Saturday, May 19, 2012
   
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Preparing your home for the winter before it hits

Don’t be fooled by those few last warm days of autumn.  The weather is fast changing and winter is nearing.  This means we need to prepare our homes for the cold, ice and snow.  I created a bit of a checklist and found that I am not as prepared as I would like to be for the next few months of harsh weather.  Here are some quick reminders based upon my research:
 
House_After_BlizzardGet inspected: Make sure all the heating units in the house are in working order.  Each year, for example, I need to have my antifreeze checked to make sure my pipes won’t freeze.  The last thing any homeowner wants is to come to the conclusion that their heaters don’t work in the middle of winter’s cold snap. And when was the last time your roof was inspected? No homeowner wants to find out their roof needs holes plugged or shingles replaced after the snow has come.  Also, be sure to have your fireplace and chimney checked regularly.  Whether you are using your fireplace for emergency heating or just ambiance, you don’t want smoke backing up into your home.  Which reminds me …

Check your safety devices: It is easy to forget them when the sun is shining, the windows are open or the air conditioning is on but make sure you check your smoke detectors and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector from time to time. If you don’t yet have these devices, buy and install them now.  And be sure to test them monthly, and replace batteries twice a year.  While you are out buying new batteries…

Buy supplies before you need them: Do not wait for that first big storm that drops inches of snow on your driveway and house.  You do not want to be trapped in your house because you cannot get your car
 

Do-it-yourself tips to prepare a home for cold weather

While homeowners generally know how to ready their houses during fall for the soon-to-be chilly weather of winter, Oprah.com, the website of the famed media magnate, says there are some lesser-known tasks a number of homeowners should take care of during this time.

According to the website, homeowners with garages should spend some time reorganizing the space. In most areas of the country, winter typically brings along snow and harsh weather. This means homeowners will need space in their garage for their cars - so they don't get mounded in white dust - and snow blowers.

   

How to clean and maintain hardwood floors

When looking at homes for sale, many homebuyers tend to gravitate toward properties with hardwood floors. These buyers often like the glimmering sheen that comes from a nice hardwood floor and the aesthetic appeal of the surface.

However, after buying properties with these floors, many homeowners neglect to properly maintain them and allow them to become dirty and grimy. To keep them in top shape, DIY Life has some expert advice.

   

Unique uses for car wax in your home

Though it was invented to keep vehicles clean and give them a good shine, car wax can be used in a number of other ways, according to This Old House.

Fingerprints on your stainless steel fridge, for instance, can be cleaned up with one small layer of car wax, TOH says. Apply a thin coat to a paper towel and those smudges on your fridge should be gone in no time.

   

Tools that make home maintenance easier

The Herald in Washington State says there are three basic, common-sense tools a homeowner should own, as they can make home maintenance tasks easier to complete. The paper has some specific models you should check out.

A good ladder to own is Werner's MT series telescoping multiladder, the newspaper states. It comes in many sizes, can be used for many outdoor repairs and projects and runs about $100. Its aluminum frame makes it sturdy, the paper states. Models come 11, 15, 19 and 23 feet tall.

   

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