Category Archives: Home Care & Safety

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Following is a comprehensive home maintenance checklist to help you prepare your home for fall and winter. Whether you live in a condo or single family residence, there are sure to be a few items that can use your attention. Taking time now to ensure your home is prepared for rain, wind, and colder temperatures will give you peace of mind, increase your homes efficiency, and could save you money on costly emergency repairs.

For more details and helpful hints click here to visit our blog post Prepare Your Home For Winter.

Fertilize and apply weed killer to lawn

Trim trees/bushes from sides of house and hanging over roof/gutter

Remove, drain and store hoses

Insulate outside faucets and close shut-off valves if available

Clean and store or cover outdoor furniture, BBQ and tools

Ensure winter tools are accessible and ready for use

Inspect drainage system around foundation of home

Inspect roof for signs of leaks or damaged shingles and flashing

Flush and inspect gutters, downspouts and storm drains; inspect regularly

Inspect crawl space and attic for rodents and adequate insulation

Have garage door and opener serviced

Replace worn thresholds and weather stripping around doors and windows, caulk as needed

Wash windows inside and out; remove screens and install storm windows

Wrap exposed water pipes in crawl space, basement or garage

Check for air leaks on exterior walls where pipes enter the house; caulk or add insulation as needed

Wrap water heater with insulated blanket

Have chimney cleaned and inspected

Clean dryer duct; clean vent after each use

Have heating system inspected and serviced

Replace furnace filters monthly, or as recommended

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly; replace batteries annually

Prepare emergency kit in the event of a power outage or emergency

Exterior Home Repair & Painting

Exterior home repair and painting contractors are in high demand. If you need help this summer with your projects, you should contact your favorite contractor soon to secure space on their schedule. Many are already booked into fall.

We recently had the pleasure of helping one of our customers, Phyllis W. with her exterior painting and repair work (see pictures below). A new window was installed, concrete porch poured, and the entire home and garage exterior painted. It was a pleasure working with you Phyllis. Thank you for the nice review!

Phyllis Wilbourne

Dated: 2014-06-23

I found Cari at the Everett Home Show in February and engaged her services. She put me in contact with a couple of contractors. I chose one to do all I needed done (one was painting only). I was very pleased with the contractor and his crew and Cari’s follow-up throughout the entire project. Thanks, Cari. I’m handing out your card to friends to are DIYers. I hope they will contact you so they can enjoy some island time with me this year!

Exterior Painting Project (before) in Everett

Exterior Painting Project (after) in Everett

Top 5 Things To Do Before Vacation

Returning home after a well-deserved break, only to discover a flooded laundry room or kitchen is not how most people want to end their vacation. Follow these simple steps to avoid coming home to a big mess and costly repairs.

1. Turn off the water

Water leaks can cause devastating damage to your home in a short amount of time. A failed hose connection, plumbing fixture, pipe fitting, or appliance can leak gallons of water in no time, resulting in costly repairs.

Turn the main water supply off completely unless someone will be watering plants or pet sitting in your absence. Turn off the individual water supply to sinks, toilets, and washing machine.

Most hoses that come standard with new washing machines are low quality, often lasting less than five years. High quality burst proof replacement hoses, such as those available at Floodchek, can be purchased for around $40. This small investment can potentially save thousands of dollars in damages.

2. Unplug appliances and electronics

Defective household appliances, electronics, and wiring can be a fire hazard. Some are also prone to damage from power surges. In addition to fire risk and damage they can draw power and waste electricity, even when not in use.

Unplug kitchen appliances and household electronics like the TV, DVD player, and computer.
Ensure electrical outlets are not overloaded.
Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords, plugs, and power strips.
Turn down heat or air-conditioning to conserve energy or turn it off completely if practical.

3. Secure your home

Nothing speaks louder to a potential intruder than an overgrown lawn or newspapers piled on the porch. Secure your home by taking some simple steps to make it look lived in during your absence.

If you have a home security system, contact the service provider with the dates you will be gone and how best to reach you in case of emergency. Instruct the house sitter how to operate the system.
Place a hold on mail and newspaper delivery. Visit the United States Postal Service website to cease mail delivery for the dates you specify.
Ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out for door flyers or packages. If possible, ask the neighbor to park their car in your driveway.
If leaving garbage bins out to be emptied, arrange for someone to remove them from the curb once the garbage is collected.
Arrange for the grass to be cut in your absence.
Store tools and ladders out of sight and lock outdoor shed or storage area.
Remove outdoor spare keys.
Keep trees and bushes trimmed away from windows and doorways.
Install timers for interior and exterior lights and set them to mimic your regular habits.
Ensure all windows and doors are locked, including basement windows and the door from the garage leading into the house.
Move expensive electronics, jewelry, etc out of sight from windows and doors. Secure valuables in a home safe or safe deposit box.
Leave a house key, contact information, and itinerary with a friend or neighbor.
Notify the local police station with your plans so they can include your home on their neighborhood watch list.

4. Think before sharing

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have made it easier than ever to publicly share personal information. It is very popular to share pictures and personal information of where we are, who we are with, and what we are up to. This information can then be shared with friends of friends, potentially hundreds or more often complete strangers.

Think twice before publicly sharing pictures and trip highlights on social media while you are gone on vacation. It might be better to play it safe and wait until you return home.
Keep the same greeting on your home phone and turn off the ringer. A ringing phone left unanswered is a tip to an intruder that no one is home.

5. Last but not least

Throw out all perishable items in the refrigerator.
Take out the trash, making sure lids are secure on outdoor garbage.
Water plants (indoor and outdoor).
Have a worry free vacation!

Pest Control and Prevention

Did you know April is designated as National Pest Management Month? Spring has sprung and with warmer temperatures we start to notice all the creepy, crawlies around our home like ants, bees, wasps, and spiders. It is also when birds, squirrels, rats, and other rodents seek out safe places to nest and have their babies.

Many serious health risks are involved with insect and rodent infestations that get out of control. Additionally, termites, rodents, and carpenter ants can cause significant property damage. It is important to be proactive in the prevention of pest infestation. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends home and property owners follow these steps to prevent pest infestation:

Trim tree branches and plants away from house and buildings
Seal openings along the foundation that allow access to the crawlspace or basement
Eliminate standing water and repair any leaks such as a dripping outdoor faucet
Keep trash receptacles clean, both indoor and outdoor, and make sure outdoor containers have tight fitting lids
Avoid leaving pet food outdoors for prolonged periods
Use screens on windows and doors and repair any torn or damaged screens
Keep all food containers tightly sealed
Keep kitchen counters clean by wiping regularly and empty garbage frequently
Sweep and vacuum floors regularly

If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional immediately. If you need a recommendation, please give us a call at 425-775-9085.

Deck Maintenance & New Deck Construction

Deck maintenance or building a new deck goes hand in hand with spring. When summer arrives in Seattle we want to be ready to enjoy it to the fullest. What better place is there to entertain friends and family than outside on your deck?

Maintaining your deck is necessary to ensure it remains in good condition. If you have a wood deck, you will want to examine it for damage or wear from the past winter. Cycles of wetting and drying will cause it to expand and contract, leading to cracking and warping. Keep the deck clean of debris and mildew and replace rotting boards or loose nails as needed. Apply a coat of stain or sealer to stabilize moisture loss and help prevent decay.

If you are thinking of adding a new deck to your home, careful planning will help you enjoy your deck for years to come. Consider your outdoor lifestyle when deciding on how large your deck should be. Allowing for a useable dry space underneath may be a useful option. There are several building materials to consider, including redwood & cedar, treated wood, or engineered wood, such as TimberTech or Trex. Often decks are built using a combination of one or more of these materials. Please note: City and county building regulations require a permit for both new and reconstructed decks. Before construction begins, be sure to obtain a building permit. Permits are not required for general maintenance or minor repairs.

Another option is to install a durable yet attractive polyurethane waterproofing material over an existing deck or when building a new deck. There are many reasons to consider a waterproof deck, balcony, patio, roof, or stairway. Waterproofing will protect and beautify the surface, increase usability, and enhance resale value. If the surface is above a living area, or essentially functions as both a floor and a roof, it is critical the surface remains waterproof to avoid any damage to the occupied space below.

Flat rooftops can be beautifully transformed into useable outdoor living areas. The finished waterproof product is seamless with no gaps, overlaps, or ridges to threaten the integrity of the structure.

Consider waterproofing decks that extend from an upper level where there is a patio, walkway, or access into the home underneath. Waterproofing the upper deck creates a dry, usable space underneath for storage, outdoor seating, or simply dry cover to access the home during inclement weather.

Pacific Polymers polyurethane waterproof deck coatings can be applied over concrete, plywood, or metal. Properly applied and maintained, the polyurethane deck covering is skid-resistant, long-lasting, wear-resistant, fire-retardant, and easy to maintain. Special granules or aggregate provide a textured surface safely designed for foot traffic. Unlike paint or stain, polyurethane products resist damage and fading from harmful UV rays, moisture, and extreme heat or freezing temperatures. With proper cleaning and care your waterproof deck will continue to provide many years of satisfactory service.

Spring Exterior Home Maintenance

Exterior Home Maintenance Start your spring exterior maintenance plan by grabbing a pen and paper and taking a walk around the full perimeter of your home. Compile a list of any necessary repairs you discover. Breaking these tasks down later into categories and prioritizing them will make the list more manageable.

Trim Trees & Bushes You need relatively clear access to your home’s exterior to complete most maintenance tasks. A good place to start is to trim back any trees and bushes from the side of the house and hanging over the roof, gutters, and power lines. Remember to give the same attention to any outbuildings, such as a detached garage or storage shed.

Power Wash Power wash the siding, porch, deck, patio, walkways, and driveway, wherever there are stubborn dirt stains, fungus, mold, or mildew. If you plan to use detergents or bleach solutions, be sure to use safe, biodegradable products recommended for the specific surfaces you are cleaning.

Chimney & Fireplace Inspect the chimney for any mortar or brick damage. Cracked or crumbling mortar should be removed and replaced, known as repointing. Examine the brick or stone for signs of peeling or flaking, known as spauling. Significantly damaged or missing stones should be replaced. Some minor masonry jobs can be done yourself. Thoroughly cleaning and then sealing the chimney’s entire exterior surface with a high quality brick and stone sealer will help reduce further damage. If you find significant mortar or brick damage it is generally best to consult with a professional.

Once the heating season has passed, have the chimney professionally inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a wood stove or fireplace regularly during winter. Doing this in spring or summer will avoid the fall rush and you may even get a break on the price.

Roof, Gutters & DownspoutsInspect the roof of your home and outbuildings for any signs of leaks or damage including buckling, curling, or missing shingles. Shingles and metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and in valleys should be firmly adhered. Consult with a roofing specialist if you suspect repairs are necessary. Gutters and downspouts should be flushed and inspected for any leaks. If you find leaks, thoroughly dry the area to be repaired and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any holes, joints, or gaps.

Siding, Doors & Windows Inspect for gaps where air and moisture can get inside. Remove old caulk and thoroughly clean areas in need of repair. Allow to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior grade caulk.

Foundation, Driveway, Walkway & Patio Inspect the concrete for cracks or pits. Minor defects can often be repaired on your own but larger jobs may require a professional. Keep in mind it can be difficult to match a patch to existing concrete. Carefully consider repairs in high visibility locations. If you notice significant cracks or damage to the foundation you should have it professionally inspected immediately.

Decks & Porches Examine decks and porches for any damage or rot. Replace any deck boards in poor condition and secure loose boards or railings. Apply stain or sealer to wood decks to prevent decay. Resurface waterproof decking as recommended by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Lawn Maintenance

Remove all fallen branches, leaves, and other debris from the lawn. De-thatch the lawn with a good raking prior to the first mowing. Mow lawn down to two inches, being careful not to ‘scalp’ the grass with the first mowing. Lightly apply a quality fertilizer that contains an effective weed killer.

Spring Lawn Care

Spring Lawn Maintenance

Spring cleaning for your yard is just as important as it is for your home. If you want your lawn to be healthy all summer there are a few things you want to do this spring to help it along. First of all, remove branches, leaves, litter and other debris from your yard. Next, you’ll want to de-thatch your lawn with a good raking. Generally, a thatch build up of more than a ½ inch is considered excessive.

The next step is to mow, being careful not to ‘scalp’ the grass with the first mowing. Experts advise mowing down to two inches, but never removing more than ½ inch of growth at a time so you want to start early enough in the spring and preferably before the grass is over 2.5 inches tall. The shortened grass will allow fertilizers to reach the soil better and stimulate new growth for the coming months. And don’t concern yourself with collecting all the clippings during this mowing. They will decay quickly and actually help fertilize your lawn, which is the next step.

After you have mowed, applying a good quality fertilizer that contains an effective weed killer will promote new growth and help keep your lawn looking beautiful. Fertilizing should be limited to late spring, early fall and late fall. Fertilize lightly in late spring for a lush, green lawn in summer and then concentrate most of the fertilizer application in fall. Too much fertilizer in spring can lead to disease and more weeds.

Roof Leaks & Flooded Basements Caused By Winter Storms

Roof leaks and flooded basements and crawl spaces are not uncommon at this time of year. The recent wind and rain storms have put our home’s roofs, gutters, and drainage systems to the test. How is your home holding up? Take advantage of breaks in the weather to take a quick walk around the outside of your home. Inspect the roof for fallen tree branches or debris, especially if you have large trees alongside your home. Make sure the gutters and downspouts are draining properly and diverting water away from the foundation. Don’t forget to do a quick visual inside as well, especially in rooms that aren’t frequently used. An unnoticed roof leak can cause considerable damage in a short amount of time. Water stains, bubbling paint or sagging drywall are all warning signs that moisture is intruding. The same is true for the basement. Inspect along the foundation walls for signs of water intrusion. If you have a crawl space, even a quick peak with a flashlight can expose a faulty sump pump or drainage problem. Being proactive and keeping an eye open for possible problems is the best way to minimize damages.

Water & Sewer Line Repairs May Not Be Covered By Your Insurance Policy

Being prepared for a water or sewer line break can save you thousands of dollars. What you might not realize is that most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover repair and replacement costs of underground water and sewer lines. You should check both your insurance policy and your local utility to determine where your insurance coverage ends and the city picks up responsibility. Most likely where the line exits your house and meets the water meter or sewer main is not covered by either side and the homeowner is left paying for these costly repairs. For only a few dollars a month you can purchase water and sewer protection at www.nationalwatercompany.com or by calling 1-800-790-3201. We do not receive any type of compensation for recommending this company. We simply wanted to pass on what appears to be something of good value to homeowners.

HVAC Contractor

Having an HVAC contractor you know and trust is truly a blessing. Especially when your heating system quits working in the middle of winter. Today I had the opportunity (if you want to call it that) to hire one of the HVAC contractors from my own network of service providers. My furnace quit working over the weekend and I was more than ready to have it fixed today. They would have come Sat but the rates are a bit higher on the weekend so I elected to tough it out. They showed up on time, were courteous and friendly, assessed the problem quickly, and made the repairs, all in about 1.5 hours time. I have to say I’m quite impressed and feel fortunate to be able to try out one of our contractors first hand. If you need HVAC services, whether preventive or emergency, be sure and give me a call and I will gladly and confidently connect you with truly great people!

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