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| Each week, the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) shares local housing data, sales trends, expert insights and other real estate-related topics. This week, the association shares expert tips on home maintanance and upkeep. |
Winter is officially over – and for many residents, this time of year marks “spring cleaning” season. We’ve put together a guide of cleaning hacks and maintenance tips to help you refresh your home inside and out.
3 home maintenance checks you shouldn’t overlook
Riley Chase, manager at home maintenance service company HomeSmiles in San Mateo, compares regular preventative maintenance to medical checkups.
“Servicing your home is like going to the dentist or doctor,” he said. “Most people don’t realize that there’s a lot of things they need to take care of around their house.”
By inspecting and promptly addressing issues, homeowners can prevent minor problems from snowballing into major damage, Chase said.
Setting up a “maintenance fund” can allows you to plan and schedule regular maintenance of your home and ease your mind knowing you have a backup plan if something does go wrong, he said. Wells Fargo recommends homeowners set aside 1%-2% of the home purchase price and save that amount every year to cover maintenance costs.
Exterior structure
Residents should thoroughly inspect their home’s roof, foundation and exterior for any damage that may have been caused by winter’s storms.
Even seemingly minor issues, such as small roof leaks or cracks in the foundation, can quickly escalate into major problems if left unaddressed. A small roof leak, for instance, can lead to extensive water damage, rotting wood and the growth of mold and mildew, which can pose health risks. In addition, your homeowners insurance policy might not cover mold caused by homeowner neglect.
Similarly, cracks in the foundation can compromise the structural integrity of the home and lead to costly repairs.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Checking to see if your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly functioning is not only easy (most detectors have “test” buttons), but lifesaving.
Working smoke detectors can reduce the risk of residential fire fatalities by 60%, according to data collected by the National Fire Protection Association.
Carbon monoxide detectors can reduce the risk of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning by up to 50%. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for over 400 deaths and 100,000 emergency room visits each year.
Chase said many smoke alarms now have built-in carbon monoxide detectors. Otherwise, they’re easy to find in retail stores like the Home Depot and are usually inexpensive, he added.
Dryer vents
Lint buildup in dryer vents can be highly flammable and easy to ignite. Unfortunately, routine dryer vents are often overlooked by many homeowners, Chase said.
“If I can provide just one key takeaway, it’s to please just start cleaning your dryer vents, it’s something that people aren’t doing enough,” he said.
Some telltale signs of a clogged dryer vent, include longer times to dry a regular load of clothes, increased energy bills. To check your vent, turn on your dryer and let it run for a few minutes. Go outside to vent and feel for airflow. Also look for lint buildup and cracks or leaks in the vent duct.
5 power-cleaning hacks for home sellers
Tammie Peters, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, emphasized the importance of taking home upkeep seriously, especially during spring, which is historically considered to be the busiest seasons in the real estate market.
“I consider home preventative maintenance an important investment,” she said. “It not only preserves the value of your property, but you’re also ensuring that your home remains safe and healthy.”
Executing a deep clean before putting your home on the market will not only help it shine, but it will make tidiness easier to maintain between showings.
Here are some power-cleaning tips to try.
Clean windows make a huge difference
Remove window screens and place them outside on a tarp or other clean, waterproof surface. Use a garden hose, an all-purpose cleaner, and a soft brush to gently clean the screens. You don’t need anything special to polish up window glass; just mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks.
The fridge is the most common source of kitchen smells
Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Scrub the inside of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Activated charcoal in the fridge can help keep odors at bay.
Think outside the house
Wipe down your front door, give the doormat a good shake/vacuum, and make sure dust and dirt haven’t collected on outdoor furniture. Use a pressure washer to give your driveway and garage floor a good cleaning.
Target the Bathroom
For tile floors, apply your usual cleaner and then run a wet/dry vac, which will suck contaminants out of the grout. Pour a quarter cup each of baking soda and vinegar down the drains, leaving the concoction overnight, then flush with boiling water. Clean soap scum and mildew from plastic shower curtains by tossing them into your washer on the gentle cycle in cold water, with detergent and ½ cup vinegar.
Wash the walls
Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Resist the temptation to spot-clean since it will make the rest of the wall look dirtier. Mop walls using a general-purpose cleaner diluted with hot water. Start at the top corner of the wall to avoid drips. Don’t press too hard, and rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. Use melamine foam cleaner to erase scuffs and stains.
Tips provided by the National Association of Realtors
4 common cleaning mistakes to avoid
Not looking up
Always look up to see what needs dusting before you start cleaning at eye level. This will prevent dust and dirt from falling onto freshly cleaned surfaces below. Begin by tackling hard-to-reach places like the tops of bookshelves, crown molding, and window ledges.
Ignoring that weird-looking vacuum attachment
Don’t let your carpet hog the vacuum. Use the crevice tool between your wall and refrigerator to get out the accumulated dust that’s otherwise unreachable, and run it around the edge of your baseboards to clean where standard upright vacuums can’t reach.
Skipping the mattress
Your mattress harbors millions of dust mites, which cause various respiratory conditions including sneezing. Use a vapor steam cleaner to root out dust mites, and wrap the mattress in an anti-allergen mattress protector. At the very least, sprinkle your mattress with baking soda and let it sit for a while. Then vacuum it up.
Leaving the clutter
All of the spring cleaning tips and advice are useless if you don’t declutter first.
Make sure toys are put away, books are back on the bookshelf, and papers are pitched or filed before you begin the cleaning process. Otherwise, you’re leaving room for dust and pollen to hide — making spring cleaning all for naught.
Tips provided by the National Association of Realtors
Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing 5,000 Realtors and affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term Realtor is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
