Homeowner Tips

You may think your house is perfect just the way it is, but a prospective buyer may not see it that way. To give your home "curb appeal" and make it more attractive to buyers, there are some tasks you should see to before you place that "For Sale" sign in your front yard. Many of these suggestions are simple, common-sense items; others will require some time and investment. But you'll reap the rewards when a buyer walks into your house and exclaims, "This is the home I've been waiting for!" If your home needs to be painted, this is the time to do it. The interior paint job should be fresh and…

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Potted plants Drag into the garage, or next to a wall. Water them. If located next to a wall, cover with a tarp, blanket, towel or a box. For very tender plants, add a work light. Make sure it is not touching either the cloth or box. Tender in-ground shrubs, perennials and annuals. Water them either the night before, or the morning before the freeze. Cover with a tarp, blanket, towel or a box. For very tender plants, add a work light. Make sure it is not touching either the cloth or box. Do not use plastic It translocates the cold – it's like you never covered the plant at…

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NOTHING lasts forever. That said, many items are less obvious than the spoiled milk in your fridge – there's no expiration date or other obvious signs they have outlived their use. So how long should you let your stuff linger before replacing it? We talked to the experts and nailed down a "best by" date for, well, just about everything: Air Filters Replace after: Six months Why: Filters become clogged with dirt and other particles, reducing the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, says Rozanne Weissman, a spokeswoman for the Alliance to Save Energy. Computers Replace after: Four…

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This checklist covers some basic, necessary maintenance items for most homes. It is by no means all-inclusive. Some items may not be applicable for the type of home and home features you have. For full details, please consult all guides, warranties, and literature provided by Design Tech Homes, as well as the specific warranties and manuals for your home's various appliances. Monthly (on or around the first day of the month) Test and clean/dust smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Test GFCI/GFI receptacle/breaker and outlets Replace/clean heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) air return…

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Caulking to Prevent Water Leaks Often water leaks at a window result from a breakdown in the connection between the frame of the window and the frame of the house. To prevent leaks, the window should be caulked where its frame meets the exterior siding. If the window is surrounded by wood trim, all gaps between the trim and the siding (and the trim and the window frame) should be sealed with a high-grade polyurethane caulk. Take special care to seal the top side of the top piece of trim. Puddling water at this location causes many window leaks. Stopping Air Leaks A window that leaks air can also mean…

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With an entire generation of Baby Boomers about to retire, homebuilders are adding touches to their home designs to suit an aging population. Even healthy Boomers will welcome thoughtful modifications if they choose to care for their aging parents at home or have frequent visits from grandchildren. Here are a few simple things you may want to consider to help create a safe and comfortable home for everyone. Planning for the Future In the planning stage, you should make sure hallways and door openings are wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Along those hallways, tap-activated glow lights provide…

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