2020 Checklist for the New Year

The New Year is a great time to reflect on how to maintain or improve on different areas of your life-- your home included! Keep your house in its best condition for years to come with this annual checklist.

1.  Walk Around the House -- You’re in your home every day, but how often do you take the time to really look at it? Taking the time to inspect the inside and outside of your home is a great way to start identifying what needs to be repaired or replaced.

2.  Check Roofing Material -- What is out of sight is out of mind. Because of this, roofs are often times overlooked. Grab a ladder and take a moment to skim over the top of your house. You’ll want to look for any broken, curling, or blistering shingles, worn vent pipes, or masses of moss and lichen.

3.  Get A Termite Inspection -- Termites are sneaky pests that can create serious damage before you even realize there is a problem. A key indicator that termites are living in your home is the presence of mud tubes. These mud tubes can often be found near the foundation of a house, near pipes, in the crawlspace or attic as well.

4.  Install New HVAC Units -- Replacing a new HVAC system can be expensive. However, with the proper care and maintenance, most can last you about 10 years. If you have an HVAC system that is older than 10 years, runs for longer periods of time, and makes an unusual amount of noise, it might be time to consider installing a new one.

5.  Garage Door Opener -- Garage doors are durable and can usually work for 10-15 years. In order to keep your garage performing at its best, be sure to lubricate any moving parts, replace damaged weather stripping, inspect the rollers, and test the garage door balance.

6.  Drain Hot Water Heater -- Over time and use, minerals and debris known as sediment will build at the bottom of your water heater. Without regular draining, the water heater may not work properly or stop functioning altogether.

7.  Check Caulking -- Making sure your caulking is working properly can prevent damage to your home like mildew caused by water leakage. Caulking can also help you save on your energy bill, ensuring that any unwanted air stays on the outside.

We are available to answer any questions you have about home improvement projects, renovations, or regular maintenance. We use an advanced Rotobrush technology to clear homes of allergens, dust, and more.  Let us know if you need help and be sure to use our checklist to maintain your home.

Winter Checklist

Homes need a lot of attention and continued maintenance in order to stay long-lasting. Without proper care, negligence can lead to long-term damages and may risk decreasing the value of your home. Set your home up for success this winter and prepare for the changing seasons with this winter checklist.

1. Check your heating system. Heating systems have the potential to last years longer with proper care and maintenance. Before the weather starts cooling down, change your air filters. We also recommend getting your air ducts cleaned. Each time your heater is turned on, contaminants and particles are circulated in the air of your home, including dirt, dust mites, and pet hair. Our Rotobrush technology does an efficient job at thoroughly cleaning your air duct systems to reduce contaminants and protect your family’s health.

2. Add extra insulation by weatherproofing your doors and windows. Check your doors and windows for gaps that can cause the cold air to leak into your home. Consider weatherstripping or using caulk to seal them up to keep your home warm during the cool days.

3. Seal your home’s exterior. Protect and seal wood on the exterior of your home from the winter elements. This can be done with paint or caulk to prevent your wood from getting wet and potentially rotting. This also includes an outdoor deck or patio if you have one. Make sure to seal your deck. Check to see if it is protected by pouring water on it to see if it beads up over the wood. If the wood absorbs water, you should coat your wood with a fresh seal.

4. Keep your gutters clean. By now, dead leaves may be backing up your gutters from the fall season. Clear out your gutters from debris and leaves to prevent them from overflowing. Water that constantly runs down your home not only leaves behind unwanted streaks, but can also speed up the deterioration of your home.

5. Check and replace your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s no surprise that people use their fireplaces more during the cold season. But before you light up your winter fires, make sure you are taking the necessary steps to ensure your family and home’s safety by checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace all old batteries to ensure they are working. Also consider having a yearly chimney inspection.

6. Don’t forget to bring outdoor furniture and appliances inside. Increase the longevity of these items by properly storing them away in a shed or garage to protect from rain and changes in temperature. This can include throw pillows, chairs, lawn mowers, grills, or anything else of value that is left outside.

7. Prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. A safe practice is to insulate pipes near windows and keep the heat running in your home. If you live in colder areas, consider letting your pipes drip to keep the water flowing and prevent freezing. Additionally, you can disconnect your garden hose from outside faucets.

Keep your home happy and well maintained this winter with the proper care it deserves. For more information on how you can keep your home long lasting and in good shape, get in touch with our team at Caldwell Construction. We provide construction solutions to ensure you and your family have a home that is long lasting and timeless.

November Checklist

The heat is finally winding down and fall is slowly transitioning into winter. But before you jump into the holiday festivities, it is important to take the time to address your home’s needs and safety. Before you get too cozy, make sure you go through this checklist to prep your home for the winter.

1. Check your safety devices – Increase your family’s protection by checking your home’s safety devices. Check smoke detectors regularly and replace your detectors’ batteries. Establish a fire evacuation route that you and your family are familiar with in case of emergencies.

2. Air Duct cleaning – Before you turn on your heater, don’t forget to get your air ducts cleaned. Allergens and contaminants can circulate the air through your air ducts if they are not properly cleaned. Learn more about our air duct cleaning services and Rotobrush technology.

3. DIY fall décor – Consider DIY crafts and projects this year. Doing it yourself lets you control your budget and can even help you save cash for gifts in December.

4. Clean the kitchen – Holiday parties are approaching! Consider deep cleaning your kitchen to accommodate all the food prep and family gatherings to come.

5. Get your windows fixed – Loose windows may not be a pressing issue now, but it’s better to get them fixed before the cold weather or rain really settles in this winter.

6. Maintain your garden – Now is the time to clean up old and unwanted growth. Clean up plant debris and weeds and rake your lawn leaves.

7. Refresh your patio – Just because summer is over doesn’t mean you can’t spend time outdoors! Consider adding some light fixtures, fall decorations, and setting up a seating area where your friends and family can gather during the holidays.

8. Clean gutters – Keep your gutters clean from leaves and twigs to help prevent clogging. Getting rid of your gutter debris can prevent blocked gutters and water damage to your home.

9. Check on your fireplaces – Have your fireplace serviced before you light it this season. Keep your family safe and get your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent chimney fires.