Resources: Newsletter Articles: Preventive Maintenance

Your home is one of your most valued assets, and proper maintenance can protect its value. Home maintenance is an on-going process that requires a disciplined approach, but pays big dividends in the long run. A well-maintained home is more enjoyable to live in, and usually sells more readily and brings a higher price than a comparable home in less desirable condition.

Maintenance and repair costs can be minimized by taking care of issues as they arise, preventing further damage; this is especially important with water issues, such as drips, leaks or moisture problems. Inspect one part of your house each month, to ensure you address all potential issues. Include a maintenance/repair category in your monthly budget, and create a special account for the periodic, expensive repairs required as a house ages.

There are steps you can take right now to keep your home in top shape, inside and out. Start at the foundation of the house and work upward and inward. Here's where to start outside your house:

• Note any cracks in foundation, brick or stucco, and repair as needed.
• Trim any trees or shrubs that touch house. Rake debris away from the side of the house and other structures.
• Clean out gutters and downspout elbows. Use a hose to check for leaks.
• Clean under decks and porches, as well as gaps between deck boards above joists.
• Hose off house exterior (Spring). Scrub any mildewed areas of house exterior and decks and treat as necessary.
• Inspect and replace or repair weatherstripping, screens and window glazing, as needed.
• Have your roof inspected every two years.

Annual interior maintenance items should include:

• Inspect plumbing shutoff valves and look for any plumbing leaks... especially under sinks.
• Change furnace and water filters. Inspect and clean faucet aerators and shower heads.
• Vacuum heating registers, vents, ducts, radiators, smoke alarms and motion sensors connected to your alarm system.
• Test all household alarms, especially smoke alarms; change batteries frequently.
• Clean and seal tile grout.
• Locate circuit breakers and make sure they function properly.
• Have chimneys swept, and fireplace cracks fixed.
• Make sure handrails and posts on stairways are secure. Repair or replace as necessary.
• Drain 1-2 gallons of water from water heater to prevent sediment build-ups.

The purpose of preventive maintenance is to maintain the integrity of your home, and prevent small problems from becoming big ones. If you don't want to do the work yourself, call me for referrals to qualified, experienced service providers! Always make sure you get written estimates, and do not pay until after services have been performed to your satisfaction.

sherrybenninger@grubbco.com

The GRUBB Co., 1960 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA 94611

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