Monday, June 21, 2010

Why not vow to keep your home in Shape too?

Many of us set ourselves up each year with resolutions. Work out more, eat less...you know the drill. Why not resolve to keep your home healthier this year too, with this seasonal checklist:

Spring time-Clean your gutters. Backed-up gutters can wreak havoc on siding and cause flooding. Scoop out leaves and debris with a trowel or hire a professional to do it. Check your roof. Wintery weather may have damaged the surface, and the first big rainstorm, left unchecked, could cause significant problems. Replace shingles as needed. If your fireplace got a workout during the winter months, give it a clean sweep. Best to call in the experts to inspect and clean creosote buildup.

Summer-Walk around your house to check for unsealed spots where squirrels or mice could sneak in. Look carefully for termites or ants too. Inside check your attic and make sure egess points are sealed tightly. Get ready for the warm season by giving any outdoor equipment (pools, swing sets, etc.) a thorough, top to bottom cleaning.

Fall-Ensure your furnace is in prime shape for he cold months ahead, and change all he air filters in your home. Make sure your home is adequately sealed. Apply weather stripping (such as tape, felt, foam, or vinyl tubing) around doors and windows. Trim branches near your home or roof to prevent damage when wintery weather hits.

Winter-Drain and insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing. Check for damaged sidewalk, driveway or stairs, and repair them before the first snow to avoid damaged mishaps.

This is all-so important, to avoid costly repairs from not keeping things "tuned up"-trust me, I've learned my lesson-hence, I share some of these points-to keep you from the expense I incurred this year-from "letting things go"-if I left something off this list, don't be shy-let me know!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI, Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor Toll Free 866-333-6333 HTTP://www.wendimae.com wendimae@wendimae.com

Close the Tap on Water Waste!

Yeah, I know-I blog alot on "Green Subjects" and on conservation-in general...I just feel these things can't be ignored. There are some Actions you too, can take to practice sensible, year-round water conservation-check it out:

-Water outside, only when necessary

-Sweep, don't wash paved areas

-Repair leaky faucets-you will be amazed how much water you will save

Water saver Home

-Don't run the water until it is cold enough to drink-keep a jug in the fridge.

-Don't dawdle in the Shower.

-Wash when your dishwasher and clothes washer are full-ONLY.

-Don't run water while brushing teeth, shaving, peeling vegetables, or washing dishes by hand.

The California Urban Water Conservation Council's website contains tips for maintenance, leak detection, and repair, along with loads of useful facts and cost-benefit analysis. To find out more, head to their website at HTTP://www/h2house.org/action Take action today!

Wendi-Mae Davis, CRS, GRI Broker Associate/Real Estate Counselor for Connect Realty.com, INC Toll free 866-333-6333 or direct 530-676-4447 wendimae@wendimae.com HTTP://www.wendimae.com