Friendly Reminders

These are both seasonal and basic household maintenance issues that homeowners can EASILY address on their own. Our feeling is that homeowners are more likely to check on a specific issue if given Friendly Reminders via email or phone calls. We will provide clients with their own customized list, which will be outlined after our first visit.

• Test batteries on your Smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
• Check your fire extinguishers pressure or expiration date
• Air filters replacement every 30 to 90 days.
• Change humidifier filter once a year
  • Close humidifier damper in the spring and open in the fall
• Check gutters and down spouts during rainstorms for proper drainage. Look for any overflow and leaking in any of the corners and seams.
• Check basement floor and walls during and after rainstorms, along with all ceilings to ensure catching any leaks sooner then later.
• Keep basement below 60% humidity.
• Inspect duct work if possible for any leaks
• Check doors and windows for drafts during windy days.
• Seasonal rotation of houseplants.
• Sprinkler flush before the first freeze.
• Remove garden hoses before first freeze.
• Landscape fabric and stakes for frost advisories.
• Make sure you have rock salt and a snow shovel on hand at the start of the winter season.
• Lawn aeration.
• Check all water shut off valves for any signs of deterioration.
• Educate family members on where all shut offs are: Gas, main water and individual water shut off valves and how to use them in case of an emergency.
• Educate family on where the electric panel is and how to reset a circuit that has tripped or how to change a fuse that has blown and show them what it would look like if a circuit has tripped or a fuse has blown.
• Clean dehumidifier filter/s once a month when running continuously.
• Vacuum:
  • Dryer hose to prevent a potential fire hazard
  • Air intake registers
  • Electric baseboard heat to remove dust
  • Ceiling fans
  • Bathroom exhaust fans
• Remove and place range hood filter in dishwasher once a month to remove grease to prevent a potential fire hazard.
• Plumbing that is not used on a regular basis, such as sinks, showers or anything that has a trap should have water run through them every once in a while to keep water in the trap. When water is in the trap, methane gas can’t get out into the house
• Power outage checklist so you are prepared for an emergency.
• Request a copy of your annual water quality report
• First aid kit on hand.
• “What to-do” check lists; vacation, severe storms, etc. Suggest a survival pack.