Home Maintenance Archives - Mindy Hibbard Real Estate Team

Mosquito Season

In Western Washington, May means the beginning of mosquito season. Take these steps to make your yard less inviting to mosquitoes:

Remove objects like empty flower pots, buckets and containers that are collecting water
Clean and unclog gutters to prevent standing water
Fill in low-lying areas of flower beds and lawns to prevent water from pooling
Fill in hollow logs and stumps so water won’t collect
Repair damaged screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out

If you live in an area where you can’t control standing water there are still steps you can take. If you are a favorite of mosquitoes, you may already be aware of some of these.

Stay indoors at dusk and dawn: while they can bite anytime, these are prime feeding times.
Use CDC approved repellents: concentrate on your ankles, feet, lower legs and wrists
Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing: apparently deep colors attract bugs
Use Oil of lemon eucalyptus: the synthetic version is endorsed by the CDC as a repellent

These simple steps can help reduce your discomfort during mosquito season. Want more helpful tips? Click here. Would you like information regarding buying or selling a home? Get in touch – we’re here to help you reach your real estate goals.

Spring Lawn Care

With the arrival of spring, its time for some spring lawn care. Before its time to start mowing again, take a moment to replace any dead spots in your lawn. This can be done with seed or sod. To help prevent the pooling of water, fill in depressions with dirt before adding seed or sod. Taking these steps will keep your lawn looking its best.

Looking for more maintenance tips? Click here. Have questions about the current real estate market in your local area? Give us a cal l, we’re here to answer any real estate questions you might have.

Home Updates: Easy & Inexpensive

It’s important to show your home some love to maintain and protect your investment. Moreover, if you want to sell, these can make your home more appealing to buyers. Here are 7 easy & inexpensive DIY home updates you can make in a weekend.

Purchase new doormats – first impressions are everything and a clean, welcoming doormat helps.
Replace your exterior light fixtures – this is especially important if your fixtures are dated or in poor condition.
Update or add kitchen cabinet hardware – kitchen hardware can change the look and feel of your kitchen with a minimal investment.
Install new front door hardware – dated, worn or damaged front door hardware can tarnish a first impression.
Add a front door security camera – there are many products to choose from, do a little research.
change your bathroom mirrors – this change can be extraordinary and the cost of time and money is minimal.
Make flower pots and hanging baskets – buy them pre-made or make your own, either way they will improve your curb appeal and provide bright pops of color.

Want more home updates & maintenance tips? Click here. Have questions about buying or selling a home? Give us a cal l, we’re happy to answer any real estate questions you might have.

Freezing Pipes: Prevent Them!

Freezing temps are here and with that comes freezing pipes! Here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent freezing pipes. Take a moment to detach and store all outdoor hoses. The water left in hoses will freeze and expand. Also, it’s a way to ensure the water faucet is turned off. Once you have removed all hoses, install faucet covers. Insulated faucet covers cost only a few dollars and take moments to install. Consumer reports offers some detailed information to prevent freezing pipes.

Exterior faucets and pipes are not the only thing at risk during a freeze. Interior pipes should also be protected. If you have a crawl space that gives you access to pipes, make sure they are covered with insulation. To protect bathroom and kitchens, leave the cold water on at a slight drip. You can also leave the cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate. Taking steps now will prevent costly damage and repairs that happen when pipes freeze. You’ll be glad you did it!

Looking for more home maintenance tips? Click here for more. Have questions about real estate? Get in touch with us, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

Clean Your Fireplace

Is it time to clean your fireplace? Autumn’s colder weather evokes thoughts of a cozy fire on a cold evening. Before Winter arrives, check your fireplace and chimney for damage & hazards. Make sure to clean your fireplace, flue and chimney to prevent any unwanted and potentially disastrous chimney fires. Here are some FAQ’s from the Chimney Safety Institute

Do you have a gas fireplace? Many people assume that a gas fireplace doesn’t require regular cleaning. However, proper cleaning and maintenance will ensure that your gas fireplace burns efficiently. Additionally, cleaning will help prevent poisonous carbon monoxide from entering your home. Make sure to schedule an annual, professional inspection to check wiring and gaskets.

There is also some cleaning you can do yourself. Clean and remove dust and debris monthly to prevent dust and dirt from harming mechanisms. With the gas turned off, you can carefully vacuum the components. Many gas fireplaces have glass doors that can become cloudy from the combustion process. Regular cleaning will help prevent the glass from becoming permanently etched.

Are you looking for more home maintenance tips? Then Click here. Do you have questions about the current real estate market? Give us a cal l, we’re happy to answer any questions you have.