Spring and Summer Home Care:

(see also: Fall and Winter Home Care)

We would like to share with you some important maintenance tips and “to do” list items that you’ll want to think about as the temperature begins to rise. Keep in mind that spring is great to give your new home the TLC that it deserves:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts thoroughly including ground extensions. They should be cleared and ready to keep up with our “April showers”.

• Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, to be certain that the batteries are still strong and units are operational. Test smoke detector by pressing button. After approximately 10 seconds, all detectors should go off.

• Check sump pump operation and flush system with clean water.

• Inspect air-conditioning unit for proper operation. Clean exterior of unit.

• Inspect your backsplashes, sinks, showers, tubs, base boards, window frames and doorframes for caulk cracks. Re-caulk as needed. Extreme climate changes in Michigan require that this be done every season.

• Inspect weather-stripping on all doors and replace as needed. Adjust and clean thresholds.

• Inspect windows for smooth and proper operation, adjust and/or lubricate as needed. Clean all window tracks.

• Inspect and touch-up exterior paint, stain and caulk as needed.

• Lubricate door hinges with Dupont dry wax Lubricant.

• Lubricate rollers and guides on garage door and opener.

• Test all GFCI receptacles.

• Change the furnace filter.

• Seed and feed your lawn, when all danger of frost is past.

• Turn the water back on to your sprinkler system and test the system, when all danger of frost is past.

• When you stop using your furnace to heat your home, be sure to shut off your humidifier until the next heating season.

• When landscaping. Always keep the proper grade of your lawn and garden in mind. Improper grading could cause too much water to run toward your home.

• When adding bark and mulch to your gardens, be sure to remove the old bark first. Piling too much bark can hold excess moisture next to your foundation.

• Be sure to run water through drains that often go unused (such as basement drains and guest showers). This will prevent and unpleasant experience known as a “dry trap”. When the drain trap goes dry it can allow sewer gases into your home. Simply adding water will reverse this condition should it happen.

With all home maintenance, it is important to review product manufacturer recommendations and be sure to call a professional if you are uncomfortable performing any of these items.

Fall and Winter Home Care:

(see also: Spring and Summer Home Care)

As cold weather approaches, there are several things that you will want to do to ensure that your new home continues to serve you well. Following is a seasonal checklist that will highlight some very important reminders for fall and winter home maintenance:

• Change the air filter in your heating system before use and be sure to continue to replace the air filter every three (3) months during use. If you have an electronic air cleaner clean with Simple Green and warm water once a month.

• Turn on your heating system to be sure that it is operating effectively BEFORE the cold weather begins. Schedule a maintenance check-up with a HVAC professional if necessary.

• It is time to turn your humidifier on for more comfortable air in your heated home. Be sure to replace the humidifier pad annually for proper operation.

• Remove hose connections and turn off exterior water sources to prevent freezing.

• Clear all water from your sprinkler system to prevent freezing.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every season for your own safety.

• Inspect doors and windows for proper operation. Always keep your windows locked when closed for a tighter seal.

• Be sure that your outside lights are working properly. It is much easier to change light bulbs before ice and snow are present.

• Keep driveways, walks and steps free of salt and de-icers. These agents cause cracking and pitting in cement.

• Remember it is the responsibility of the homeowner to keep the roof and gutters free of snow and ice in order to prevent ice dams, leaks and damage. Please be safe when removing ice and snow from the roof…. Hire a professional if dangerous conditions exist!

• Fall is a great time to seed and feed your lawn, plant and fertilize your perennial garden and prune shrubs and trees.

• Condensation happens. Condensation is a normal condition that can occur on all windows, when relative humidity is very high. This can happen when outside temperatures become very cold and inside temperature become very warm. You can regulate (but not always eliminate) this natural occurrence by adjusting your thermostat and humidifier according to the manufacturer directions.

• Avoid frozen pipes and cold air damage to your home by never leaving your home un-heated in the winter. Be sure to leave your thermostat @ 65 degrees or above when leaving your home for any length of time.

• Be sure to run water through drains that often go unused (such as basement drains and guest showers). This will prevent an unpleasant experience known as a dry trap. When the drain trap goes dry it can allow sewer gases into your home. Simply adding water will reverse this condition should it happen.

With all home maintenance, it is important to review product manufacturer recommendations and be sure to call a professional if you are uncomfortable performing any of these items.

Winter Solutions:

The Facts About Ice Dams and Condensation:

Our builder experts would like you to remember that the most common cause of roof leaks in winter is Ice Dams. Ice Dams are created when snow freezes on a roof. When water cannot flow off the roof because of these dams and debris in gutter and valleys, it will force its way under the shingles and into your home. Proper homeowner maintenance and care is the only solution. Be sure to keep your gutter and valleys free of snow, ice and debris!

You may also see condensation on your windows in the winter. This is caused by excessive humidity. When warm moist air touches a cooler surface, condensation forms. Therefore, the condensation is not a result of cold air leaking in, but of warm air meeting a cooler surface. To lessen condensation, keep drapes and blinds open. Run exhaust fans, and keep your humidifier at the appropriate setting for the weather conditions.

Most of our home care comes from the builder and homebuyer reference library of the nationally recognized NAHB. Fore more information about home maintenance and care, please visit their website at NAHB.com.