Fall's arrival ushers in colorful foliage, pumpkin spice and cooler temperatures. With fun fall activities waiting in the wings, it’s easy to forget the steps to take now to prepare your home for winter’s arrival. Avoid being left out in the cold with these 10 important maintenance tips!
Tree removal. Large trees can cause big problems. Tree limbs hanging over your home can pose major risks in the next ice storm. Not to mention they can cause conditions that limit your roof’s intended lifespan. Pro tip: If you have trees that need to be pruned or removed, you may get a better deal in colder months when work is slower for tree removal companies. They will love hearing from you any time of year and your wallet will love the savings. Clear gutters and downspouts. Leaves, branches and other debris can clog gutters causing potential damage from water and ice collecting under shingles. Clear debris from T-valves and downspouts to prevent water back-up around your home’s foundation, crawl space or basement. Schedule a furnace or heat pump tune-up. Just like a car needs an oil change, your furnace or heat pump needs a regular tune-up completed by you or your preferred professional. HVAC service is a crucial part of home ownership so make sure you are doing your part to ensure your system lives long and prospers. Inspect and clean chimneys and fireplaces. Chimneys need to be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure they are operating safely – especially for wood burning fireplaces. Gas logs and inserts also need tune ups and safety checks. Clean dryer vents. Clear out fuzz to prevent fire hazards. In the winter, critters love to burrow in warm places so make sure your dryer’s exterior vent is covered properly. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Batteries should be replaced every 5-7 years. Press the “test” button on your alarms to verify they are in good working order. Pro Tip: Do NOT run your diagnostic test while your kids are napping…you’ll thank me. Good home maintenance is crucial to preserving the life of your major systems and your property value. Protect your real estate investment by running through your home tune-up checklist before the cold weather – or possible disaster - hits! 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 or credit counseling advice. Seek the assistance of a professional should you require.
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