Real Estate World-Wide

Monthly Home Owner Tips

January

• Climb up to the roof and, with a broom, brush snow off the overhang.
  
• Clean or replace the furnace filter.(Filters should be replaced or
  cleaned at least once a month during peak heating season).
  
• Clean humidifier pad on furnace.
  
• Check windows for condensation. If they are quite damp, increase the ventilation in your home by either by running kitchen and bathroom fans from time to time or by opening a window slightly.

February

• Brush off the snow from roof overhang.
  
• Clean range hood filter by soaking it in soapy water.
  
• Dust and vacuum baseboard heaters.
  
• Clean or replace furnace filter.

March

• Remove snow from roof overhang.
  
• Move refrigerator and dust off rear coils.
  
• Clean or replace furnace filter.
  
• Look for dripping taps replace replace washers if necessary.

April

• Clean eavestrough and check downspouts.
  
• Rake winter debris from lawns, once ground is quite dry.
  
• Plant deciduous trees and shrubs.
  
• Check roof for loose or cracked shingles.
  
• Inspect exterior finishes (chipped paint etc.)
  
• Check walk way and driveway for frost damage.If with a concrete patching material.
  
• Fertilize lawn.

May

• Sow new lawns with pitchfork to allow air in.
  
• Plant annuals(end of month).
  
• Check exterior caulking for rain penetration.
  
• Remove storm windows.
  
• Clean aluminum sliding if dirty. Use a stiff bristle brush(not wire)and mix one liter
  laundry bleach,with three liters water and 100 ml dishwasher detergent.

June

• Feed perennials with 7-7-7 fertilizer.
  
• Check wood or chain link fences for frost heave.
  
• Inspect air conditioning system to see if it's working properly.
  
• Clean outside windows.
  
• Fertilize lawn.
• Prune shrubs that have already blossomed.

July

• Trim evergreen hedges.
  
• Check bathroom and exhaust fans.
  
• Seal asphalt driveway if necessary.

August

• Check garage door track and grease the bearings.
  
• Lubricate interior and exterior door hardware.
  
• Seed new lawns.
  
• If furnace ductwork in basement is not covered over
  by a rec room ceiling check to see if joints need new duct tape.

September

• Get oil furnace serviced.
  
• Check clothes dryer vent and remove dust particles.
  
• Inspect the grout around tires and bathtubs.

October

• Plant spring flowering bulbs.
  
• Rake leaves and clean up yard.
  
• Drain garden hoses.
  
• Wrap trunks of newly-planted trees.
  
• Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.

November

• Clean and store lawn mower and garden tools, sharpen mower blade.
  
• Clean up garden for winter.
  
• Install storm windows.
  
• Remove leaves from eavestrough.
  
• Get fireplace chimney cleaned out before start of heating season.

December

• Cover evergreens with burlap to prevent ice damage.
  
• Brush off evergreens after heavy snowfalls.
  
• Bring in firewood.