Caring for your home maintains its value, preserves equity and increases its desirability for both you and future buyers. "Big repair items often start off as small things we overlook for months," says Brad Gamlin, owner of Advanced Home Inspections in Richmond, VA. He says "the most important things a homeowner can do is the small maintenance stuff - changing your filters monthly, unclog your gutters, caulk small seams, etc." As you shed your home’s winter skin this year, add these important steps to your spring routine to keep it clean, safe and valued at top dollar! 1. Clear gutters and check your downspouts. Clogged or improperly sloped gutters can create the perfect recipe for costly water damage. Prevent damage from spring rains by clearing out debris and looking for areas that appear to sag. Your downspouts should divert water as far away from the home as possible to protect your foundation and crawl space from moisture that attracts termites, fungus growth and structural damage. 2. Check your crawlspace. While a crawl space shuts out homeowners afraid of creepy crawlies, structural issues and moisture could be lurking. Shifted vapor barrier, slow leaks or rainwater can create moist environments for fungus or termites. Settling soil can also create foundation shifts that could become evident with a quick peek.
6. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries at least once a year and replace each unit every 7 to 10 years. It’s easy to let maintenance lapse but this is one area where safety is first. 7. Walk your lawn. As you prepare your lawn for seeding and mowing, keep an eye on boggy patches. These can be indicators of failing downspouts, drainage problems, water line leaks or even potential septic fails. 8. Reseal exterior woodwork. Stain or reseal outdoor structures such as wooden decks, fences, railings, and pergolas to keep them in good condition. If painted, watch for soft spots where caulking or repairs are needed. 9. Clean dryer lint trap. While you may be cleaning you dryer lint trap every load, take the time this spring to find your exterior dryer vent and clean it, too. If your clothes seem to take a long time to dry, the culprit could be disconnected lines which can be both a fire hazard as well as create energy loss. If you feel the need to go further, there are companies who professionally clean dryer ducts. 10. Clean dishwasher filter. Unlock and remove the round dishwasher filter, rinse under hot, running water and gently scrub off debris. If manufactured before 2010, your unit may have self-cleaning filters. One less thing! Costly repairs arising from maintenance delays means money out of your pocket eroding your home’s value and the equity you have in it. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Never want to miss a post? For more useful real estate tips & tricks, subscribe to our mailing list or contact us with any real estate questions. Authored By: Kat Medaries, REALTOR® MT Realty Advisors of Long & Foster Real Estate Village of Midlothian Sales, 1100 Jefferson Green Circle, Midlothian, VA 23113 Licensed to sell in the Commonwealth of VA | Equal Housing Opportunity For informational purposes only. Not intended as legal, financial, tax or credit advice.
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