It’s Fall! Time For a Home Check Up!

As cooler weather approaches (yea!!!) you can take a few steps to ensure your home serves you well through the coming months. Please take time to check these items in and around your home and attend to any that need maintenance.

*            Clean and test smoke alarms.  Most recommend replacing every ten years.

*             Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.

*             Change or clean the HVAC filters.  We recommend checking monthly or every two weeks if pleated or special dust collecting / allergen filters are used.

*             Operate the heating system.

*             Adjust registers and confirm that cold air returns are clear of furniture or draperies.

*             Adjust or replace weatherstripping on exterior doors as needed.

*             Check the fit of exterior doors; thresholds are adjustable–use a quarter to turn the screws.

*             Check caulking, inside and out, and touch up.  Extremely important for Stucco homes.

*             Inspect chimney for nests.

*             Review safe fireplace operation. Provide professional cleaning at regular intervals.

*             Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil.

*             Clean gutters, check downspouts; confirm that splashblocks drain away from the house.

*             Check foundation, concrete, and yard for settling; fill in as needed for positive drainage.

*             On pleasant days, open windows to allow house to breathe.

*             Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.

Plus, be sure to keep up with any termite warranties and have your home inspected (especially if your home has a stucco exterior) on a regular basis for termites and or water intrusion.  Also remember to drain your sprinkler system during hard freeze warnings.  If you have questions please call our office for information.  Enjoy the cooler weather!

Stephanie

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She Sheds!

Last month it was pub sheds sweeping the Internet, but this week it’s all about “she sheds.” As I watched the lady lairs pop up on my Facebook news feed this week, I thought about all the great backyard sanctuaries women can carved out for themselves. Some are for pottery wheels, some are for potting, some are simply for taking a midafternoon nap. Here are 11 of the dreamiest she sheds I’ve seen around Houzz.

 

Shabby-Chic Style shed design

Click this link to see all the she sheds and get ideas for your own.  Enjoy!

11 Nominees for the ‘She Shed’ Hall of Fame

Snow Birds Beware!

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  Leave Your Home Vacant? You Could Lose Insurance Coverage

  Do the geese flying south have you thinking of closing up your house and spending the winter in a warmer climate? Before you pack your swimsuit and sandals, take note: If you leave your house empty for too long, you could lose your home owners insurance — and your home equity if a fire or other disaster destroys or damages your house. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2015 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

No More Cold Drafts!

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  How to Replace Weather Stripping

  When weather stripping on doors and windows gets worn out, cold air comes sneaking in. Here’s how to replace weather stripping and stop air leaks. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Top 10 Home Remodeling DON’TS

Contractor Tips: Top 10 Home Remodeling Don'ts

Great list for the Do-it-Yourself weekend warrior or anyone looking to remodel in the future!