August 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!!

1. Energy Efficiency TIP: Clean and/or replace HVAC filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer.  Dirty filters block air-flow through these systems, increasing your energy bill and shortening the equipment’s life.  To change the air filter in your home view these easy to follow instructions. CLICK HERE.  Wondering what type of filter is best for your system?  The Home Depot's website has this handy air filter buying guide to help you choose the right size and type of air filter for your HVAC system.
2. Energy Efficiency TIP: Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F to get comfortable hot water for most uses.
3. $$$ - You can save money by contacting your HVAC professional today to schedule your furnace tune up and to get your heating ducts cleaned.  Need a referral for an HVAC contractor?  Give me a call.
4. Inspect for open joints around windows and caulk.
5. Inspect for gaps around doors and thresholds and weather-strip.
6. Vacuum coils of refrigerator condenser.
7. Sharpen blades of garbage disposer with ice cubes and freshen with lemon.
8. Flush whirlpool pump to remove bacteria and mineral build-up.
9. Sharpen lawn mower blade.  Not sure how?  Click Here.
10. Maintain lawn and garden beds by watering, mowing and weeding.

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, Easton, Needham and Westwood
at Greenwood Real Properties our goal is straightforward: to exceed your expectations and earn your business for life