Winter Home Maintenance Tips for Homeowners in Charlotte NC
Now that the holiday decorations are all packed nicely away, it's time to do a little home interior maintenance. While you're 'stuck' indoors for a couple more cold winter months, you may as well address the interior maintenance so you're free to head outdoors as soon as spring arrives! Here are a few items that are quick fixes to stay on top of home maintenance:
- You're cleaning out you 2009 files anyway, be sure to check your home appliance warranties--if they're about to expire, negotiate a new contract with your provider. This is one warranty that I will never be without during the first 5 - 7 years of ownership--they're worth their weight in gold!
- If your appliances have seen better days and you know you'll soon be in the market for a new one (or two), home imporvement and appliance stores tend to bargain price last year's models this time of the year. Check the 'scratch and dent' areas too--chances are the scratch or dent is in an area that is not visible once the appliance is installed. These can generally be found at steep discount prices.
Do you have photos of the interior items in your home for insurance purposes? Should you suffer a natural disaster or an accident in your home, it's nice to have photos of each item of value to you. A video works just as well. File the photos or video away in your fireproof safe or in your safety deposit box.
- Mark you calendar for routine maintenance for the upcoming months--- the HVAC will need to be serviced in early spring. Negotiate your contract with your HVAC provider.
- Be sure to have plenty of air filters on hand--buying in quantity is less expensive in the long run and remember to change them every 30 days.
- Got a squeaky floor? Locate the origin of the squeak and use a galvanized finish nail or screw to secure the floor to the joist. You can do this whether you have access to the floor or not. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, I'll bet your handyman would be happy to do this for you!
- Where's that knob? Did the drawer pull come right off when you were serving Thanksgiving dinner? These things happen at the WORST times, don't they?! Well, take one to the home improvement or specialty store and find it's match. Are you feeling creative? Is that bathroom in need of a little pick-me-up? Why not change out ALL of the knobs? It could be an inexpensive fix for a whole new look in your bathrooms or kitchen.
It's COLD outside! Homeowners in Charlotte NC are worried about ruptured pipes more than we've ever worried! Be sure that your pipes are wrapped or that you leave a faucet dripping if you're going to be away for any length of time. Ruptured pipes can happen even if you're home but, here are a few good tips for preventing burst pipes.
Now, snuggle up by the fireplace with a good book and enjoy the winter!
(THE best Charlotte home search available - no kidding!)
Debe Maxwell, CRS/Realtor®/Broker
Broker@TheCharlotteScoop.com
Phone (704) 491-3310
