Home Owner Monthly 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 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 eaves trough 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 litre laundry bleach, with three litres 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 weather stripping around doors and windows.

November

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

December

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

Suzanne Desrochers has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Suzanne or click on Ask Your Own Questions . She can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service® in the Ottawa area. If you would like her to help you locate a home, please fill out her Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Suzanne can also help. Just fill out her, I would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, she can also offer you a Complimentary No Obligation Market Evaluation Form

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