For all clients and friends North Shore Contractor Management likes to make life easier with useful information to be shared throughout the year. Being its the New Year let's start with homeowner resolutions

 

 

We all make promises we hope to keep during the upcoming year 

From the usual getting in better shape to staying organized to my all time favorite being more fiscally responsible.

Well we all should make resolutions to our homes - the most important purchase in life and the most costly to maintain. You think your gym membership is expensive try replacing that AC system or that busted pipe that just flooded your basement 

In order to keep promises to yourself you must be motivated and convinced that it is possible. 

The first of the year club should be checking these items off.

1. Test your garage door opener monthly to ensure that it reverses when it hits an obstruction or when its sensor beam is interrupted - we all throw so many things into the garage, batteries need replacing, check your garage bottom for "critter" holes and always always make sure all liquids are capped and items that can freeze be away from the garage door and closet to the inside of the house. 

2. Vacuum the clothes dryer's exhaust duct at least once a year. If the duct is plastic, replace it (it's a fire hazard). Rigid sheet-metal ducting is best. Just take your extended hose and suck all that lint out and then empty the bag. Makes the dryer work better as well drying clothes quicker and using less energy

3. Replace furnace filters quarterly, or as recommended by the furnace manufacturer - check the size before running to your local hardware store and keep it simple. Smells and triple filters can waste your money or suffocate your system. If you have other HVAC questions please contract me for a walk through

4. Test all GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets monthly. Press the test button and use a voltage tester to make sure the power goes off.

5. Clean leaves and debris from the condenser of a central air conditioner seasonally, it's still nice out get that blower and quick hit around the base. Check to see around your entire exterior. Nothing worse than a hole in your foundation to allow unwanted things in. 

6. Once a year, vacuum the refrigerator coils underneath the appliance, same goes for dishwasher and hot water heaters/boilers. it's sanitary, keeps bugs away, keeps the air flow clear and that's where ants and critters sense food first

7. Have the fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned annually - call around and see who is offering a deal right now (also read my blog about fireplaces)

8. Inspect window and door caulking and weather stripping yearly - this should be done in the fall not winter but better late than never and if you want a painter to do it call me for recommendations

9. Replace the batteries in smoke detectors yearly. Same goes for flash lights and even remotes. Please remember, even recent hard-wired smoke detectors have backup batteries that must be replaced. If you have never checked yours, do so. 

10. Set your thermostat - when your sleeping set the temp 3 to 4 degrees lower and set it for about 60 minutes prior to wake up to be back to normal temperature you want your house at. This saves some money and you'll sleep cozier. 

All these items can be done by North Shore Contractor Management with a scheduled appointment and if you have other questions or concerns please call me at 6318384362 or email us at info@northshorecontractormanagement.com

A yearly friend for seasonal questions - Happy New Year