Tag: How to protect your home investment

Autumn Maintenance Tips

I know it is hard to believe that it is the first day of fall when the temperature is 80 plus degrees outside. But the calendar, and the crazy snow storm we have already had, let us know that we need to get ready. Here are 10 autumn maintenance tips.

First

  •  Disconnect hoses from your home.  I know because it is still warm you may be watering plants, but remember when done to disconnect the house from the house. 
  • Bring your outdoor furniture inside or purchase the water proof covers that are sold at Lowes, Home depot and online.  You may feel like the covers are too expensive, but having to replace furniture that gets damaged is expensive also.
  • Clean out the gutters on your home.  This is the time of year when gutters get filled with leaves.  Clean them and they will last longer.
  • Change your furnace filter. If your furnace is more than 3 years old it is a good idea to get in the habit of an annual service. 
  • Fertilize your lawn.  Doing that now will give the lawn a boost so it will be green sooner in the spring.

Additionally

  • Trim trees and bushes.  An early snow, like we have already had, can really be hard on limbs. Giving them a good trim can remove limbs that might break in a storm.
  • Change batteries in smoke detectors and CO detectors.
  • Time to start thinking about scheduling to get the lawn sprinklers blown out.  The City of Fort Collins is asking home owners to stop outdoor watering 10/1 this year because the Cameron Peak fire has the City not using water from the Poudre River.  Horsetooth reservoir dam is requiring maintenance, so water level is being lowered.  All of this means that water is scarcer.
  • Switch the direction of your ceiling fan.  You want the warm air to come down off the ceiling in the winter.  It can make such a difference and help you save on your heating bill. 
  • Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.  Having a weather tight house can also save you money on those winter utility bills. Chalk and weatherstripping can be purchased at the hardware store and fill gaps around windows.

There are a few autumn maintenance tips. Maintenance is the un-fun part of home ownership.  But taking a bit of time and doing these things can certainly improve your enjoyment of your home. Contact us if you need a recommendation for an excellent contractor to help with your home maintenance.

All About Home Warranties

Sometimes you fill out the warranty card on a new appliance. You may opt for the extended warranty on your car. However, did you know that you can purchase a home warranty for your most expensive possession, your home? Home warranties can offer you some peace of mind when purchasing a new home. They can also be a great way to address a buyers concerns at inspection. Especially if some of your appliances, or mechanical equipment is older but still functioning nominally. We utilize home warranties in some situations to overcome buyer objections at time of inspection. Often times this is a cheaper way to address their concerns rather than replacing equipment that has yet to fail.

What Does This Mean For Sellers and Buyers

Both current owners and potential buyers can benefit from having a home warranty. Especially for those who are less “Handy Dan.” These folks would prefer to have a professional out then try to repair issues themselves. For a few hundred dollars all the major components of the home can be covered for a pre specified period. This usually lasts a year. This coverage can then be renewed at the conclusion of each cycle. There is typically a service charge fee. The homeowner will need to pay in order to have a professional out to evaluate whatever issues you might be facing with your home. However, should something like a water heater need to be replaced that cost is typically covered under your home warranty. This kind of coverage can allow them to breath a little easier if the refrigerator starts making a weird noise.

We have a lot of experience with First American Home Warranty but there are many reputable companies out there. Contact us and we would be happy to put you in touch with a professional who can help to warranty your home.