Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in June to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Paint interior or exterior as needed.
• If you have wood decks, check them for signs of wear or deterioration.  Repair or replace as needed.
• Clean and seal decks.
• Check exterior railings and stairs.  Repair if they are loose or showing signs of wear.
• Service furnace or heating system.
• Make sure attic vents work properly. 

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in February to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Make a list of major indoor projects that need to be done.  Prioritize them so you can get the most urgent out of the way before the garden and yard (and warm weather) claims your attention.
• Check and clean grout between tiles in your kitchen and bathrooms.  Re-grout if necessary.  Add sealer to finish.
• Check flooring and carpet.  If it needs repair or replacement, take advantage of sales now.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in January to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Replace drawer liners and shelf papers.
• Wander the home with a screwdriver and make a list of minor household repairs that can be done in a weekend.  Tighten screws on drawers, door, and furniture.  Make a list of broken electrical face plates, missing pulls or knobs, locks that need lubrication, and spots that need caulking around sinks and tubs.  Go to the home improvement store and buy everything you need to make all of your repairs at once.
• Call the utility company to do an energy audit.  See if there is anything you can do to reduce your bill.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

The large amount of snow this year is causing more and more ice dams in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin.  This is causing people to have lots of questions about them.  And we’ve got some answers!

First up, what is an ice dam?  It’s a wall of ice that forms at the end of a roof by the soffits or gutters.  Icicles are a good indication you have an ice dam.  A pool of water backs up behind the dam which can cause damage to the roof, walls, insulation, and other areas of the home. 

The second question is how can I remove an ice dam?  Very carefully.  Snow and ice can make the process very dangerous. One of the easiest things a person can do is use a roof or snow rake to remove excess snow from the roof.  You’ll want to pull snow down following the slope of the roof to avoid damaging your shingles.  You can also use ice melt or heat tape to assist in the process.  If your ice dam is causing leaking or flooding, you’ll want to contact a professional.

And the last question is how can I prevent ice dams in the future?  The best way to prevent ice dams is to ensure your attic has proper insulation and ventilation.   This could mean adding vents, installing larger vents, adding proper insulation, or even installing an attic fan.  Every home is different, so speak to a professional at your favorite home improvement store or a contractor for help.

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in December to keep your home beautiful for years to come!  It’s getting cold out there, so you may want to work on these projects sooner rather than later.

• Having guests?  Clean out the guest room (or space.)  Dust, vacuum, and change linens.
• Check for ice dams on the roof.  Break them up if you see them and start to think about what you’ll do to prevent them next year.
• Check your home emergency kit or create one.  You’ll want a battery powered radio, candles, matches, tools, batteries, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and blankets just in case.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in November to keep your home beautiful for years to come!  It’s getting cold out there, so you may want to work on these projects sooner rather than later.

• Rake any remaining leaves in your yard.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Organize and clean the garage.

Do you have any tips to make these home maintenance projects easier?  We’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Even the handiest homeowner needs help sometimes.  However, it’s not always easy to select the right person for the job.  We’ve got three tips to make hiring a professional a little simpler.

1.  First ask for referrals from family, friends, and co-workers.  And don’t forget real estate professionals.  They work with plumbers, HVAC people, and other contractors on a regular basis.  Don’t forget to ask why the person was happy with the work performed. 

2.  Ask upfront questions about pricing, quotes, and contracts.  If something doesn’t make sense, ask about it.  Find out about minimum charges.  Discover if there is anything that could increase the cost of the project. Don’t be shy to ask about discounts or specials.  Make sure everything you discuss is in writing before the job begins. 

3.  Educate yourself about the rules and regulations of your city.  Will you need a permit?  What are the building codes?  Can this even be done?  This will help you make informed decisions about the professional you hire.  It will also assist you in determining if he or she really knows the scoop of the project.

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in October to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• At the end of the month, check system and fix leaks, and turn off lawn sprinkler system.
• Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  Replace batteries if necessary.  Many people do this when they change their clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
• Schedule service for your air conditioner.

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in September to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Drain hot water heater.  Flush and refill.
• If you have a sump pump, test, clean, and lubricate.
• Seed lawn if your yard has patchy spots.
• If you are considering a sprinkler or lawn irrigation system, now is the time.  Scheduling is easier now than in the spring or summer.

Every month brings home maintenance projects to keep your home in tip-top shape.  Here’s what you need to do in August to keep your home beautiful for years to come!

• Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition.  Clean tracks and lubricate hinges.  Repair or replace any cracked windows and damaged screens.
• Repair minor brick and mortar cracks.  Call a professional if necessary, especially concerning foundations.