It’s that beginning of the new year when we make promises to keep ourselves fit, to become a better partner, to love each other with more care and on and on. What about the most significant investment of your life besides the person with whom you reside? (Or not.) Your home. Whether it’s your first, your second or your vacation home, it needs attention as well and not just when something goes awry. For many homeowners, that’s when we have the issues because we didn’t put the maintenance into it when we needed. In 2018, here are five suggestions on how to keep your home in tip-top shape so you can enjoy for years to come.
1: According to Lifehack.com, keep your residence safe and sound: “Make sure your house ventilated properly. You could also install door and window alarms, which don’t cost much these days. And also, ensure that your home is up to date with latest safety standards.”
2. Clean your dryer vent every-time you use it says the home website, Angie’s List: “According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, dryers cause more than 15,000 household fires each year — most of which ignite due to a clogged vent. To properly clean the vent, detach the dryer and use a flexible brush, air compressor or vacuum/Shop-Vac to remove the buildup. Make sure you clear the entire length of the vent. Inspect and clean the dryer vent at least once a year depending on the machine’s usage. If you have a large family or do a lot of laundry, consider a biannual cleaning.
3. In our desert communities, it’s essential to check for bugs. Due to the warm year-round temperatures, termites, and other pests will continue to do damage. According to online FamilyHandy.com, the homeowner can: “Pull out your flashlight and walk around your home, examining the foundation, both inside and out, to inspect for termite tunnels. Termites create invisible damage, inside walls and floors. Take the time to look for telltale sawdust and tunnels because termites can do significant damage before you even know they're there. If you spot signs of termites, call in a professional exterminator.”
4. And, lastly, since Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are the world’s number one location for private pools, the blog, IntheSwim.com states, Keeping up with pool improvements can be confusing and even costly, but it doesn’t have to be. This year make a plan for some specific pool maintenance, such as a new pool liner at the beginning of the summer or buying new pool furniture during winter clearance sales. Fix any and all pool leaks for good, to stop water loss. Just like homes and cars, swimming pools need regular restoration to stay in top shape. Every 5-10 years you can expect to spend money on maintenance. Try to remember that the improvements you make to your swimming pool can actually save you money in the long run and stress in the short run!
Happy 2018!