Summer is finally here! After all the storms this winter,
it’s the perfect time to give your home a checkup. Every home needs some
maintenance during the year, and most folks also do about one improvement
project each year. As you look ahead to the best months for repair and
remodeling, a little planning can save you both money and time.
Now is a great
time to take pen and paper and go through every room in your home. Check the
exterior too. Make a list of every chore that needs to be done. As you complete
the chores, check them off the list. Make sure that you delegate some of the
work to other members of the household too. For the jobs you can’t do yourself,
hire a professional.
Here are
answers to some of the most common maintenance questions:
Q:
I barely have time to deal with the obvious repair items, how am I supposed to
find time to do a thorough inspection of my home?
A: Most people
who use the checklist as an organizing tool report that it ultimately saves
time. When you know the full range of projects you face, you can group
projects. How many times have you had a plumber out for one problem, like
clearing a drain or fixing a leak; but forgotten to get him to fix a toilet or
change a washer at the same time? If you have a complete “to do” list, you’ll get
all your plumbing problems taken care of in just one visit by the plumber. This
is true for electrical projects as well. For small painting and carpentry jobs,
you can save a huge amount of time by getting it all done as one project.
Q:
My heating and air conditioning company sells a service plan that includes a
spring tune-up. Is that necessary or just a way to get more money out of me?
A: Many heating and air conditioning companies sell such services. If you still have the paperwork that came with the your unit, it will include recommended maintenance. Most units do not require annual, professional maintenance. However, there are simple things you can and should do yourself. Most important, you should keep the outside unit clear of debris, vines and shrubs. Filters should be cleaned or changed following the manufacturers schedule.
Many
people opt to have annual servicing by a professional firm to reduce the
chances of a breakdown during a period of heavy use.. The technician can often
spot problems before they are noticeable to you, and by taking care of it on
the spot, prevent a system failure at a time when it might be very hard to get
a technician out to your home.
Q:
My house just needs one or two minor repairs and I can’t find anyone who’s willing
to do such small jobs. What can I do?
A: If you take the time to look over your whole home, you’ll probably find there are quite a few minor things. Besides repairs, there might be small improvements as well; things like adding a shelf in the pantry, replacing faulty kitchen cabinet handles, or adding a longer handrail to the back steps.
If
you take a little time you will usually find that you can put together a bundle
of small jobs that starts to be pretty attractive to a carpenter or handy
person. If you are planning a more significant project this season, such as a
deck or porch enclosure, it is fairly easy to get the small items taken care of
in conjunction with the larger project.
Q:
I’m a retired widow and my husband used to take care of all the house things. I
don’t think I can do an inspection myself. What can I do?
A: Working with a good checklist, almost everyone can inspect his or her own home. While you won’t be as effective as someone with more experience, you’ll get better every time you do it. It’s a good idea to get more familiar with your home, and doing an inspection is an ideal way to start. If you need help, enlist a trusted neighbor or a family member.
By
making a list and setting a goal to complete it, you’ll get a lot more work done
then you would if you don’t have a written plan. As the old saying goes, if you
fail to plan, you plan to fail! With a written list, you’ll enjoy a great
feeling of accomplishment once every item on the list is crossed off. Have a
great summer.
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