October Home Maintenance Checklist and Inspection Routine

As you know, homeownership is one of the single biggest investments we will make in our lifetime.  That is why proper home maintenance is so important.  Regular home maintenance enhances the properties economic age (the number of years a house is expected to survive), ensures safety, prevents simple upkeep from turning into costly repairs and may even reduce energy consumption.  Having a well maintained home provides piece of mind and increases resale value.  To support our fellow homeowners in achieving this objective, Greenwood Real Properties has put together a monthly checklist, home improvement and inspection routine for you to follow.  ENJOY!!

Interior

1. Remove or cover all window AC units with plastic.
2. Clean and replace filters in humidifiers.
3. Drain hot water heater (follow manufacturer's instructions).
4. Always be sure to change/clean your Furnace/AC filter monthly during peak season heating/cooling.  Not sure how to change the filter?  Click Here!
5. Change the batteries in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
6. Daylight Savings Time…reset clocks in all your electronics…especially your programmable thermostat(s).

Exterior

1. Inspect gutters and downspouts for damage and repair as needed.  Clean leaves, branches and other debris from both roof and gutters. 
2. Clean out weep-holes in sliders.  Change storm door and window screens to storm panels.  Inspect screens for damage and repair for spring.
3. Drain all water from faucets and hoses.  Store hoses for winter.  Remove all water pumps from fountains and shut water valve to exterior sprinkler system OFF.
4. Clean, store or cover outdoor furniture and decorations.
5. Clean and store lawn equipment and tools.
6. Trim tree branches that interfere with your siding or roof.
7. Plant spring flowering bulbs
8. Clean up fallen leaves, pine needles etc. from lawn and garden beds. 
9. Build up soil with slow release fertilizer and mulch plants for winter protection.

How important is preventative maintenance?  Without it, your home could easily lose 10% to 12% of its appraised value.  Researchers suggest that regular maintenance increases the value of a house by about 1% a year.  However, professional appraisers are quick to point out any gain is typically offset by the ongoing cost of maintenance.  According to the U.S. Census, over time annual maintenance can cost upwards to $3,300 or 1% to 3% of a home’s initial cost dependant on its geographic location.  To put this in perspective; owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing maintenance and upkeep depending on the age of the home.

Not sure what your home is worth in today’s marketplace?  We would be glad to provide you with a FREE home valuation for estate planning purposes or just for your own edification.  Would you like to be added to our mailing list to receive a copy of our complimentary monthly Newsletter?  Let us know.  Complete the enclosed Contact Us Form and we’ll take it from there!!

**We offer discounts to Senior Citizens and Veterans**

Brian Greenwood is an Owner/Partner at Greenwood Real Properties/Keller Williams Realty w/Offices in Canton, Needham and Westwood
At Greenwood Real Properties our goal is straightforward: to exceed your expectations and earn your business for life