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TIPS

Can proper maintenance increase the value of my home?

Yes. There's no question that careful maintenance can pay off when it's time to sell your home. As we explained in the "Selling" section of this book, a neat, well-maintained house can be expected to generate more traffic, and quite possibly a faster sale for a better price, than a comparable house in less desirable condition. The same goes for home improvements, even smaller ones like minor kitchen remodeling or new bathroom wall coverings.

Even if you're not planning on moving in the foreseeable future, keeping up with routine maintenance will pay big dividends in the long run. For one thing, it will save you considerable time, trouble and expense when you are finally ready to sell. And it's certain to make homeownership a more rewarding, worry-free experience for you and your family.

Best of all, home maintenance doesn't have to cost a lot, in terms of either time or money. Even if you're not a weekend do-it-yourselfer, there are steps you can take right now to keep your home in top shape, inside and out.

What are some home maintenance tasks I can do myself?

You can get more enjoyment in your home, and save money along the way, just by making a quick inspection every few months. The following inspection checklist includes some important safety, economy, and comfort considerations that you shouldn't overlook.

Also, keep a record of the maintenance performed on your home with this Service Schedule.

INSIDE CHECK-UPS

• Make sure handrails and posts on stairways are secure. Replace when necessary with inexpensive bracket hardware.
• Test all household alarms, especially smoke alarms; change batteries frequently. And don't forget the doorbell.
• Make sure drains are running smoothly. Check traps and basement waste pipes, then check the main water line and shutoff.
• Inspect the basement for any damp spots, especially in corners. If you catch these areas early, a little waterproofing compound will usually do the trick.
• Wrap your cold-water pipes with foam rubber insulation. It prevents pipe "sweating" in the summer and freezing in the winter.

OUTSIDE CHECK-UPS

• Keep gutters sloped toward the downspout, and keep them free of leaves and twigs.
• Keep basement windows in good order. Consider window well covers to keep out leaves and rain.
• Flashing is where a roof or wall meets a chimney or skylight. Check the seals in these areas to see if they're secure.
• Replace individual shingles when worn or loose.
• Use wire screening to keep insects and birds from nesting in roof ventilation areas.
• Lubricate garage door hardware and hinges.
• Fill and seal driveway cracks when necessary.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, BE PREPARED!

Make sure that everyone in the house, including children who are old enough to be left alone, knows where to find the following:

• The closest fire extinguisher, and how to use it.
• The fuse box or main circuit breaker, and how it works.
• The main gas shutoff valve, and how to turn it off.
• The main water shutoff valve, and how to turn it off.
• Emergency-services contact numbers (fire, police, ambulance) in your area.

MAINTENANCE TIP

Eliminating heat loss will not only save you money now, but may add value to your house when it comes time to sell.