Five Maintenance Jobs You Need to Do This Fall

via MBdevelopment.com

Some home improvement jobs are just too much for the summertime. Heavy lifting in heavy humidity isn't ideal and some projects just cannot get accomplished until it cools off. Check out Houselogic's top five maintenance jobs for cooler weather.

1. Improve attic insulation
Not only will working conditions be much more tolerable in cooler weather, but you'll be able to tell
what areas need insulation if there's a draft.

2. Seal the cracks
Another place you lose money through leaks is around windows and doors. With the colder weather
coming, you're going to want to keep warm air in and cool air out. Examine all windows, doors, and
siding and fill in leaks with waterproof silicone caulk.

3. Clean the gutters
Moisture can wreak havoc on a home's condition, so make sure your gutters are clear and your
downspouts are drawing water away from your foundation. Autumn's falling leaves can clog gutters
easily and it's important your gutters are clear before winter comes.

4. Plant a tree
Fall is a great time to plant a tree, advises Houselogic, since the tree's dormant state is easier on the root system. Check out our list of trees with the most beautiful fall colors before making your decision.

5. Clean your garage
Wouldn't it be nice to drive your car straight into your garage once winter rolls around? Most of us
don't have that luxury due to messy garages. Houselogic recommends taking a weekend this fall to sort through and organize everything in your garage and to get rid of the stuff you don't need. It's also a great opportunity to make sure all your snow equipment (snow blowers, shovels, etc.) is in good
working order before the first heavy snowfall.

5 Maintenance Jobs You Need to Do This Fall

via MBdevelopment.com

Some home improvement jobs are just too much for the summertime. Heavy lifting in heavy humidity isn't ideal and some projects just cannot get accomplished until it cools off. Check out Houselogic's top five maintenance jobs for cooler weather.
 
1. Improve attic insulation
Not only will working conditions be much more tolerable in cooler weather, but you'll be able to tell
what areas need insulation if there's a draft.

2. Seal the cracks
Another place you lose money through leaks is around windows and doors. With the colder weather
coming, you're going to want to keep warm air in and cool air out. Examine all windows, doors, and
siding and fill in leaks with waterproof silicone caulk.

3. Clean the gutters
Moisture can wreak havoc on a home's condition, so make sure your gutters are clear and your
downspouts are drawing water away from your foundation. Autumn's falling leaves can clog gutters
easily and it's important your gutters are clear before winter comes.
 
4. Plant a tree
Fall is a great time to plant a tree, advises Houselogic, since the tree's dormant state is easier on the root system. Check out our list of trees with the most beautiful fall colors before making your decision.

5. Clean your garage
Wouldn't it be nice to drive your car straight into your garage once winter rolls around? Most of us
don't have that luxury due to messy garages. Houselogic recommends taking a weekend this fall to sort through and organize everything in your garage and to get rid of the stuff you don't need. It's also a great opportunity to make sure all your snow equipment (snow blowers, shovels, etc.) is in good
working order before the first heavy snowfall.

Before you Sign that Lease…

Renters play a more prominent role in the real estate market following the burst of the real estate bubble. According to the U.S. Census, three million households have become renters since this time. In the past four years alone, the number of renters has increased two percent to 33.6%.

Renters have more rights than they used to. Each state (except Arkansas and Colorado) has passed a law requiring landlords to provide "a fit and habitable place to live," allowing renters to withhold rent or deduct repairs from their rent. Unfortunately, few people are aware of these rights. Many are recent or first-time renters. Regardless, it's important to rent from landlords with acceptable policies. The best way to determine this is to preform research and ask questions.

First, research the condition of the home according to your own personal walk-through(s). Take your time when you walk through a rental home. Note every imperfection and test everything you can: lights, stoves, toilets, hot water, water pressure, air conditioners and heating units, etc. Still, many things are not readily apparent when walking through a home. When in doubt, ask:

Recent home maintenance. How recently was the property renovated? Has mold been an issue? How recently have the windows been insulated?

Pest control. Is it included in the rent? How often is your unit serviced? Who is responsible for infestation (i.e, who has to foot the bill)?

Service providers. Does your landlord employ vendors to repair major appliances, or does he have a go-to handyman? Ask about your landlord’s service plan, including the process you must take to submit complaints and the average response time.

Incidentals. Be sure you are fully aware of parking arrangements (where can your quests park?), pet policies, laundry facilities (including method of payment, if applicable) and natural disaster preparation and damage control. We may not have to worry about hurricanes in Central Ohio, but tornados pose a very real concern. Is there a safe storm shelter? Finally, know what is included in your rent. Some landlords include bills in their rent, such as water, waste removal, electricity, cable & Internet, and gas bills. 

Preparing Your Home for Spring

As the ground begins to thaw and the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to think about what you can do to prepare your house for spring, which involves both indoor and outdoor maintenance.

Indoor:

Test your air conditioning system. If this summer is nearly as hot as last summer’s, you may have to wait a long time for a repair crew to come in and fix a broken AC unit during the year’s hottest months. Preforming repairs now will save you time and hassle.

Preform routine tasks that you haven’t done in the past six months or so. This includes testing smoke and fire alarms, cleaning out your fridge and freezer, flipping mattresses, and deep cleaning carpets. The Apron Blog by The Home Depot advises buying your own steam cleaner, especially if you have pets or children.

If you have had problems with pests in the past, now is a good time to undergo preventative treatment.

Use an all-purpose cleaner to clean ceiling fans (even if you used them during the winter).

Clean and store any humidifiers you used during the winter.

Outdoor:

Before you get out your outdoor furniture, wipe each piece down and pressure wash the deck.

Seal cracks in the cement of your driveway or sidewalk. Replace loose bricks and pavers.

Clean outdoor light fixtures and replace burnt-out lights with energy-efficient bulbs.

Inspect your roof for damaged or missing shingles. Clean gutters and downspouts, ensuring they direct water away from your home.

To prevent future damages, trim tree limbs and bushes that grow within five feet of your home. While you are working on your lawn, you can also plant bushes and flowers, and spread fresh mulch around trees and shrubs.

This is only a short list of ways to get a jump on spring-cleaning, but it’s a great place to start! The more tasks you preform in the spring, the more time you will have to relax and enjoy the nice summer weather that is soon to come!

For information on how to prepare your garden for spring, watch the video below:

HOAs 101

Homeowners Associations, commonly referred to as HOAs, manage and maintain communities. In return, residents must 1) abide by HOA rules, and 2) pay a regular fee (be it monthly, quarterly, or annually). Opinions on HOAs vary. Click on the video below to hear about what an HOA does and how it works. The main arguments for and against HOAs are summarized further down.

For: 

HOAs set standards that homes must meet, meaning you'll seldom see a home with an unkept lawn or peeling exterior paint. HOA services ensure that the community looks it best by handing trash removal, snow removal, and lawn care. This leaves much less work for homeowners. Homeowners also enjoy HOA amenities, from swimming pools and tennis courts to walking trails and community centers. amenities differ, so be sure to ask what the HOA fee includes when you are considering buying a property that has one. HOAs also make it easy for residents to solve disputes. Management can handle problems you have with your neighbors (for example, noise complaints), so that you do not have to confront them directly. 

Against: 

This convenience comes at a price--literally and figuratively. HOA fees vary widely, depending on what amenities they include and which services they cover. Ask yourself how often you would use the amenities provided. Paying a HOA fee that includes a gym membership may be a significant perk to an athlete, but seen as an unnecessary expense to someone who seldom works out. Then again, the more amenities (regardless of your personal usage), the better your home's value for future resale. The rules and regulations associated with HOAs can be both a pro and a con. While they often enhance the physical appearance of a neighborhood, some rules and regulations are quite particular and therefore may be hard to comply with. HOAs can dictate what vehicles you can/cannot park in your driveway, whether or not you can have garage sales, or if you can run a business from your home. If you'd like a voice in HOA policies, you can join the committee or board of directors. Their decisions are then enforced by a paid management company or group of volunteers. Be mindful that failure to comply with HOA regulations often results in a warning and, if unresolved, a fine. 

Overall, it comes down to personal preference and circumstance. HOAs are popular among people who split their time between homes. When away from one home, they do not have to worry about maintaining it. That's what HOAs are for. However, others may view them as burdensome or unnecessary. The ultimate choice is yours!