Reminders for Spring

Have you put in new smoke alarm batteries?

Check your fire extinguisher to see that it is properly pressurized.

If your house needs painting, make sure the temperature isn’t below 50 degrees for best performance.

Check any play equipment outdoors for any rotted wood or weak areas in the structures.

Next month you might want to spray poison ivy as it is growing better this year!

Clean up those garbage cans and bird baths and get rid of any standing water.

Wash your windows on a cloudy day to prevent streaking.

Power-wash your decks to get rid of any mold.

Have you had your chimney inspected? Beat the fall rush.

Tips for checking in January

Check your home for radon: Radon can build up when our doors and windows are closed tightly. This is an active gas that causes lung cancer. You can check this out on epa.gov/radon

Make sure your attic insulation is adequate. When snow melts off your roof soon after a snowfall when our temperatures do not fluctuate, you may have heat being lost from your home.

Tips for checking in February

If you have a sump pump, you may want to check it now before the spring thaw and rains.

You may want to check your gas meter to see if it is frozen over, which can cause it to malfunction or leak. Call your gas company if this is the case.

It is important to take a look around for possible hazards whether you have
children of your own or just an occasional visitor. They are naturally curious.

Safety latches and locks on drawers and cabinets in kitchens and baths keep
these curious little ones out of medications and hazardous cleaners. Outlet
covers prevent electrical shock. Gates prevent falls in dangerous areas.

Blind and shade cords need to be kept out of reach. Window locks and guards
and door locks keep small ones safe when your back is turned.

Little ones love to climb. Keep furniture placement in mind. Protect sharp
corners on furniture and fireplace hearths for those trips and falls. Turn your
handles on Cooking Pots on stoves inward away from those grabbing little hands.

If you have a pool, keep gates locked and always keep a watchful eye when
children are present as they are all fascinated by the water. An alert system for
gates and pool can also be installed.

Please don’t forget your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and remember
to check the batteries.

Having your agent and/or an interior designer walk through with you to give you an idea on colors and placement of your furniture can enhance the presentation of your home.

Having a home inspection done by a licensed home inspector prior to listing enables you to take care of any needed repairs. Offering this inspection and repairs done to buyers is a useful tool in marketing.

Find out how you can make your home more energy efficient by having an energy check. This enables you to save money and appeals to buyers.

Your home should be organized and clutter removed, especially closets. You want to make your home look as spacious as possible.

Keeping your home safe should be your number one priority. More accidents happen in your homes than anywhere and most of these occur in the bathroom.

Placing non skid mats in showers and tubs and including non skid rugs outside these locations helps. Grab bars near your commode and in the shower and tub is helpful also.

Hot water heater temperature should be no higher than 120 degrees to prevent water burns, especially for children. This is an energy savings for you as well.

Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plugs should be installed where plugs are located near a water source. These can prevent serious burns and electrocution, as the electrical current is stopped instantly should one drop an electric razor or hair dryer into the water.