Today I have Tali Wee of Zillow sharing an article on 8 Basic Property Updates to Address Regularly. She has some great ideas listed here!
Thanks Tali!
8 Basic Property Updates to
Address Regularly
By Tali Wee of Zillow
Becoming a homeowner requires a great deal of additional
responsibility. Homeowners must pay their monthly principals, interest, taxes
and insurance to pay off their purchases, but also need to attend to the
general maintenance of their new properties. When homebuyers search for their
perfect homes they often don’t consider the added maintenance
responsibilities of extra bathrooms, larger yards or luxury home features such
as pools or hot tubs.
Regardless of high maintenance properties, all homeowners
should regularly address these eight standard updates to ensure their health
and safety while preventing damage to their homes.
1. Test Smoke Detectors
Every
home should have multiple smoke detectors to alarm at the first warning signs
of a fire. Smoke detectors protect residents and their properties when
functioning properly. However, testing smoke detectors can easily slip a busy
homeowner’s mind. It’s recommended by smoke detector manufacturers and fire
departments to test smoke detectors each month and replace the batteries each
year. Begin a routine; test the detectors on the first of each month when
calendars are turned over and refresh the batteries each year on a birthday celebration.
2. Sterilize Washing Machines
Another
common issue in many homes is the washing machine grows mold and causes the
homeowners clothes to smell dingy. The solution is to sterilize the washing
machine at least once each month. Begin a wash cycle so the drum fills with hot
water. For top load washers, add a quart of bleach and let the cycle agitate
but stop before it drains. Let the bleach water soak for one hour and then
finish the cycle. Next repeat the process with a quart of white vinegar. For
front load washers, add a quart of bleach to the dispenser during a hot wash
cycle. Next, run a new cycle dispensing three cups of white vinegar. To avoid
the process, grocers sell washing machine cleansing tablets to replace the
bleach and vinegar. Some front load washers even have built-in cleaning cycles.
3. Replace Air Filters
To
avoid the expensive cost of hiring a professional to clean out the home’s air
ducts, the homeowner can prevent dust build-up by regularly cleaning the air
filters. Heating and cooling systems have either disposable filters or a
reusable filters. Simply clean the filter or replace the old with the new once
every three months. Old filters have collected dust, mold spores, insects, pet
hair, dander and other airborne debris. Without frequent replacement or
cleaning, the debris and germs are forced through the ducts and blown back into
the home.
4. Spray Insecticide
Another
quarterly project is spraying a barrier of insecticide on the exterior of the
property. Homes with known bug issues should spray once each month when pests
are most common. Simply spray the foundation and adjacent soil surrounding the
property, as well as the window and door frames, vents, spigots or any other
easy entrances to the home. Whether the pests are ants, spiders, cockroaches,
termites or beetles, a perimeter spray every three months should prevent
invasion.
5. Condition Countertops
Most kitchen
and bathroom countertops must be sealed or buffed with mineral oil regularly to
maintain the natural colors of the stone and protect it from staining. Marble
counters require sealing every three months and granite counters once or twice
annually. More trending countertop options such as butcher blocks require
frequent applications of mineral oil and concrete counters need recurrent
sealants to prevent absorption of liquids and acidic damage.
6. Clean Gutters
Homes
in wooded areas are more prone to collecting fallen leaves, needles and other
debris in their gutters. When gutters get backed up with debris, they become
havens for unwanted pests and water doesn’t have a clear pathway to run off the
home. Properties become susceptible to water damage as the run-off finds
alternative routes off the house. Without purchasing high-end, protected
gutters, homeowners can keep their gutters clean by clearing them twice each
year. The best times to clean gutters are once each spring and fall.
7. Re-Caulk Showers
Caulking
along the edges of the bathtub, shower and sink should be removed and replaced
once annually. Caulking dries out, cracks and grows mold and mildew. Damaged
caulking allows water to seep into wood, drywall or other structural materials
that should not be moist and can cause serious mold growth in moist areas. Fresh
caulking acts as a sealant. Simply use a utility knife to cut long the edges
where the old caulk meets the wall or tub, and then pull it out. Apply a small
bead of fresh caulk in the gap and wipe with one finger to spread for an even,
thorough finish.
8. Unclog Drains
Shower drains clog frequently, especially when most home
residents have long hair. When loose hair slips pass the straining drain cover
it collects around the stopper and can be extremely difficult to remove. When
the drain is backed up, shower water with soap residue has difficulty draining.
Tubs and showers can overflow causing water damage and slow drainage can leave a
slick residue in the tub, creating a dangerous hazard for showering residents.
Homebuyers certainly take on more responsibility as
homeowners, managing all the upkeep for their new properties. However, with a
little routine, these eight basic updates can become simple do-it-yourself
projects for homeowners to take pride in the condition of their properties and
improve their health and safety.
