your financing options. A personal loan or mortgage refinancing can provide you with exactly the amount of money needed for repairs without putting a strain on your budget. Regular home maintenance goes hand in hand with responsible home ownership. The better that you maintain your property, the more money you can expect to receive should you ever choose to sell your home. If you act fast when you learn that a new repair is needed, your home will retain its full value. Make sure that your family has a safe and secure to reside by learning the ins and outs of home repair cost management.]]>

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting prospect, but it pays to calculate all anticipated expenses well in advance. In addition to homeowners insurance and real estate taxes, home maintenance is a cost that can potentially cause your budget to increase. In general, older homes require more maintenance, especially if they have not recently been renovated. Newer houses sometimes come with warranties, but all home repair related expenses aren’t covered. Determine how much you will need to spend to properly maintain your home by taking inventory of every room and mechanical system as well as the exterior. Siding replacement, plumbing repairs, and electrical maintenance costs quickly add up when they aren’t estimated in advance. Newer homes with efficient HVAC systems are almost guaranteed to lower energy costs, but they can still break down unexpectedly. Home equipment typically comes with a warranty, and homeowners often have the option of extending these warranties out for many years. Service costs may be applicable, even if the home equipment being repaired has a warranty. Many types of home repairs are imminent, while others spring up unexpectedly. Looking for signs of damage and wear and tear to the home will give you a better idea of what to expect in the coming months. Check the basement for condensation and moisture, and inspect the attic for holes and termite damage. Sinks that don’t drain properly might be clogged, faulty or might be caused by septic tank issues. Don’t ignore the signs of everyday wear to your home as these will cause complications when preparing your home repair budget. A home inspection can reveal areas of the home that will soon need to be repaired. Professional contractors can also come out to your home, prepare estimates and help you to come up with a plan for taking care of your home maintenance needs. Some homeowners are capable of performing minor home repairs on their own, but others would much rather outsource their home repair project out to licensed contractors. It is recommended that you review how much in home maintenance costs you can expect to pay per year prior to buying a home; however, it is perfectly okay to calculate home repairs no matter how long you have been in your home. Estimating home maintenance expenses prior to closing on the sale of a house will give you the opportunity to both negotiate the sale price of the home, and possibly receive extra funds for repairs. Significant changes to a home, including remodeling or building an extension will also factor into home repair costs. Cost of living, and the age and value of the home can significantly impact how homeowners calculate expenses. Experienced homeowners usually have an easier time accurately estimating their home maintenance expenses. By contrast, a first time homeowner might be genuinely surprised after learning that home repair costs are ongoing. Whether your mortgage is paid in full or if you have just recently closed, as long as your name is on the deed you will be responsible for maintenance. Sometimes making repairs to the home can be aggravating when new issues are continuously identified. Avoid being shocked and burdened by home repair fees by preparing yourself for future repair projects.]]>

Many of us have heard about hard and soft water.  We have probably heard that we do not want hard water, but do we really know why?  While hard water is not dangerous to a person’s health, it has a number of undesirable effects.  SaltInstitute.org discusses what hard water is and where hard water is most common, ” As it leaves the skies in the form of rain, water is soft, meaning it is clear of impurities. But it picks up carbon dioxide and other impurities in the air. It also dissolves calcium and magnesium salts as it soaks through the earth and runs off into rivers or lakes and collects in reservoirs or wells. If the water, in these processes, picks up a substantial amount of invisible dissolved rock, calcium carbonate and other substances, it becomes “hard” a defined term… U.S drinking water contains an average of 7.1 grains per gallon/121 mg/L of hardness. The U.S. Geological Survey calculates that 89.3% of U.S. homes have hard water with the hardest water found in the belt running from Kansas and Texas on the east to Southern California to the west with up to ten times the minimum defined concentration of calcium carbonate to be “hard.” There are indications water is becoming even harder. The ever-increasing demand for water has lowered the water table, causing a greater draw-off at the surface which raises the natural hardness of water.”  Hard water does not create as good of a lather when bathing, can form lime scales in water heaters and it clings to skin and fabric, dulling fabric colors and shortening their life. For many, the solution is to install a water softener.  Water softeners change hard water to soft water but they do require some maintenance.  While there are many automatic systems that do most of the maintenance for themselves but, even so, water softeners should be  routinely checked and maintained.  LivingSpace360.com discusses what should be regularly maintained with your water softener, “The brine tank must be inspected for salt build up which will need to be dealt with. You must also be sure that the salt level is adequate. Consult the manufacturer for type of salt used, but evaporated salt may be your best choice for low maintenance, though it is more expensive than other types of salt.  You will need to check the resin bed. Although they last many years, you should check periodically to be sure that all is well with this important part of your water softener system.  Usually a buildup of iron or other problem can be solved by cleaning. However, a growth of algae or visible bacterial build up may mean it is time to replace the resin bed.”  By regularly maintaining your water softener, you can extend the life of your water softener and continue enjoying soft water in your home.]]>

With homeownership comes a lot of maintenance.  There are so many things to take care of and remember, it is easy to lose track of things like air ducts and vents.  Many times, home owners cannot even remember the last time they cleaned their air ducts.  But, just because it may be easily forgotten, does not mean it is not important.  Additionally, if you have recently renovated your home, you will have increased incentive to clean your air ducts as the dust and debris can get caught in the air ducts and is then in the air that you breathe in your home.  The air quality that you and your family breathe each day is incredibly important and should be given priority.  You can use your vacuum with hose attachment to clean out your air ducts yourself or you can hire a professional air duct cleaner to handle the job. Homeadvisor.com offers a good description of how professional air duct cleaning should work, “There are two ways of duct and vent cleaning. One system is connected into the ducting to provide suction. A high-pressure air hose is passed through the ducting to remove the particles from the interior. The other system uses a large specialized vacuum attached to a hose and a brushing system that is run through the ducting. Both systems are effective when operated by properly trained personnel.  A proper cleaning should include the following: cleaning of all registers, inside the ducting, and the interior of the heating and ventilating system.  The furnace fan must be cleaned, and if you have air conditioning or a heat pump, the coils inside the system must also be thoroughly cleaned. Finally, a disinfectant can be fogged through the cleaned system to eliminate any mold, bacteria, and dust mites that might remain.  Proper cleaning of a home should take a minimum of three to five hours, depending on the size of the house. If the home has more than one heating and cooling system, or the system is located on the roof, it can take longer. Most duct cleaning companies base their price upon square footage and/or the number of registers, systems, and levels to be cleaned and charge between $90 and $125 per hour to properly clean a duct system.” Air ducts have a direct effect on respiratory health and allergies as it helps control the quality of air that is circulated in your home.  For your HVAC to run efficiently it is incredibly important that you have a clean system.  Energy efficiency will help save costs on utilities each month.  It is important to maintain your air ducts so that your home’s air will be safe and of ideal quality to breathe and to keep your HVAC system running efficiently.]]>

The kitchen is, often, the heart of the home.  Most people spend a lot of time in the kitchen, cooking and preparing meals for themselves or their families.  The stovetop and oven are used frequently and, sometimes. messes are made.  It is very important to regularly clean your stovetop but you may be wondering if you are properly cleaning or if you should be doing more.  Just think about how often you use your stovetop.  Did you make some eggs this morning, or maybe cook some lunch for your kids, and then whip up a delicious dinner in the evening?  Dirt, food and grime can build up very quickly and not only is it unsightly, but it is also not the most hygienic space to cook your food.  Before cleaning your stovetop, it is important to note that if you have a gas cook top, it is important to ensure the gas taps are turned off.  Many stove tops, such as enamel, can simply be cleaned with warm soapy water.   It is best to avoid harsh cleaners whenever possible as they can sometimes damage the finish on a stove top.  Most grids and burners can be removed and then soaked in warm soapy water to remove any build up.  If you feel like soap and water are not getting the job done, there are many cleaning products designed specifically for cleaning glass and ceramic stove tops.  Additionally, there are special scarpers designed specifically for glass stove tops that can help remove particularly stubborn build up but it is imperative that you only used scrapers and cleaners designed for glass and ceramic stove tops to avoid damage.  Another important cleaning note is, do not forget the range hood.  If you have ever had a little too much steam or smoke when cooking, you have probably turned on the vent fan.  The vent fan is very handy at sucking up the unwanted steam and smoke and removing it, and there is a filter that prevents grease build up in the vent hood.  But, the filter accumulates the grease and needs to be regularly cleaned.  Depending on the frequency of cooking, clean your filters every few months to prevent major build up.  With regularly cleaning of your stove top, you can avoid major build ups that lead to hours and hours of painstaking cleaning and possibly, damage to your appliance.  With regular cleaning, your stove top should provide many years of good service to you and your family.]]>

1. Water Repairs Water is one of the biggest culprits of expensive and extensive home repairs and maintenance issues. It’s best if you have a routine maintenance schedule to check for water issues throughout your home, even if you don’t see signs of water damage. Even the smallest of water stains can be an indication of extensive and expensive home maintenance repairs, so you’ll always want to be proactive. Make sure that you keep your downspouts and rain gutters clean and that you take care of any cracks that you might have in the stucco of your home. Whenever you’re repainting your home, only use high quality paints to keep water from seeping through. To keep water out of your walls and floors, be vigilant about recaulking your toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers. Leaks in your windows can lead to mold and damage to the structure of your home, so take care of those as soon as you notice them. Another good tip is to keep all plants and vegetation around your home well-trimmed in order to make sure that rain runs away from your home. 2. Roof Inspection Your roof protects everything underneath it, which is why it’s crucial that you stay on top of roof maintenance and repairs. Have a professional come out to inspect your roof at least once a year in order to avoid costly home maintenance repairs in the future. If you have an older roof or one that has been exposed to severe weather, you’ll want to have it inspected more often. The better you take care of your roof the better you’ll protect the overall value of your home. The more damage you have to your roof, the more expensive and complex the repair will be. 3. HVAC System Maintenance You’ll also want to make sure that you stay on top of your HVAC system maintenance. HVAC systems include air conditioning units, furnaces, vents and heat pumps. It’s best that you have your HVAC system serviced once or twice a year, preferably before the winter and summer season when you depend on a working heater or air conditioner the most. Homeowners should also make sure that the vents in their home are clean and in working condition so that there’s less chance of them experiencing respiratory, allergy and other health complications. You might not realize it, but it’s entirely possible that the air inside of your home is dirtier than the air outside of your home. Staying on top of HVAC system home maintenance is a good way to improve your indoor air quality. 4. Peeling Exterior Paint Protecting your exterior paint from peeling is another good way to maintain the value of your home. Peeling paint is another moisture issue that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. If you do notice peeling paint, chances are good that you have a leak in your gutter or steam is trickling through from the bathroom on the other side of the wall. Make sure that all of your bathrooms are well-ventilated and that you take care of the moisture issue as soon as possible so that you can avoid having the siding of your home rot. 5. Termites & Carpenter Ants Termites and carpenter ants can seriously compromise the integrity of your home. This is a maintenance issue that you can take care of your own by looking for pencil-thick mud tubes around your home and even tapping against the wall to see if you can hear anything that sounds like crinkling cellophane. Call a pest control professional as soon as possible if you even suspect that you might have a problem with termites or carpenter ants. Staying on top of home maintenance can save you thousands of dollars and will maintain the overall value of your home. Create a maintenance schedule and stick to it.]]>

The following five questions address one potentially harmful home product that many homeowners may not be aware of. Home maintenance means more than caring for your home, but also becoming aware of the potential health and environmental hazards that exist within that environment. By understanding the levels of VOC found in a typical can of paint, you will be one step closer to protecting your family and the world around you. 1.     What are VOC’s? In a typical can of interior wall paint, there are many different chemicals and materials that have been mixed to create the right consistency and pigment. As research has shown, many of these cans of paint contain chemicals referred to as VOC’s. What are VOC’s one might ask? VOC’s, or volatile organic compounds, are compounds that contain carbon which easily vaporizes into air when released. When the VOC’s make contact with the air, elements react, and ozone is produced. When using paint high in VOC’s you are creating an environment in which these potentially harmful chemicals are released directly into the air of your home. This wet VOC-containing paint has been shown to release a high amount of chemical substance into the air while still wet, and even one year after the paint has dried, may still give off a portion of the same toxic substance. Now that you know what VOC’s are, you may be wondering what risks are involved. 2.     What are the Potential Risks? The dangers of VOC’s include many potential risks to health and environment. From a simple headache to potential cancer-causing toxins, the effects of VOC’s have been shown to be extremely harmful to humans and pets alike. When planning your home maintenance routine, you may want to now include awareness of toxins to your list. VOC’s not only affect your health, but can have a dangerous effect on the environment as a whole. 3.     How do they Effect the Environment? As VOC’s make contact with the air, ozone is created and adds the pollution already existing in the environment. While the health of your individual home and family is important, the environment affects everyone and everything around you. If each consumer made the effort to change simple home maintenance procedures, the earth might be spared a little more pollution. 4.     What are the Available Alternatives? Alternative interior paints have been created with much lower levels of VOC’s. These lower levels of VOC allow you to reduce the pollutants in your own breathing air, as well as the air in the environment. Keeping your family safe from these toxic chemicals is one home maintenance step that can affect the long-term health and well-being of your family. 5.     Where can these Safer Alternatives be found? Low-VOC paint can typically be found wherever paint is sold. Ask someone in the paint department of your local hardware store to direct you to eco-friendly paint alternatives for your interior home maintenance and painting needs. Because paint-related products are some of the worst environmental pollutants in our society today, doing your part to reduce to pollution on the earth, as well as in your own home, can make a bigger impact than you may think.]]>

1. Call an HVAC Professional If you have a home warranty, you won’t have to worry about spending very much money on any repairs that your home might need, including repairs to your HVAC system. Your HVAC system is one of the very first things that you’ll want to have inspected before the winter season since you’ll be using it so much. Check to make sure that the ductwork is clean and that your furnace is in good working order. 2. Maintain Your Fireplace Homeowners who use their fireplace during the winter should have it cleaned by a professional. If your home warranty extends to your fireplace and covers maintenance, have your fireplace thoroughly cleaned and make sure that the damper opens and closes properly. If you have a brick chimney, make sure that mortar and brick are in good condition. It’s also a good idea to see that you have plenty of firewood chopped up and ready to be thrown into the fire so that your home will always be toasty warm. Since animals and critters will also want to keep warm during the winter, it’s also a good idea to buy a screen for the top of your fireplace in order to make sure that they won’t set up shop inside of your fireplace. 3. Check Your Roof A roof in need of repair can cost you money in heating bills. Specifically, you’ll want to make sure your roof shingles are in good condition and that you don’t have any leaks on your roof. Leaks can lead to a number of complications, including mold and a compromised home structure. Just as you can get a home warranty, you can also get a warranty for your roof to cover repairs. Make sure that the gutters are cleaned while you’re taking care of any roof repairs that you might need. 4. Get your Garden and Lawn Care Equipment Ready While you’re putting away your garden and lawn care equipment, it’s a good idea to drain the gas and oil out of your weed eater, lawn mower and tiller. Drain your garden hoses before storing them to make sure that water can’t freeze and refreeze, which can really compromise the integrity of hoses. 5. Clear the Foundation of Your Home Even during the winter season any vegetation that’s near your home can grow if conditions are right. Your home warranty probably won’t cover any damage that’s done to the foundation of your home from any roots that might find their way inside the lower structure of your home. As you’re taking care of growing plants, make sure that you check your foundation for any other signs of damage that might need to be addressed. 6. Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Fire Detectors Winter is a prime season for home fires. Install carbon monoxide and fire detectors in your home near your furnace and each level of your home if you don’t already have them. Make sure that your detectors work and that you change out the batteries during the fall. Should you have a fire in your home, remember that a home warranty isn’t the same as having a home insurance policy, which means that some of your belongings will be covered under your insurance plan that aren’t covered by your warranty. Take out time to winterize your home as you’re enjoying the changing leaves and the steadily dropping temperatures.]]>

During the winter, when many holidays fall, home fire rates sky rocket.  It is important to regularly check your smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly to protect your family during the winter.  Next, if you have a fireplace, you may want to call a chimney sweep.  Fireplaces can accumulate creosote which is highly flammable and dangerous if not cleaned out properly.  While a cozy fire is enjoyable for everyone, you will enjoy it much more with peace of mind that the fireplace is safe. When the temperatures drop, your home may start to feel a little too cold and you may be tempted to crank up the heat.  This will make you warmer but it will also result in higher heating costs. If you reverse your ceiling fans so that they turn clockwise instead of counterclockwise you will force heat back down into the room and keep you home more warm. Next, you should also clean your gutters.  If your gutters are filled with fallen leaves and debris, it can cause water to back up and damage your home.  Additionally, you should insulate pipes to avoid freezing.  Insulation can be bought at any hardware store and is simple to install.  A burst pipe can cause major damage so it is very important to protect your pipes.  It is also important to make windows and doors airtight.  If they are not, not only do they waste energy but they can make your home very cold. BHG.com discusses the problem of having windows that are not airtight, “According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 10 percent of the air that leaks out of a house exits through the windows. Caulk around window frames and apply weatherstripping between the sash and window frame to eliminate air leakage. ”  Lastly, you may consider having your furnace professionally inspected. The last thing you want on a cold winter night is your furnace to break down and leave your whole home freezing cold.  These simple steps can help you prepare your home for winter so that you can avoid home problems arising and allow you to enjoy the winter months.]]>