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Routine Maintenance
The
care and keeping of your home can quickly get out of hand when
neglected. If you establish a maintenance schedule for routine
upkeep, the job becomes easier and your home will thank you for it.
Obvious chores like mowing the lawn and mopping the kitchen floor
attract regular attention. Time flies, though, where things like
furnace filters and smoke alarm batteries are concerned. These and
similar items need to be mapped out for regular maintenance. You'll
have chores specific to your home but there are common tasks in
every home that you can add to your maintenance schedule.
Depending on your particular HVAC system, filters should be changed
every month or biweekly. The system, type of filter and whether you
have pets in the house will determine the frequency with which
filters should be changed or cleaned. The system should be inspected
every few years in the late summer or early fall, with the central
air system getting attention each spring. Ductwork should be
professionally cleaned every five years or so.
Choose a memorable date such as a birthday, anniversary or holiday
on which you will change all the batteries in the smoke alarms and
carbon monoxide detectors. Don't wait until the batteries are low
and perhaps malfunctioning.
Carpets should be cleaned every year or, in low traffic/use areas,
every two years. Weekly vacuuming will prevent dust and dirt from
being ground into the fibers.
Mop wood floors every week or two. Every five years, have floors
professionally refinished. Don't wait until floors are worn, damaged
or unsightly. Regular upkeep and maintenance of your hardwood floors
adds to the value of your home.
Vinyl flooring and ceramic tile should be mopped or cleaned
according to the manufacturer's instructions. New vinyl floor
coverings require little more than a damp mop. Avoid getting vinyl
floors too wet. Excessive moisture can invade the seams and edges
and cause the flooring to come loose.
Wash exterior windows at least once a year. Most window-washing
companies will give you a free estimate. You may be surprised at the
cost, especially when you consider the time and effort you'll save.
Wash interior windows at least four or five times a year. Use a good
window cleaner or a cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water and
buff off with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.
The wood or vinyl siding that protects many homes needs a pressure
washing every few years to remove dirt and mildew. Adjust this
schedule with consideration to your climate and air quality.
Several times throughout the year, lubricate door hinges with a
three-in-one oil or WD-40. Lubricate the mechanism on the garage
doors as well.
The oven and refrigerator are the work horses of the kitchen. Clean
them once or twice a year or more if needed. Check the
manufacturer's instructions for suitable methods and cleaning
products.
Make a checklist of regular maintenance items, attach it to a
clipboard and hang it inside a pantry door, laundry room or
workshop. Make a note of when you completed the task, as well as any
concerns or problems. The following year, you can readjust the
schedule. As each year's maintenance sheet is complete, file it
away. If you decide to sell your home, prospective buyers will
appreciate the records of your care.
Copyright 2006 PropertySource Network |
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Jeannie Hamilton
ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GREEN, GRI, SRES
Broker/Owner
Hamilton Properties
1100 Deer Trail Road
Boulder, CO 80302-9437
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Office: |
303-443-9221 |
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Cell: |
303-817-9988 |
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Fax: |
888-449-3611 |
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Toll Free: |
800-443-9212 |
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Email: |
jeannie@jeannierealtor.com |
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Email
webmaster@jeannierealtor.com with
questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2012 Jeannie Hamilton, Inc
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Last Updated:
January 24, 2012
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