13
Jul
2016

The Best Summer Home Maintenance Tips

July 13th, 2016

The best summer home maintenance tips

By paul Friesen

IMG_8468.jpeg

Here is what you need to know to keep your home in great shape and safe for the summer with no unwanted surprises.

It's that time of the year when we need to do a mini home inspection to prevent any unwanted safety concerns or incur any further expense. Walking around your home for a few minutes and focusing on these areas may alert you to issues that may be of concern. Check off this list and put your mind at ease knowing you have just taken good care of your biggest investment. 

  • Check kids playground equipment for safety concerns. Test the swing ropes and look for loose or sharp pieces that can hurt or harm. Test any wood supports for rot damage. 

  • Check your wood deck, balcony, or concrete for detraction.  Look under the deck for rotted post or beams. Check the deck surface for loose or rotted deck boards. The guardrails and handrails should have gaps no larger then 4" and at least 36"-42" high where there is a drop over 2'. 

  • Check all outside lights are working including motion sensors. Do this at night. Make sure all bulbs are working and motion sensors are activated. All corners of the house should be  illuminated along with house entry walk ways. 

  • Test exterior GFCI outlets (push little test button). There is a little button the outside outlets that says 'test'. Push this in and hit the reset button when it pops out. If it doesn't pop out - it is time to replace it. There reset button may be on the electrical panel if the house is older then 1990.

  • Check the exterior siding for loose pieces or holes. Walk around the house twice looking top to bottom for loose siding, rotted wood and gaps that can allow water or insect access. 

  • Check all window and door locks. Fully open and close all door and activate all locks. If you keep windows open at night - add a secondary lock for safety. 

  • Check for broken window screens. No one likes flies or wasps buzzing around their food. 

  • Check your bathroom and kitchen sinks/drains, toilets connections, laundry tubs for leaks.  Time to get down on your hands and knees and check under all sinks to look for leaking pipes, rusted shut off handles and water connections. Wiggle the toilet base to make sure it's not loose. 

  • Check the hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator, ice maker, and dishwasher for cracks or bubbles. Look behind the washer, pull the fridge out, take off the kick plate under the dishwasher and check for bulging or cracked water pipes. Replacing with stainless steel flex lines is always a good option. 

  • Check Air Conditioner drain lines for damages and insulation.  This is easy to do on your own. Look at the line coming out of the back of the AC outside and inside. One will be insulated, make sure it is intact. Check for water leaks or oil leaks. On a hot day the air blowing off the top of the outside unit (condensor) should be warmer than the outside air. 

  • Check furnace filter. You still use the furnace duct work in the summer so change the filter every 2-3 months. 

  • Check attic for rodents and possible insect access points. The best for last. Grab a face mask and light and inspect the attic for rodent droppings or gaps large enough for insects to enter. Look for daylight in areas there shouldn't be.