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It is a glorious fall in The Triangle and as the leaves and temperatures are falling, you will need to do some seasonal maintenance to ensure your home is prepared. These tips save money and keep your home in good condition. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes and this is really with home maintenance. If you are considering selling this winter or fall, these will also need to be on your checklist. Looking for a specialist to help you maintain your home, work on the gutters, or check your roof? Please reach out! We have excellent home maintenance partners.
Get your Mind on Your Gutters!
Your gutters play a critical role in your home by diverting thousands of gallons of water annually off of your home. They drain the exterior, to keep a properly functioning interior, so it is vital to clean them regularly and maintain them. Use gutter guards for leaves and debris and check for rust and corrosion.
Raise the Roof Concerns
Checking your roof seasonally is basic maintenance. While we do not have the same problems up north, such as ice and large amounts of snow, we do get storms that can cause leaks. Once you have a leak, it likely is the symptom of a much larger problem. When you are scanning your roof for damage, if you do this yourself, check for cracks in shingles, metal poking out, and exposed areas around vents and the chimney. We don't recommend climbing on your roof, rather use a pair of binoculars.
Chim-Chimney
Ready for cozy time inside? Check the chimney first. Be sure that the flue is clear and to be extra sure, call a chimney sweep. It is a favorite bird nest space and checking it yourself is quite dangerous. If you burn wood, you should have your chimney cleaned annually.
Is there a draft in here? 
As temperatures drop and heating systems warm up, you will lose money and suffer potential discomfort, if your home is not properly sealed. According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 20% by proper insulation. We recommend either fresh weather stripping and checking caulking annually to ensure proper insulation. What is a good way to check windows? See if you can pass a piece of paper through openings.
Calling All Alarms 
Review your safety systems. Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers all need to be checked. These are basic measures but should be on your checklist for year-round safety. As we approach the holidays for gift-giving, you also might want to consider an alarm system or check your existing as well. With more valuables in a home, this time of year can witness increased home burglaries.
Curb Appeal
Fixing walkways may sound like a curb appeal item, but a slip and fall can be grounds for action. Repairing paint, cleaning carpets, and all elements of curb appeal are good investments and measures to take to prepare for fall and winter.
Furnace Fun-ctions
Whether you operate a furnace or gas heating, it is always a good idea to get your system assessed before heavy use. This is not something you should do on your own, you should call in a professional to test the functions more fully than operational. An improperly functioning heating system can not only be costly if it malfunctions, it can be deadly as it can omit carbon monoxide.
We hope that this list will help you prepare for the season and enjoy the season on The Triangle! If you are considering selling during the holidays or you are forced to, we can help you out during this busy season. While many consider it an inopportune time, the conditions for buyers and sellers are not to be missed. Contact My NC Homes for more information on making the most of the market conditions.
Posted by Larry Tollen on
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