Welcome to your new home! To ensure a smooth transition into your resale home, here’s a simplified guide focusing on crucial house-related set-up tasks:
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Smoke Detectors: Install new smoke detectors on every floor, especially near sleeping areas. Replace every 10 years.
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Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install in sleeping areas as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
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Door Locks: Change all door locks for enhanced security. Consider deadbolts for added safety.
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HVAC Systems: Schedule an inspection and ongoing maintenance for your heating and air-conditioning systems.
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Main Shutoffs: Locate and label main shutoffs for heating, electrical, and plumbing for quick access during emergencies.
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Electrical Panel: Label all circuits in your electrical panel for convenience.
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Chimneys and Wood Appliances: Get chimneys inspected and cleaned as necessary.
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AC Unit Clearance: Ensure a 3-foot clearance around outdoor air-conditioning units.
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Washing Machine Hoses: Use braided steel hoses for reliability.
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Dryer Vents: Install smooth-walled metal ducts for your dryer’s venting system.
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Fire Extinguishers: Place at least one on each floor, with kitchen-specific extinguishers for grease fires.
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Fire Escape Plans: Establish escape routes from upper floors, including rope ladders if needed.
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Safety Upgrades: Promptly address any safety recommendations from your home inspector.
Regular Home Maintenance Program
Maintaining your home is key to preserving its value and functionality. Here’s a simplified maintenance schedule:
Monthly Tasks
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Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Check ground fault circuit interrupters.
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Clean or replace filters in HVAC systems.
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Test garage door safety features.
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Clean range hood and central vacuum system filters.
Quarterly Tasks
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Clean tracks and ensure functionality of sliding doors and windows.
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Check floor drain traps.
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Maintain heat recovery ventilators and bathroom exhaust fans.
Seasonal Tasks
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Spring: Service air-conditioning, turn off humidifiers, test well water, inspect chimneys, and service sump pumps.
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Fall: Clean gutters, service heating systems, prepare outdoor hose bibs for winter, and ensure all heating elements are functioning correctly.
Annual Tasks
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Trim trees and shrubs around AC units and buildings.
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Inspect roofing, attic, building exterior, and caulking in wet areas.
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Check exterior paint and soil grading.
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Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils.
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Check fire extinguishers and lubricate garage doors.
Ongoing
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Maintain septic systems with regular inspections and pumping as needed.
Remember, a well-maintained home is a happy home. This guide will help you keep on top of essential tasks to ensure your home remains safe, efficient, and comfortable.