Keeping Up With Home Maintenance
Alright, I admit it, I am guilty! I am one who is constantly procrastinating on performing Home Maintenance! I don’t know why for sure, but it just seems so easy to put off, put off and place it way out there in the future for a later time that somehow never materializes.
Here is what is real: Whether you are a home owner in the Northern VA Real Estate market or anywhere else in the United States there is something you must always remember. Owning a home is NEVER, NEVER, NEVER maintenance free. To put your house on a regular maintenance schedule will in the end, almost always, pay for itself.
I’ve pulled together some helpful tips as referenced by www.HomeInspectorLocator.com in maintaining your home. I would urge you to follow the link and become more informed about how to keep your house in good repair.
These kinds of things you do just once.
1. Locate and mark the shut-offs for the heating, electrical and plumbing systems
2. Install smoke detectors as necessary
3. Change the locks on all doors
4. Remove or repair trip hazards such as broken walks, or driveways, loose carpet or flooring
5. Have all chimneys inspected and serviced before operating
6. Remove any wood/soil contact to prevent rotting and insect damage
These kinds of things you do more often.
1. Clean gutters in spring and fall
2. Check for damaged roofing twice a year
3. Service your furnace or boiler yearly
4. Check furnace filters, humidifiers and any electronic air cleaners monthly
5. Check bathtub and shower caulking monthly and repair promptly if needed
6. If in a climate prone to freezing, shut off outdoor water faucets in the fall
7. Cut back trees and shrubs from the house walls, roof and air conditioning system as needed
Of course, these suggestions are by no means the be all and end all of home maintenance. On the other hand, you have to start somewhere. As someone once said, “You can pay the man now, or pay the man later”. The problem is, later often costs more.
David L. Burrows, Realtor®
Envirian of Warrenton, Warrenton, VA
Phone: (888) 673-7866 x119
Burrows Properties
Burrows' Thoughts worth considering: "One reason to have a Home Inspection by a Professional Inspector is not only to find possible defects, but to help the new home owner to understand the need for proper maintenance on the items the Inspection brings to the purchasers attention."
Interested in Some Great Reading on selling your home? Take a look at these articles on my website: Selling Your Home: Where do you begin?
Seller Guidance: I would encourage you to employ a Realtor® to help you sell your home. When your agent or another agent is showing your house, go away and let them do your work for you. I also urge you to utilize my FREE SELLERS TOOLKIT before selling your house.
Buyer Guidance: I would encourage you to really check out anything and everything you are told by a well meaning seller. Employ the services of a Buyer's Agent to help you discern what you read and listen to about the area you are thinking of calling home. I would also urge you to get my FREE BUYERS TOOLKIT before heading out on the journey to find your new house.
Try this link to help you find your next home: Fairfax Homes For Sale When you land on the main page try one of our custom searches listed on the bottom of the page. No registration is necessary for the Fairfax MLS general search on my site. If you check the box to receive automated updates sent to your email, you will be required to give us your name and a valid email address.
Northern Virginia Information - Here you will find answers to your questions about schools, auto registration, taxes, things to do this weekend, popular destinations. It only takes a moment to look and it is free with no registration required!
Click on the following link for your Complimentary eCalendar & Daily Planner. This is a Free Gift from David. There is absolutely NO sign-up, registration, tricks, or gimmicks. It really is free for you to enjoy! This is a great tool for keeping track of your schedule for all of your Real Estate needs. There is NO obligation.
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