BAD WEATHER KEEPING YOU INDOORS? FIX UP YOUR HOUSE!

When bad weather hits, use the down time to take care of these simple home maintenance projects. Little leaks and squeaks can be easy to fix.

When heavy snows or summer storms keep you stuck indoors, you might consider passing the time with some simple home maintenance tasks.

These simple projects can alleviate your boredom while protecting your family’s safety and the value of your home.

1. Change smoke and carbon monoxide batteries. Don’t wait for detectors to start chirping at you… replace all the batteries at one time. At most you’ll need to do this twice a year, so why not take care of it in a single go?

2. Test your ground-fault circuit interruptor outlets. These are the outlets typically found in bathrooms and kitchens which are designed to prevent catastrophic electrocution. A video on GFCI outlets and how to test them can be found on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vkd43t2y2to

3. Clean kitchen stove and dryer vents. Clogged kitchen vents reduce the efficiency of the exhaust system and lint built up in dryer vents can be a major cause of house fires.

4. Lubricate water shut-off valves. Since they’re so seldom turned, these valves can rust and seize up over time. Use WD-40 to lubricate the valves, letting the lubricant work into the metal if need be. Turn and test the valves under sinks, around toilets, and to the lines supplying water to your washer.

5. Inspect hoses. Cracked or leaking drain hoses, ice machine water lines, and washing machine supply lines can all lead to unexpected flooding. (This is a good job to pair with lubricating your valves.)

6. Silence squeaky floor boards. Did you know a little talcum powder worked into the cracks between floor boards can help reduce friction and quiet down noise?

7. Tighten loose knobs and handles. Break out your screwdrivers and work through cabinets, drawers, and all other doors. You’re likely to find a few places you can tighten up a nagging screw.

If you come across any larger projects you'd like handled and need a referral for a plumber, electrician, or contractor, get in touch with a real estate agent today. They'd be happy to share their favorites with you.

Comments

SPRING ROOF INSPECTION

The roof is the one thing between your home and the elements... doesn’t it deserve a little respect? Here are some roof maintenance tips to preserve your home’s value. Ah, the humble roof. We forget that the single most important structural element in our home is the roof. It provides shelter for those we love and the things we value. It’s easy to let maintenance slide on something we take for granted. With better weather days upon us, now is a good time to inspect the roof and make sure it’s up to the task of protecting your home’s value. Here are some crucial elements you’ll want to look for during a roof inspection: Are the gutters clean and in good shape? Organic debris building up in your gutters can cause water to pool and foster an environment for roof rot. Do you see any curling around the bottom edges? Are there any gaps or holes in the soffit? Are there surface cracks in shingles? Cracks warn you of impending disintegration or separati

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME: SEVEN TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

Now that you've made the decision to purchase your first home, a hearty congratulations is in order! Becoming a homeowner, especially for the first time, can stir up some feelings of anxiety and excitement. With the knowledge that you gain through individual research and the help of your REALTOR®, you will soon begin to feel like a seasoned house hunter. Tip # 1: Do Your Homework Did you know that there are a number of incentives available to first-time home buyers? In Canada, there is the First-Time Homebuyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit. The Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009. Another incentive is the Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP). To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a

A SPRING SPREAD ANY BUNNY CAN CREATE

(Culinary.net) With spring in the air, it’s the perfect time to invite guests over for a hopping party. It’s also a great opportunity to tackle that dreadful spring cleaning and spruce up your living spaces with vibrant decor for visitors to enjoy alongside a delicious recipe. With this sweet, colorful table arrangement, your whole family can get into the spring spirit. From festive utensils, a bright centerpiece and cute snacks, your spring setup can be fresh and fabulous. It’s simple to put together and easy on the budget. Pair it with appetizers or even a main dish for a full spring party spread that’s sure to impress. Find more springtime recipes at Culinary.net . Watch video to see how to create this Spring Table Spread! Chick Cheese Balls Recipe adapted from Hallmark.com Yield: 10 chicks 1 package cream cheese 1/4 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 lemon, juice only salt, to taste pepper, to taste 1 cup fine

At Home With Valerie

Search This Blog