Holly McIntyre

Most of us have learned the hard way that a home will not maintain itself and we ought to budget for routine maintenance and repair for the house and yard. Large, irregular expenses will occur as our homes age. Large expenses such as interior and exterior painting, repairs or replacement of the heating and air conditioning units and appliances, floor coverings and roof surfaces. Most experts recommend setting aside 1-3 percent of the market value of your home each year to pay for maintenance and repair costs. Even though all of these funds may not be needed if your home is new, the accumulated amounts will help you prevent a budget crisis when it is time for large future expenses such as re-roofing or replacing a heating unit. Preventative home maintenance helps provide a healthy, safe environment and it protects your growing investment. Have a qualified home inspector inspect at least every ten years.

Some Suggested April Home Maintenance Items

1 .Mark and monitor small/hairline cracks in foundation. If stable after a few months fill 
with epoxy. If they've expanded beyond one half inch, call a structural engineer.
2. Inspect basement/crawl spaces for seepage/leakage. 
3. Inspect roof for any missing, loose or damaged shingles.
4. Check and clean AC/furnace systems. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations
5. Clean and/or replace the AC/furnace filters. Adjust thermostats for season change.
6. Check and clean gutters, downspouts and extensions and repair/replace as needed 
7. Do a safety check: smoke detectors, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, carbon 
monoxide alarms and window locks.
8. If you have a fireplace check flue to make sure it is closed for warmer weather.
9. Scrape, caulk and paint any wood surfaces that have peeled or weathered. 
10. Clean and inspect your lawn mower and other power tools and equipment.

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Check Your Deck

A well-planned maintenance program is the best insurance policy against deck repair and replacement costs. Sun and moisture can cause premature rotting and decks must be maintained to avoid unnecessary repairs and replacement costs. Sweep the deck often, and when it gets very dirty, hose or scrub it down. Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house since leakage can lead to wood decay. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, call a pro to investigate. Get rid of moss and mold. Pressure washers are effective if used properly and carefully. Remember, if you see wood damage, like raised fibers, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and the decking. Normal wear and tear may also loosen joints and connections, so check and tighten them regularly. Apply a coat of wood stain or water repellent every 1 to 2 years.

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Garage-door Opener Check

Put the door into the manual mode (normally by pulling the release handle hanging on a rope) and lift it by hand. A properly balanced door should lift easily and smoothly and stay open on its own about 3 feet off the ground. If it doesn't, hire a garage-door technician to counterbalance the overhead spring. Return safety latch to auto mode (usually by sliding it until it clicks).Set the reversing force on the opener as low as possible by placing a 2x4 board on the ground under the door, wide side down. The door should pop back up when it hits the board. If it doesn't, call a garage-door pro. Test the photoelectric eyes by blocking the beam between them. The door should reverse direction; if it doesn't, have it checked by a pro. Lubricate all rollers, tracks and hinges (white grease or silicon works)