By Jule’ Dunham
Greetings from the World of Real Estate with Julè. Let’s continue with Monthly maintenance which should be considered while being a homeowner and some of these suggestions you may consider even if you are a renter. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” really holds true with home and car maintenance.
Regular maintenance can save you a lot of money later. Remember never be embarrassed to ask for help. It is better to be safe than sorry.
This is a continuation of the checklist from last week:
Inspect tub and sink drains for hair and any thing else that may cause plumbing issues. Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water (be careful not to get burned) weekly may help with clog prevention.
Clean window and door screens.
Vacuum dryer vent to remove lint from laundry. If this is not done periodically the lint may cause a fire.
Replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These detectors should be on each floor of the home, basement also.
Refrigerators should be pulled out and cleaned behind them. Unplug the refrigerator, dust the back and sides with a dry cloth, then with a pail of mild detergent and vinegar clean the back and sides again. Be sure to vacuum under the refrigerator or hire someone to come out and do routine maintenance on the unit. By using your owner’s manual, you will learn how to clean it properly.
Downspouts for gutters should be free of any debris from maintaining the lawn for proper drainage.
Kitchen and bathrooms sometimes have leaks that are not obvious until it is too late. Check around all sinks, faucets and shut off valves for any type of leak. Remember to check all around the toilet. Check where the tank connects to the bowl and where the base meets the floor. If you should have a leak, now is the time to get it repaired before it does any damage.
Dishwashers can surprise you with a leak. Check the connections from the sink to the dishwasher making sure those connections are not only dry but that there are no holes in the pipes.
We had a tree expert come out this week to examine some trees near our home to their status. One tree in particular needs to be pruned. There are a couple of others that we want removed because they are leaning. If you have a tree or trees that appear to be unhealthy or leaning have them examined by a professional before any damage is done. If a tree falls on your home, not only will it damage your home, it may cause injuries to you or your family.
Clean your trash dumpster. I have just simply walked past some that smell horrible. It is very easy to clean. Rinse it out first, put a little water in it, add some household cleaner of your choice (I use Dawn), add a bit more water, then use your broom, yes, the broom to scrub the bottom and walls inside and out. Ta da!!!!!! Not only is the trash can clean, but the broom is as well.
Be aware of your surroundings when working outside.
Praying you have a great week.
Remember: Say Hello. Be Kind. Be Friendly. Embrace Life and all that it really offers. Keep Life Simple. Making good relationships is very important to our mental, emotional and physical health.
Pay it forward, you will be glad you did.
Should you have a topic you would like addressed, please feel free to contact me.
Here is your local realtor, Julè Dunham, signing off until next week.
Crye-Leike Realtors
Julè Dunham, Affiliate Broker, SRES. Contact her by phone at 901-828-8471 (cell) or 901-840-1181 (office) or by email to: [email protected] for an appointment to speak with you, your group or club. “Let’s Make This Happen Together”
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