A Few Helpful Tips To Keep Your Home In Tip Top Shape.
Dear lectors of the Filipino Forum, I have good news. Based on the weather we’ve been experiencing lately, it looks like Spring has finally sprung! As such, I think now would be a good time to go over A FEW HELPFUL TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME IN TIP-TOP SHAPE.
1. Check your air conditioner – If you have A/C, make sure that it is clean and free of dirt and debris that may have accumulated over the winter season. It might also be a good idea to have it inspected by a professional. Doing so not only ensures that it is in good working order when you need it, but it also helps prolong the life of the unit.
2. Add soil next to house – Check to see if there is enough soil (dirt) along the perimeter of the house. Ideally, you want the soil to be sloping away from the foundation. This helps keep moisture away from the house and consequently prolongs the life of your foundation.
3. Clear your gutters – Make sure there isn’t any debris such as branches or dirt clogging up your roof gutters. While you’re up there, check to see that the gutters are securely attached and not leaky.
4. Clean your windows – Not the most fun of spring cleaning jobs, but once clean, it can be the most rewarding. Helpful tip: choose a cloudy day to clean the windows. This way, the sun won’t dry the cleanser before you have time to wipe it off.
5. Check for cracks – After having wiped the grime off the windows, check to see if there are any cracks or gaps in the caulking that could let water and/or bugs in. If necessary, peel off the old caulking and replace with new. This also potentially reduces drafts and, subsequently, your electricity bill.
6. Check outdoor faucets and hoses – Freeze damage may have occurred to your backyard faucet and hose over the winter months. Check to see if water flows freely from the hose when turned on. Also, another test you can try would be to place your thumb over the opening of the hose. If you are able to stop the flow, it is possible that the pipe inside your home may be damaged. In this case, it may be a good idea to contact a plumber.
7. Inspect your yard equipment – Lawnmowers, hedge cutters, weed whackers... any electric or battery powered yard equipment in your possession should be given a thorough look-over before use. Not only is this a good idea for safety reasons, but ridding your machine of any unwanted dirt will help prolong its life.
Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact me!
Erik Hamon, Real estate broker
Groupe Sutton Centre Ouest
514-433-5033
ehamon@sutton.com
