Home Maintenance Checklist Archives - Page 2 of 2

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

Summer is around the corner! Get your home warm weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Check Outdoor Lighting

- Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.

2. Keep Cooling Systems Running Smoothly

- Take the time before hot weather sets in to dust ceiling fans, install window air-conditioning units and schedule maintenance for a whole-house cooling system.

3. Reorganize Your Kitchen

- The change in seasons is a good time to rethink how you have things arranged in the kitchen. If there are small appliances you use more in the warmer months (a blender for smoothies, perhaps, or an ice cream maker), move them to a more accessible spot, and you will be more likely to use them. Stations devoted to a certain purpose can also do wonders. If you have children on summer vacation, create a self-help station stocked with healthy snacks. Or create an iced-coffee bar or smoothie-making station for yourself with all needed supplies within reach.

4. Hang a Clothesline for Summer Energy Savings

- While the weather is nice and warm, consider skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes to dry in the fresh air instead. It may not always be possible, but even occasionally putting a clothesline or drying rack to work will save energy. If hang-drying isn’t an option, you can still reduce your energy bill by washing in cold water, cleaning the lint trap and having your dryer vent serviced to increase airflow..

5. Empty Standing Water Regularly

- The best way to keep mosquito populations down is by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Even a saucer of water can become a mosquito nursery, so leave no pot unturned!

6. Organize Your Summer Calendar

- Beach days, lemonade on the porch, pick-your-own fruit farms — with so much to look forward to in summer, don’t let it zip by in the blink of an eye. Be sure you are making the most of your season by creating a list of your personal must-dos and posting it where you can see it. A big chalkboard or family bulletin board would be ideal.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Check Play Equipment for Safety

- Over time, wood, ropes and fastenings can degrade, making outdoor play equipment potentially unsafe. Check swings, zip lines, slides and other structures for safety; repair or replace as needed.

9. Lighten Up Decor

- Roll up heavy rugs, put crisp percale or cooling linen sheets on the beds and bring in accents in lighter hues for the warmer months ahead. Breezy white curtains look delightfully cool in summer, but if the weather gets quite hot where you live, you may want to leave heavy window coverings in place. Closing the shades during the heat of the day can actually help keep your house cooler.

10. Get Seasonal Gear Ready

- What with camping and beach trips, summertime activities come with a lot of gear. Get it cleaned up and ready now, so you’re not surprised by a leaky tent or blown-out beach umbrella when it’s too late to replace them. And if you plan to waterproof anything (tents or outdoor tablecloths, for example), now is the time.

Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

April Home Maintenance Checklist

Get your home Spring ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Get Rid of Dust & Clutter

- Start with clearing out any cluttered areas because the less stuff is in your way, the easier it will be to clean surfaces. Be sure to remove items you don’t want from your home! If you don’t, it’s highly likely that these items will find a way of working themselves back into your closets, cupboards, and drawers. Have old furniture, kitchenware, or clothing? See if a local charitable organization is accepting items and will do a pickup. Having a pickup scheduled can be a good way to get motivated to get the work done.

2. Clean the Exterior & Inspect Your Window Screens

- One extremely way to increase your home’s curb appeal is as easy as turning on the hose (or pressure washer if you have one!) and giving your siding a quick blast to remove unwanted dirt and debris. While you’re at it, inspect your window screens and see if you can find any small tears that need replacing to avoid letting bugs in. Warmer weather is around the corner and you’ll want to open those windows!

3. Simplify Your Living Room

- Take a look around your living room and consider reducing the amount of books and media to create a more relaxing space. Donate used books, movies and music to your local library or sell them. Organize what’s left, hiding anything unsightly (like gaming equipment) behind closed doors. There is even this modern Ikea hack to help hid your router: click here.

4. Deep Clean the Kitchen

- Give your kitchen a fresh spring start with a thorough cleaning. In addition to your usual cobweb clearing and floor mopping, wipe down walls and doors and vacuum behind the fridge and stove. Encourage seasonal eating by cleaning out the fridge and pantry, and stocking the space with items from your local farmers market. Check the expiration dates on your spices and toss/repurchase as necessary.

5. Clean Ceiling Fans & Overhead Lighting

- Time to bust out a tall ladder and carefully get to work! Use a duster or microfiber rags to remove dust from fans and light fixtures. Be careful not to use wet rags; it will only make the dust harder to remove. For caked-on grime, start with a dry duster or microfiber cloth and then move on to a fresh damp cloth if needed.

6. Streamline Your Files

- Tax Day is quickly approaching. Since you’ll likely be digging through your paperwork and files as you prepare taxes, take some additional time to shred/recycle junk as you come across it rather than stuffing it back into your files. A slimmed down file drawer will make it much easier to find what you need so it’s worth the extra effort now.

7. Freshen Patios & Porches

- The longer days always tend to draw people outdoors onto porches, patios, and decks to soak up some sunshine. Make sure your outdoor spaces are ready for the season by cleaning away cobwebs and leaves, washing floors and refreshing outdoor furniture.

8. Refresh Your Textiles

- If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your rugs or upholstery, this could be the right focus for you. Start by laundering small washable items, like shower curtains, cotton rugs and washable slipcovers, at home. When laundering slipcovers, try putting them back on while they’re still barely damp for a better fit.

9. Check Safety Devices

- Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products; you can find up-to-date listings at Recalls.gov.

10. Clean Out the Garage

- Can you park your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to make some more space. Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your March! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Fall Ready

Happy First Day of Fall! Get your home colder weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Add Weatherstripping

- Have older windows in your home? Inspect them and consider adding weatherstripping to help retain heat and stop drafts. If you’ve applied weatherstripping to your windows before, inspect the areas where it was previously applied and see if any need replacing.

2. Remove Window A/C Units

- Used window air-conditioning units? Now is the time to remove them! Or if they are outside, cover them with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them outside.

3. Cozy Up With Warm Layers

- Yes, it’ll still be in the high 80’s this weekend, but now is the time to bust out your warmer bedding, blankets, coats, and shoes. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills!

4. Clean Leather Furniture

- It’s important to know whether your leather furniture has a finish before treating it with any products, so check labels or look up the item on the retailer’s or manufacturer’s website before you begin. If you have unprotected leather (aniline), wipe it clean with distilled water and a cloth. If you have protected leather (semianiline or pigmented), you can be a little harsher and use a homemade cleaning solution or commercial leather cleaning product. Wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

5. Inspect Roof and Gutters

- Give your roof and gutters a quick visual inspection. Pull out any sticks, leaves, or other debris blocking your gutters. Make note of any worn out seals around your vent pipes and chimneys.

6. Schedule Chimney and Furnace Maintenance

- Speaking of chimneys, make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Maintain Your Washer and Dryer

- I cannot stress it enough! It is so incredibly important to clean out your dryer vents on a regular basis! If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning out your dryer vent, hire a professional to do it for you. Washing-machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

9. Consider Beefing Up Insulation

- Energy bills can get fairly costly during the fall/winter. Consider adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. Not only would this help save on your energy bills during the winter, it also helps to keep your home cooler during the summer months.

10. Order Firewood

- Whether you use a wood stove for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. If you can help it, don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but do keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your September! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Summer Ready

Happy Summer! Get your hot weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Prep Your Porch

- Get your porch ready for summertime hangouts by cleaning the front door, flooring, exterior windows, and windowsills. Dust light fixtures and remove cobwebs. Add some summer decor with a new doormat and some seasonal flowers.

2. Add Shade to Outdoor Spaces

- Adding a few free-standing umbrellas to your outdoor space will make a huge difference when it comes to enjoying the nice weather or when you are entertaining. For a more permanent solution, considering installing a shade sail.

3. Keep Your Landscape Fire-Safe

- It’s important to do what you can to keep your home fire safe, especially if you plan on using a firepit this summer. Remove old fallen leaves, weeds, etc. and if your landscaping gets a little dry due to the heat, spray everything down with water before lighting up the grill or firepit.

4. Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

- Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed – even something as small as a soda cap filled with water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Stay ahead of the problem, walk around your property once or twice a week and dump out any water that may be collecting in tarps, children’s toys, flower pots, saucers, bird baths, patio furniture, etc.

5. Clean Out Your Garage

- It will likely take longer than one weekend to go through, clean, and organize your garage, but it’s well worth it! Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

6. Check Your Safety Devices

- You should always check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. Don’t forget to replace them every 10 years!

7. Inspect Kitchen and Bath Fixtures

- Start by making notes of areas needing new grout or caulk and any slow leaks that need to be repaired. Freshen your kitchen drain by using a garbage disposal cleaner or by grinding a few ice cubes along with a few tablespoons of salt.

8. Tune Up Your Lawnmower and Garden Tools

- Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup so they’re ready to work hard. Sharp tools are safer and do a better job! After using your garden tools, wipe them off with a damp cloth, dry them well and coat them lightly with a few drops of a multipurpose oil.

9. Schedule Big Home Projects

- Thinking of replacing your deck or a landscape makeover? Now is the time to schedule the right pro for the job. Contractors tend to fill up fast during the summer so to ensure your project gets done in a timely manner, don’t delay booking.

10. Deep Clean Your Grill

- Hello grilling season! Make sure your grill is ready for your backyard barbeques by giving it a deep clean. This will also help prevent flare ups while grilling. Clean the grates and interior with a grill brush and wash the exterior with warm, soapy water.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Spring Ready

Nice weather is on its way! Welcome Spring with a little gardening and some spring cleaning.

1. Remove Winter Layers

- Time to swap out your heavy winter bedding for lighter covers and quilts. Consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months.

2. Make Mirrors and Table Lamps Shine

- Remove dust from table lamps with a duster or soft rag and wipe down mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. Doing this will enhance the light throughout your space.

3. Simplify the Table

- Go through your cupboards and let go of any mismatched or chipped dishes and donate any sets you no longer have love for. Keep a basket of fresh cloth napkins within easy reach of the table to make it more convenient than grabbing paper napkins, and invest in a living centerpiece that will stay fresh and green with little maintenance, such as potted succulent plants.

4. Spring Clean the Kitchen

- Give your kitchen a fresh start this spring by cleanings items and areas normally missed during your day-to-day cleaning. Start with your smaller appliances, clean out grease and grime from your rangehood, clean the backsplash, dust light fixtures, and vacuum those hard to reach places like behind the fridge and under the stove.

5. Clean Slipcovers and Soft Furnishings

- Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be washed at home, but drop off larger pieces with the professionals. If you are washing anything at home, be sure to carefully read the washing instructions and err on the side of caution.

6. Dust High Corners and Baseboards

- Use a vacuum attachment or a duster to dust and remove cobwebs from the low and high spots we often miss during routine cleaning.

7. Refresh the Entryway

- With winter gone, it’s nice to give your entryway a refresh. Start by either cleaning or replacing your doormat. Clear out or organize your coat closet or anything you have on hooks. Don’t forget to put out your umbrella holder for our PNW spring showers.

8. Clean Up Patio Furniture

- Winter can take a toll on your outdoor furniture if not stored or covered properly. Be sure to give everything a good scrub before you start using your patio furniture in the warmer months. Wash any washable cushion covers and replace worn-out items if needed.

9. Tune Up Lawn and Garden Tools

- Sharp tools get the job done! Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tune up before you begin work in your garden.

10. Make a Garden Plan

- There is still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan, jot down some ideas for this season’s plants, and pick up some seeds or seedlings. Also consider making changes to the hardscape of your garden. Maybe a new path or new fencing?

Lastly, another great home maintenance tip for this spring would be to inspect your home’s exterior for winter damage and make repairs as needed.

Hope you all have a wonderful Spring Season. Until next month!

Resource: https://www.houzz.com/

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Winter Ready

Happy first day of winter! Get your home winter ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Prevent Pipes from Freezing

- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and place an insulated cover over the faucet. Keep the heat set no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away.

2. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors

- Nothing new, but you should always check your detectors monthly and replace batteries when necessary. This is especially important to do during the winter since we keep windows closed and use fireplaces more often.

3. Protect Entryway Flooring

- Avoid damaging your flooring by adding protective mats inside and outside your home’s entrance. It might be a good idea to provide a waterproof bin for wet shoes and boots.

4. Remove Debris from Gutters

- Don’t let water back up in your gutters. Remove any debris to prevent leaks, ice dams, and damage to your roof and gutters.

5. Check Your Emergency Supply Stash

- Better safe than sorry! Make sure you have flashlights, batteries, fresh bottled waters, shelf stable food etc. in case of any emergencies or power outages.

6. Reverse Ceiling Fans

- Running the blades in a clockwise position during the colder months can push heated air down. This home maintenance task makes rooms with high ceilings more comfortable.

7. Install Storm Windows & Doors

- This will help reduce heat loss during the winter months, especially homes with single-paned windows. If you plan on purchasing storm windows and doors, take accurate measurements beforehand.

8. Clean Window Weep Holes

- Window weep holes are designed to drain rainwater that can collect in your window frames’ bottom channel. Sometimes bugs, dust, and debris can clog the weep holes which can cause water to fill up the channels and spill over into your home. If you notice your window weep holes are clogged, poke a wire hanger into the hole and use compressed air to clean it out.

9. Check Outdoor Lighting

- Make sure all of your outdoor lights are functioning correctly, especially any motion sensor lights you might have. This will help prevent any slips or falls on ice covered driveways and pathways.

10. Check for Air Leaks

- Check for air leaks around windows and doors and check for cracks in caulking or weatherstripping. Also, replace caulk and weatherstripping if necessary.

I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season! Until next month!

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Autumn Ready

Happy Fall Ya’ll! Get your home autumn ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Clean Out Your Gutters

- An old plastic spatula comes in handy when it’s gutter cleaning time. It doesn’t scratch up the gutter and you can cut the spatula to fit gutter contours. Grime wipes right off the spatula too, making cleanup a breeze.

2. Check Your Smoke & CO Detectors

- With heaters running and fireplaces roaring, fall is a great time to make sure your smoke and CO detectors are working. Be sure to check the batteries and expiration dates. Smoke detectors are typically good for 10 years and CO detectors last for about six years.

3. Replace the Furnace Filters

- Changing your furnace filter is one the simplest tasks on this list. If it’s been awhile since you’ve changed it, be sure to replace it with a new one before kicking on the heater this fall.

4. Schedule Chimney & Furnace Maintenance

- Speaking of furnaces, depending on the last time it was cleaned, you’ll want to schedule a chimney cleaning. Make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now.

5. Remove Window A/C Units

- If you used window a/c units this summer, which A LOT of us have, you’ll want to remove and store them. If you choose to keep them up, make sure to pick up some insulating covers to minimize winter heat loss.

6. Fertilize the Lawn

- Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn one last time. With the epic heat waves we had this summer, your lawn could use some fertilizer and the long anticipated PNW rainy season.

7. Add Weatherstripping to Windows & Doors in Need

- Newer double-paned windows won’t necessarily need weatherstripping, but it is a good idea for older windows to prevent leaks and retain heat. This goes for your doors as well. You don’t want tiny pests seeking solace from the autumn rain in your home.

8. Maintain the Washer & Dryer

- It’s a good idea to thoroughly clean out your dryer vents often, but you’ll want to make sure that your washer hoses are in good shape as well. Cracked hoses can cause leaks and costly repairs. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machines work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire – which is always a good thing.

9. Cozy Up with Warm Layers

- Now’s the time to start thinking about changing out your lighter-weight bedding with some flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Bring warmth to your home by adding a few throw blankets around the house or even swap out the area rug for something thicker. Not only will slight changes like this make your home cozy, it can also cut down on your energy bills.

10. Get Your Wardrobe Fall Ready

- Fall is a great opportunity to sort through your wardrobe, donate things you no longer wear, and get your colder weather pieces repaired or dry cleaned. Gather your summer clothes and put them in an out-of-the-way spot so your fall wardrobe can be front and center.

By prepping your home for the colder months ahead of us, you’ll prevent breakdowns, save money and keep your home looking brand spanking new! Now add a few cozy touches here and there, relax in your favorite chair, and enjoy the comforts of your fall ready home.

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

Summer is right around the corner, so let’s take a break from the “PDX Neighborhood Spotlights” and discuss ways you can get your home ready for the sunny day BBQs ahead of us!

Inspect the Exterior of Your Home

Speaking of BBQs, let’s talk grills. If you have a charcoal grill, empty your grill and wipe away any dust or residue. Clean the outside and inside of your grill with hot water, dish soap and a scrub brush. Don’t forget to let your grill dry off before using it. If you have a gas grill, close the lid, turn the heat on high and let the grill cook for about 30 minutes. Once the grill has cooled, use a grill brush to sweep the grill. Clean out all of the drip trays and then wipe down the outside with a sponger and cleaner.
Even though cleaning out gutters and downspouts may seem like a spring or fall chore, doing it in the summer is also a good idea because summer storms and high winds can cause debris to fall into your home’s gutters.
Inspect your home’s foundation for leaks and cracks. Cracks can create an entry point for groundwater which can lead to serious flooding.
Wash your windows inside and out.
Repair and repaint any cracked, chipped or faded exterior paint.

Power Wash

Pressure wash your home’s siding and brick. There are very few things more satisfying than watching how much dirt, dust and grim pressure washing can remove from your home’s exterior surfaces.
Check out this video for some great pressure washing tips.
Before pressure washing your porch or deck, inspect it to see if there are any rotting boards that need to be replaced. If you notice any bubbling/cracks in the sealant of your deck, it’s time to reseal!

Inspect the Interior of Your Home

Re-caulk seals on doors and windows if you are notice any leakage in your windows/doors. This can also help increase your home’s energy efficiency.
Reverse the setting your ceiling fans to counter-clockwise! This pushes air down and helps create a nice breeze in your space.
You’re not the only one who loves a nice and cool home… watch out for bug/pest infestations. Try an outdoor bug repellent barrier spray if you start to notice ants or spiders inside your home.
Clean your garbage disposal to avoid a costly plumber invoice.

Inspect Air Conditioners

Get your A/C checked and serviced. By doing this, you can extend the life of your A/C unit and reduce the need for costly repairs.
If you have a window A/C unit, make sure to clean off the filters before using them.
If you are running your A/C a lot during the summer months, you’ll want to clean the filters once a month.

Clean Your Dryer Vent!!

This is soooooo important! Be sure to clean clogged lint and dust in your dryer vents to avoid house fires (approximately 2,900 home laundry dryer fires are reported each year!).
Check out this video for the proper way to clean your dryer vent.

This list may seem a little daunting, but even tackling a few items on this home maintenance checklist will help prevent breakdowns, save you some money and keep your home looking brand spanking new!

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

April Home Maintenance Checklist

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Fall Ready

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Summer Ready

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Spring Ready

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Winter Ready

10 Things You Should Do to Get Your Home Autumn Ready

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

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