I often get asked by homeowners and sellers about maintaining their home for future sale. Here are a few tips I recommend.
- Change your furnace filter monthly. This is so easy yet so important especially for energy conservation.
- Drain your water heater at least once a year - the sediment will drain out with the water and prolong your water heater's life.
- Clean the coils on your baseboard heating units that use hot water, this will maximize their efficiency.
- Check your circuits - flip your breakers off and on again. If you have a breaker that keeps shutting off with regular use then you might consider calling an electrician.
- Watch out for drips - check under your sinks for leaks and water stains and be sure to clean your drains regularly to prevent slow drainage.
- Be mindful of the age of your hot water heater, furnace, roof and other important components of your house. Like everything they have a life expectancy and if you take care of them they will last a long time but if you don't they could severely compromise the value of your home.
- Purchasing a home plan from your local utility company to regularly inspect your furnace and hot water heater could save you lots of money in the long run with expensive repairs.
- Check your basement regularly for water or moisture. As homes get older they often settle and you could find small cracks that might allow moisture to enter your home. You should check for these and repair them early to prevent any further damage to your home.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. This will prevent fire hazards if you use your fireplace regularly and also help with energy efficiency.
- Ask your realtor about a home warranty when purchasing your home or afterwards. A good home warranty can save you money on the repair and replacement of appliances and important parts of your home. It can also save you and trying to decide who to call to make repairs.
