Home Maintenance Tips
Clean your sponge
Sponges can pick up a lot of bacteria, especially if they’re left in the sink. So you want to make sure you clean it frequently. It’s so easy: just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to remove any bacteria! Just wait a minute or two before...
Do you have a leak?
Check Outside Faucets Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be...
Dont let this slip through the cracks!
Inspect the Concrete Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home's foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits,...
Fill in low areas in your yard
Use Compacted Soil Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in...
Examine Roof Shingles
Examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled...
Re-seal Your Driveway
Living in the Northeast, I’ve found a short window of time between the winter and summer seasons when the cracks in the driveway haven’t yet sprouted weeds or moss, and the temperatures are ideal both day and night. A sealed driveway not only...
Clean your screens
Ventilating the stale, winter air from your home is often one of the first inclinations on a warm spring day. But first, take a moment to clean the screens. You’ll have the best results if you can remove the screen from your window altogether;...
Check Foundation Vents
A house with a crawl space has vents along the foundation walls. The vents provide air circulation that helps prevent excess moisture and mold growth, and they prevent critters from taking up residence underneath your home. The screens collect...
Cleaning your Faucets and Shower Heads
Unscrew the faucet aerators, sink sprayers and showerheads, and soak them in equal parts vinegar and water solution. Let them soak for an hour, then rinse with warm water.
Protect your entry way
From all the grime, road salt and, melting snow. While you’re at it clear away the clutter and give your floors a thorough cleaning. I like to set up a tray for my boots with a waterproof mat for underneath. Check your front door. Is it drafty?...
Does your Bathroom have a moisture problem?
It can be hard to give bathrooms enough ventilation when the house is closed up tight for winter. Unfortunately, that buildup of moisture can lead to mildew or even harmful molds. Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to grout, the ceiling...
Boost the light in your home
Getting enough light can make a huge difference in how we feel in winter. Do what you can to boost light by pulling open window coverings during the day, adding lamps and candles, and lighting a fire in the fireplace or wood stove if you have one. Or...
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