10 Point Check List to Keep Your Home in Tip Top Shape

Monday, August 03, 2015

by Jodi Bakst

While it is getting close to 100 degrees with 90% humidity in the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area it is important to remember that fall and winter is just around the corner. It may not seem like it today, but the weather will cool off quickly as soon as September and October roll around. Below you will find a 10 point check list to keep your home in tip top shape through all of the seasons:

  • Roof – In early fall, check around vents, skylights and chimneys for cracks or leaks and repair or replace tiles as necessary.
  • Gutters – clean gutters so leaves won’t clog them, and be sure they drain away from the house.
  • Fireplace – Clean out any leftover ashes. If heavily used in winter, you may want the chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure the damper is closed tightly.
  • Filters – clean or replace furnace filters once every month or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans regularly.
  • Safety equipment – Be sure smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working condition. Replace batteries twice a year.
  • Air conditioner – In cold climates, put on waterproof covers when you cover or remove outdoor furniture.
  • Refrigerator – Test door seals once or twice a year to be sure they are airtight. Test by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the seal may need to be replaced. If you have a coil-back fridge, the coils should be vacuumed twice a year.
  • Faucets – Check for leaks in kitchen and bathrooms and replace washers as necessary.
  • Windows and doors – Replace seals as necessary to keep heat in and drafts out. If you added up all the tiny cracks where heating and cooling escapes, it could be the same as having a window open.
  • Siding and paint – Look for cracks or peeling areas. Repaint or replace caulk as necessary.

    • It may seem daunting to go through all 10 points in one day or one weekend so we would suggest spreading this out over time. When you have some downtime on a Sunday afternoon test the door seals on your refrigerator. When the kids are in the back yard throwing the football around take the time to pull out the latter and check the gutters. This tasks should all take less than an hour and they could save you tens of thousands of dollars in the long run.

    If you have any questions about increasing your home’s value reach out to Real Estate Experts today. We have helped individual home owners sell their homes with home staging and suggestions for basic maintenance. Call us today at 919-928-5131.