10 Home Maintenance Tips for Spring

Spring has sprung in Boulder! The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming. Is your home ready for the heat of the summer?

After months of freezing temperatures, bitter wind, and snow that hung around a lot longer than we are all used to, chances are that your home could use a little attention.

Here are some tips to keep your home in top shape as we move in to the warm, beautiful Colorado months.

1. Replace the filters in your furnace, humidifier, and air purifiers

2. Clean gutters and downspouts and make sure they are draining properly away from the house

3. Have your fireplace cleaned and chimney swept and inspected by a licensed professional

4. Consider having your ducts cleaned, this will improve the air quality in your home and make your furnace and A/C run more efficiently

5. Check your roof for any damage that may have occurred over the winter and repair/replace any shingles as needed

6. Have a qualified heating and cooling professional service your air conditioner or evaporative cooler

7. Inspect and seal cracks in your concrete or asphalt driveways

8. Check and clean the clothes dryer vent and stove hood

9. Check all windows and doors, make sure they open and close properly and well-sealed.

10. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Taking these steps now will ensure that your home is ready for the coming summer months, and will eliminate the need for costly repairs and maintenance in the future.

If you have any questions, real estate related or otherwise, please feel free to contact a Colorado Landmark, Realtors professional. We are here to help!

Jennifer Fly

Colorado Landmark, Realtors

(303) 443-3377

http://www.coloradolandmark.com/

jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter: @jenflycolorado

Important New Carbon Monoxide Detector Law

Effective July 1, 2009, the State of Colorado is requiring carbon monoxide detectors in many homes due to the passing of House Bill 1091 which was signed into law in March by Governor Bill Ritter.

The new law requires that sellers/landlords of homes or apartments provide carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms, if the home has the following:

• a fuel-burning heater or appliance;
• fireplace; and/or
• attached garage.

Mobile and manufactured homes also are covered by the law. Landlords are required to install these devices any time there is a new tenant occupying a rental. The new law also applies to the construction of a new home or upgrades to an existing home. Alarm installation costs approximately $30.00.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas that is very toxic and kills hundreds of people every year. Protect your family and make sure you have a properly working detector in your home!

For more information, feel free to contact your Colorado Landmark Realtor.

Posted by:

Jennifer Fly

303-443-3377

jenniferfly@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter: @jenflycolorado

Spring Home Maintenance Tips for Owners and Sellers

Whether you are trying to sell your current home, or take good care of the one you have, here are a few good spring time maintenance tips.

• 
  Clean and lubricate hinges, locks, and moving parts in window and door hardware once a year to maintain ease of use. In Colorado sometimes these get stuck if doors and windows aren't open much in the winter. This is a safety issue as well as a convenience issue - you want to be able to get out of the house in an emergency.

• 
  Test the auto-reverse function on your garage door, as well as the balance. Familiarize yourself with the door's release mechanism in case of emergency or power failure. Kids will be playing outside more now that the weather is better so keep them safe in and around your garage.

• 
  Cut grass no shorter than 3 inches, and never more than 1/3 of the blade. Mow in the morning or evening. Deep watering, in the morning, is better for your grass than frequent, shallow watering. In our hot Colorado summers watering in the morning will save water too as it won't evaporate as much as it will if you water during peak sun hours.

Pam Metzger

Director of Relocation and Business Development

303-302-8839

pam@coloradolandmark.com

Twitter = pmcolorado