5 Seasonal
DIY Home Improvement Projects
The calendar pages may be turning fast, but it’s not too late to take advantage of late summer warm temperatures and do some work that can set you up for a warm, safe, and pest-free fall: Perform routine HVAC maintenance. Some heating and cooling system tasks you can do on your own. With the breaker and gas off, remove the access door and vacuum the burners, base, and blower compartment. Remove and clean the blower with a vacuum and small brush then use a drinking straw to blow dust off the pilot. Inspect the flame sensor, drive belt, and air filter, and clean or replace as needed. Air seal drafty areas around windows and door frames. Prep by removing dust and debris. Using a sealant like Great Stuff Window & Door Insulating Foam Sealant, apply the foam to fill in about 50% of the gap around the window or door, allowing room for the foam to expand. Wipe away imperfections and let sit 10-15 minutes until it’s no longer tacky. Gently press the expanded foam into the gap using a putty knife. Check for damage to hardscaping. Walkways, patios and decks are susceptible to wear that can lead to tripping hazards or allow rain, snow and ice to seep in and create larger problems. Identify issues like loose stones and cracks in concrete. Securing materials, filling cracks and patching problem areas can help prevent further damage during the colder months. Inspect your home’s exterior. Regularly check your roof for missing or cracked shingles or sagging. Clearing gutters can help ensure rain runs away from your house, protecting walls and foundation. Exterior paint/stain that may require periodic updates to maintain its protective function. Eliminate entry points for pests. When temperatures start dropping, creatures want access your home. A solution like Great Stuff Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealant lets you fill gaps and openings with a quick bead of foam. If a rodent has an established pathway, try using a combination of steel wool and the foam to deter it from gnawing through the barrier.
Get A CLUE To
Sell Your Home Preparing your home for sale requires planning and organization. Be aware of what buyers might notice. "Getting your home ready for sale shows that the home was well maintained and cared for. Most buyers expect to tour and eventually purchase a clean, well-cared for home. Make your home as attractive as possible," said Bonnie Lee, VP of property claims at Mercury Insurance. Eliminate clutter - Throw away, donate or sell items that are no longer purposeful. Depersonalize and remove any large visual distractions such as large, distinct artwork or family photos. Bulkier furniture can change the perceived size of a room. Make sure buyers are able to walk around living spaces without bumping into furniture. Deep clean - Deep clean, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Home buyers can detect when candles are being used to mask unpleasant scents of a home. Keeping your home clean will boost that ever-important first impression and maximize the selling cost. Make small repairs - Go through each room and touch up dings on baseboards or doors. Make minor repairs like filling in and repainting holes left in the walls from hanging items. Check for leaking faucets or running toilets and replace worn or damaged caulking around sinks, showers, bathtubs or windows. Curb appeal - Trim any trees or shrubs outside of your property, especially along walkways, for a wellmanicured look. Keep walkways, driveways and porches free of clutter. Replace or repair damaged screens or windows and make sure house numbers are visible. Get a CLUE - A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report provides a detailed history of any insurance claims filed on the house within the last seven years. This report can be useful to buyers and sellers. "Sellers can use a CLUE report as a selling tool to give potential buyers the assurance that they are not buying a home with a history of problems," Lee says. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can request a copy of your CLUE report from LexisNexis
by calling 1-866-312-8076 or by visiting consumer. risk.lexisnexis.com. (BPT)
10 Questions to Ask When Buying a House
In order to help home buyers avoid costly surprises down the road, GoBankingRates put together a list of 10 important – but often overlooked – questions home shoppers need to ask before committing to a home purchase and long-term mortgage debt. According to GoBankingRates contributor, Thomas Hill, it’s important to get to know your future home thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. “Even if you fall head-over-heels for a house, don’t be punch-drunk in love with it,” explains Hills. “A home is just four walls — and there are plenty out there.” You might already have a list of questions to ask a real estate agent to make sure you’re getting the best deal but you also shouldn’t forget to pose these hard-hitting questions to others, too, from the previous homeowners to the neighbors, and even yourself. 1) Is renting or buying a better option? 2) What is the neighborhood’s crime rate? 3) What are my home needs and wants? 4) Where is the seller’s disclosure (known defects of material facts that can affect desirability or value)? 5) Can I make the needed home renovations or additions? 6) What home inspections are available? 7) Why is the House for Sale? 8) Has the property been tested for radon? 9) Are smoke detectors properly installed and located? 10) When was the last time this home had a mold inspection? The most important question to ask before buying a home is whether it’s better to rent or buy in the first place, based on your current financial situation. A large amount of debt or a low credit score may force you to wait a few more years before buying. (PR) August
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