New homes for creative people, with flex space and more. See new townhouse design,Ashland, new single family home design, Marlboro, Holliston see our plans, choose your lots. If you want something different, exciting, put more of yourself in your home, come find out , you might like the choices! 9 LOCATIONS AROUND METROWEST, one stop for lots, styles and locations,in every price range from $200,000's up to million plus Builders sites are open by appointment call now. 508-881-6662
Monday, August 25, 2014
broma bakery: Pumpkin bread with almond streusel
broma bakery: Pumpkin bread with almond streusel: BROMA IS BACK. It was a long and bake-less summer in Manhattan, where I worked at a restaurant with some of the best people I've eve...
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Village of America...a video published recently..get acquainted with us
http://vimeo.com/97334278 The Village of America, Ashland...508-881-6662
call us for appointment, see the new styles and choices. Our newest plans have kitchens along the inside wall, so you can enjoy the windows from your eating area....
We are always thinking and planning our new styles, so you always have choices.
Right now our newest units offer a choice of the super master bedroom, that reflects the master bedroom in a mansion, with its own "sunnery" which is what we call the large sitting area in the master bedroom
If you prefer our continental den version, that is great for family gatherings in the evening, off the bedrooms, the "kids" can do homework , or watch TV ....there can be a fireplace, for cozy winter evenings.
Right now there are three homes with continental dens and we are starting a new building with 4 "sunnery" versions.....so pick the one you like, a deposit holds it until we work out the final details, on delivery and mortgage, and our deposit is refundable. We can help you get pre- qualified, at no charge, just a phone call will do it, right from our office....
If you buy now , you should be in before Christmas.....
call us for appointment, see the new styles and choices. Our newest plans have kitchens along the inside wall, so you can enjoy the windows from your eating area....
We are always thinking and planning our new styles, so you always have choices.
Right now our newest units offer a choice of the super master bedroom, that reflects the master bedroom in a mansion, with its own "sunnery" which is what we call the large sitting area in the master bedroom
If you prefer our continental den version, that is great for family gatherings in the evening, off the bedrooms, the "kids" can do homework , or watch TV ....there can be a fireplace, for cozy winter evenings.
Right now there are three homes with continental dens and we are starting a new building with 4 "sunnery" versions.....so pick the one you like, a deposit holds it until we work out the final details, on delivery and mortgage, and our deposit is refundable. We can help you get pre- qualified, at no charge, just a phone call will do it, right from our office....
If you buy now , you should be in before Christmas.....
Mortgage rates sink to new low....but for how long? See what is trending
Mortgage Rates Sink to New Low for 2014
Daily Real Estate News | Friday, August 22, 2014
Despite predictions that mortgage rates were to inch up in the second half of this year, fixed-rate mortgages continue to tumble.
Borrowing costs moved lower this week, as the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to a 4.10 percent average, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgages previous low average for the year was 4.12 percent.
Borrowing costs moved lower this week, as the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to a 4.10 percent average, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgages previous low average for the year was 4.12 percent.
Forecasts: Right or Wrong?Freddie Mac reports the following mortgage rate national averages for the week ending Aug. 21:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.10 percent, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 4.12 percent. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged 4.58 percent.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.23 percent, with an average 0.6 point, dropping from last week’s 3.24 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 3.60 percent.
- 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.95 percent, with an average 0.5 point, dropping from last week’s 2.97 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 3.21 percent.
- 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.38 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 2.36 percent average. A year ago, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.67 percent.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Village of America,Ashland, Mass., live in history...
Our villages , beginning with the Explorers, and thru Mayflower, on to the newest Village called Louisiana Purchase is a history lesson, while the names of the streets, also echo the history of our Country. Much of the land was virgin land, that was once inhabited by local Indians that lived off the fertile soil and well stocked nearby ponds, where they fished and dug fresh water mussels for food. History abounds in this area of greater Framingham, which encompasses, Sherborn, Holliston and Ashland. It is a land where the Pilgrims settled, and once owned many, many acres. The Leland family became one of the best known of the names, when Leland Stanford became a founder of Southern Pacific Railroad and Stanford University in California. Are you watching " Hell on Wheels"? I love the stories woven into the march of the railroad across the United States, encompassing the various characters that were part of the growth or our wonderful country,
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
New Assisted Living , Ashland, near our subdivisions...check it out
Brand new Assisted living in Ashland, on the Holliston, Framingham, Sherborn, townlines....imagine the convenience of this! If you have an aging Mom, or Dad, the convenience of having them comfortable and near you is so wonderful.....Located on Rt 126, next to the shopping center, site work is underway now.
Our nearest new homes \...
Ashland townhomes off Rt 135 just around the corner by car probably 10 minutes
Holliston, Carriage House Estates, almost across the street, about 5 minutes
Holliston, Indian Trail, walking distance to the new Assisted living and the shopping center
Natick, we have one large 3 acre plus or minus estate lot, about 15 minutes by car plus or minus ...
Our nearest new homes \...
Ashland townhomes off Rt 135 just around the corner by car probably 10 minutes
Holliston, Carriage House Estates, almost across the street, about 5 minutes
Holliston, Indian Trail, walking distance to the new Assisted living and the shopping center
Natick, we have one large 3 acre plus or minus estate lot, about 15 minutes by car plus or minus ...
The Pilgrims are returning to Holliston. new home styles almost ready., $700,000's up, Yum, like dark chocolate candy
We have been working on new single family home styles all summer, something new, something old, and mix .for 20 strokes, spread evenly in pan and bake for 25 mintues....Oops not quite that easy!
The Nantucket, The Patriot, The Compass Rose,and Harbor Lights ,with nautical names are among the newest model homes, there is also the Georgian all....so new that no one has one of these yet. Lot 111 and lot 110 in Holliston will be getting 2 of these styles which are finally going through the last of the many check and balances.....before we can release the plans. The Georgian is ready, priced in the $800,000's great new estate style home.....We sold the magnificent lot 112, we called , "In the Clouds", , but there are plenty of wonderful syles and lots to rival that beauty, so come see...
Lot 60, 61 and Lot 77 are also available all lots are on Mohawk.....in our historic Carriage House Estates...
We have a new stately Colonial style with wide front porch, another has a small back porch off a game room, the bedrooms include a continental den off them for cozy winter evenings, All master bedrooms are just wonderful with sitting areas, and large bathrooms, plenty of closet space, and more. We are getting down to the last handful of lots in the $700'000's price range. and approaching the bigger acreage lots that will be much higher in price....so if you are on the fence, now is the time to get one of these homes.
Prices are now in the $700,000's to the 900.000's and up...
Our secret stash of chocolate candy is almost ready to be offered....Indian Trail the little sister to Carriage House Estate.....
If you are trying to get into the Carriage House neighborhood, but can't quite stretch to the price range, make sure you don't let Indian Trail get away from you, prices and styles are coming, we are working the land now....so ask...
Indian Trail, just across the street from Carriage House Estates, will be a small subdivision , also in Holliston, where you can walk to the stores and good news if you have an aging parent....there is a new assisted living facility going in right nearby...so if you have an aging parent, you are worried as I was, but now Mom, can be right next door.... Indian Trail prices and styles, coming soon,
Give us a call 508-881-6662 Fafard Real Estate
The Nantucket, The Patriot, The Compass Rose,and Harbor Lights ,with nautical names are among the newest model homes, there is also the Georgian all....so new that no one has one of these yet. Lot 111 and lot 110 in Holliston will be getting 2 of these styles which are finally going through the last of the many check and balances.....before we can release the plans. The Georgian is ready, priced in the $800,000's great new estate style home.....We sold the magnificent lot 112, we called , "In the Clouds", , but there are plenty of wonderful syles and lots to rival that beauty, so come see...
Lot 60, 61 and Lot 77 are also available all lots are on Mohawk.....in our historic Carriage House Estates...
We have a new stately Colonial style with wide front porch, another has a small back porch off a game room, the bedrooms include a continental den off them for cozy winter evenings, All master bedrooms are just wonderful with sitting areas, and large bathrooms, plenty of closet space, and more. We are getting down to the last handful of lots in the $700'000's price range. and approaching the bigger acreage lots that will be much higher in price....so if you are on the fence, now is the time to get one of these homes.
Prices are now in the $700,000's to the 900.000's and up...
Our secret stash of chocolate candy is almost ready to be offered....Indian Trail the little sister to Carriage House Estate.....
If you are trying to get into the Carriage House neighborhood, but can't quite stretch to the price range, make sure you don't let Indian Trail get away from you, prices and styles are coming, we are working the land now....so ask...
Indian Trail, just across the street from Carriage House Estates, will be a small subdivision , also in Holliston, where you can walk to the stores and good news if you have an aging parent....there is a new assisted living facility going in right nearby...so if you have an aging parent, you are worried as I was, but now Mom, can be right next door.... Indian Trail prices and styles, coming soon,
Give us a call 508-881-6662 Fafard Real Estate
Large modern style home , move in ready,$300,000's Holden's garden area...must see!
Holden....Open Sundays...call for appointment, 508-881-6662............ we are off of Newell Road, close to Salisbury Street, and minutes to downtown Worcester, or Rt 495, and other major routes in the near by area....easy commute even to Providence, Foxwoods, and Twin Rivers.... Priced right ...in the $300,000's
Lots of house, must see , newly refurbished young home with private yard, in an Association with snow plowing and lawn mowing, etc., check out the documents, with our sales people.
This is a gorgeous area, right near Chapin Pond, if you are 55 or over and looking for the perfect place to bring the in-law's this home is set up for privacy for two families , or even a teen or young adult living at home, or if there are just two of you, why bother to go upstairs, more than once in awhile .
First floor master bedroom, with bath and sitting area, off the dining room living room which features a fireplace, there is a first floor, 1/2 bath plus a laundry off the back hall to the two car garage. The kitchen is my favorite place, with lovely sitting are in the rear of this country kitchen.
2nd floor features two bedrooms , bath and a continental den , just right for Mom, or the young adult who is home for a time...
$300,000;s for this Or.....
....or buy a townhome, we have an end unit for sale, all one floor living, 2 bedrooms and baths, double living rooms, 2 car garage, deck, and it is surrounded by evergreens, lovely neighborhood, make new friends, and have a wonderful time living in this gorgeous neighborhood. You might just love the folks here so much you will not be able to live anywhere else....so take a ride over to Tea Party Circle, off Newell, and make new friends...
Call us , Tim is waiting to greet you..by appointment..508-881-6662
Lots of house, must see , newly refurbished young home with private yard, in an Association with snow plowing and lawn mowing, etc., check out the documents, with our sales people.
This is a gorgeous area, right near Chapin Pond, if you are 55 or over and looking for the perfect place to bring the in-law's this home is set up for privacy for two families , or even a teen or young adult living at home, or if there are just two of you, why bother to go upstairs, more than once in awhile .
First floor master bedroom, with bath and sitting area, off the dining room living room which features a fireplace, there is a first floor, 1/2 bath plus a laundry off the back hall to the two car garage. The kitchen is my favorite place, with lovely sitting are in the rear of this country kitchen.
2nd floor features two bedrooms , bath and a continental den , just right for Mom, or the young adult who is home for a time...
$300,000;s for this Or.....
....or buy a townhome, we have an end unit for sale, all one floor living, 2 bedrooms and baths, double living rooms, 2 car garage, deck, and it is surrounded by evergreens, lovely neighborhood, make new friends, and have a wonderful time living in this gorgeous neighborhood. You might just love the folks here so much you will not be able to live anywhere else....so take a ride over to Tea Party Circle, off Newell, and make new friends...
Call us , Tim is waiting to greet you..by appointment..508-881-6662
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
New townhome interior check out building 40 ,Ashland minutes to Rt 9 ,Mass Pike, Rt 495
Our new kitchen is a keeper ! We have lots of new ideas waiting for your approval and deposit. Take a ride over , call first for appointment so we can review new plans and buildings with you! We can help you with pre approval. There is no pressure, deposits are refundable if you choose not to sign an agreement to proceed. So, come over and see what we have for new townhomes, only minutes to the many roads ,amenities, hospitals, shopping, colleges, lakes, parks etc.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Mother ------ in ----------- Law, yep, we are doing hard to find, in- law space in new homes...from $300,000's up to million plus
Mother in law....suites and rooms....yes, we have them, Mother and Dad might need to be near you....
Holden from the $300,000's a bedroom sitting room on the first floor for Mom and Dad, you have 2 bedrooms on second floor with bath and a continental den for you and the kids, wonderful country kitchen , first floor laundry and 2 car garage, new and slightly used homes for sale...and ..............the price is right.
Open Sundays, call for appointment....508-881-6662, Tim Long
Marlboro a new version of our Dream Villager is coming, 2 car garage under, with a wonderful kitchenette, private bath, sitting area, and sleeping area... private entrance for MOTHER -----IN------ LAW----INTERESTED...ask about lot 12....we have not priced her yet, ...but we can have a price for you next week. This plan has a separate entry for mother-----in-----law....plan is still in engineering while we make the final touches to make her just what you want with the best use of space.. This is our popular front porch model...... Call today 508-881-6662
Natick...An estate home on 3 plus or minus acres, can have a wonderful in law accommodation. We have a 3 car garage plan that includes a single garage with separate entry into the in law apartment, separate front door, to the in laws....what more could you ask for? This is over a million dollars... in this particular neighborhood...so if you are ready to spend money for the location , the setting and the estate you always dreamed of, and want to bring Mom and Dad, who need to be near you....this is the place. 508-881-6662
When we say we have a Village Collection, we do, we have a big collection of plans, in price ranges from $300,000;s up to over a million and the land that suits the styles....pack your suitcases, and get ready for the home of your life...!
Holden from the $300,000's a bedroom sitting room on the first floor for Mom and Dad, you have 2 bedrooms on second floor with bath and a continental den for you and the kids, wonderful country kitchen , first floor laundry and 2 car garage, new and slightly used homes for sale...and ..............the price is right.
Open Sundays, call for appointment....508-881-6662, Tim Long
Marlboro a new version of our Dream Villager is coming, 2 car garage under, with a wonderful kitchenette, private bath, sitting area, and sleeping area... private entrance for MOTHER -----IN------ LAW----INTERESTED...ask about lot 12....we have not priced her yet, ...but we can have a price for you next week. This plan has a separate entry for mother-----in-----law....plan is still in engineering while we make the final touches to make her just what you want with the best use of space.. This is our popular front porch model...... Call today 508-881-6662
Natick...An estate home on 3 plus or minus acres, can have a wonderful in law accommodation. We have a 3 car garage plan that includes a single garage with separate entry into the in law apartment, separate front door, to the in laws....what more could you ask for? This is over a million dollars... in this particular neighborhood...so if you are ready to spend money for the location , the setting and the estate you always dreamed of, and want to bring Mom and Dad, who need to be near you....this is the place. 508-881-6662
When we say we have a Village Collection, we do, we have a big collection of plans, in price ranges from $300,000;s up to over a million and the land that suits the styles....pack your suitcases, and get ready for the home of your life...!
Sea Captain homes...in Holliston...why not, they can almost see the Boston skyline. , new designs.......
We named the streets with historic names, and now we have some dreamy new Sea Captain homes, brand new design, not antique and drafty...but charming and desirable. We are building the Patriot on Lot 110 Holliston, and Compass Rose will be on Lot 111, two new designs, that will set your taste buds into an uproar.
Wait til you see these two and the new Nantucket... we have not chosen a lot for her yet....these plans are still in engineering getting their final touches.. New plans don't come easy, sometimes they have to return for nip and tuck, a shave or a haircut...whatever is needed to make them just right for today;s buyer.
Some of the new features are magnificent country kitchens...with special windows, that take your breath away when you enter the room, or a covered porch, a widows walk, a sitting area in the bedoom, with a monster closet and fabulous bathroom, Oh, and the luxury of a continental den on the second floor is something really special for families , you know how it is with a sick child, at least you do not have to run up and down the stairs anymore ..Another big feature is the second floor laundry or a full laundry room on the first floor...you choose your style and your way of living....we have cubbies for the kids coats , shoes and bags, we have his shower and her soaking tub....almost everything you can want is available.. Meanwhile, if you can 't wait for the Sea Captain, why not consider the Lavender Grand....she will be ready soon...choices are made all you need to do is move in....
call for appointment to see what is coming to this wonderful area....508-881-1600
Wait til you see these two and the new Nantucket... we have not chosen a lot for her yet....these plans are still in engineering getting their final touches.. New plans don't come easy, sometimes they have to return for nip and tuck, a shave or a haircut...whatever is needed to make them just right for today;s buyer.
Some of the new features are magnificent country kitchens...with special windows, that take your breath away when you enter the room, or a covered porch, a widows walk, a sitting area in the bedoom, with a monster closet and fabulous bathroom, Oh, and the luxury of a continental den on the second floor is something really special for families , you know how it is with a sick child, at least you do not have to run up and down the stairs anymore ..Another big feature is the second floor laundry or a full laundry room on the first floor...you choose your style and your way of living....we have cubbies for the kids coats , shoes and bags, we have his shower and her soaking tub....almost everything you can want is available.. Meanwhile, if you can 't wait for the Sea Captain, why not consider the Lavender Grand....she will be ready soon...choices are made all you need to do is move in....
call for appointment to see what is coming to this wonderful area....508-881-1600
Cloudy but warm, yes, and this house is sizzling "hot" a long view and spectacular setting await you..Call her "mine"
Sometimes there is a home that stands out, on a superior lot, and the word Grand is not in the name for nothing..... come see our Lavender Grand model , she is the biggest Lady we have built so far.... she is on Mohawk Path, Holliston and requires an appointment so you can hear her unfolding story....
This is one home that stands out, situated on a high "view" lot with a slowly rising driveway, she is getting a white on white kitchen to keep her cool inside, because the views are so hot, on the outside! You can switch to stainless steel if you dare, provided you get here before she finishes dressing.
. A new farmer's bow front sink is going in the ktichen ,(bet you have not seen that yet) plus a 5 burner drop in range, a double oven and something very cool....mirrored back splash.in the kitchen....so you can see the "kids" making faces at the island behind you..oh oh....no more spinach in the shoes.....
Make sure you go up to the Master bedroom, its about as big as the ranch houses that were built in the 1950's right after the war," incredible privacy " is available in this sanctuary. You "gotta" see it to believe it.!
The Lavender Grand is awaiting someone to call her "mine", so come over today, she will take your breath away...it is one of a kind at this writing with a lot that is the envy of people with far sighted dreams....
This is one home that stands out, situated on a high "view" lot with a slowly rising driveway, she is getting a white on white kitchen to keep her cool inside, because the views are so hot, on the outside! You can switch to stainless steel if you dare, provided you get here before she finishes dressing.
. A new farmer's bow front sink is going in the ktichen ,(bet you have not seen that yet) plus a 5 burner drop in range, a double oven and something very cool....mirrored back splash.in the kitchen....so you can see the "kids" making faces at the island behind you..oh oh....no more spinach in the shoes.....
Make sure you go up to the Master bedroom, its about as big as the ranch houses that were built in the 1950's right after the war," incredible privacy " is available in this sanctuary. You "gotta" see it to believe it.!
The Lavender Grand is awaiting someone to call her "mine", so come over today, she will take your breath away...it is one of a kind at this writing with a lot that is the envy of people with far sighted dreams....
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How to Keep Home Maintenance Costs Under $300 a Year
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A little TLC maintenance goes a long way toward staving off expensive repairs.
Spending time now on minor exterior touch-ups — like replacing caulk and refreshing paint — can prevent major repair costs down the road. Image: August Blues Slipcover Studio
Cringe at the thought of major repairs to your home? It’s the little preventative maintenance things you do throughout the year that’ll keep big repair bills at bay. In fact, you can keep your entire house fit and healthy for a mere $300 per year. Here’s how.
1. Get Up Close and Personal with Your House
Annual cost: $0-$10
Trust us — you want to be on intimate terms with your house. The more familiar you are, the easier it is to spot potential trouble spots before they get out-of-hand — and expensive to fix.
You don’t have to be a pro inspector; just take the time to stroll around. A DIY inspection costs nothing — and could save you thousands. Look for:
Annual cost: $0-$10
Trust us — you want to be on intimate terms with your house. The more familiar you are, the easier it is to spot potential trouble spots before they get out-of-hand — and expensive to fix.
You don’t have to be a pro inspector; just take the time to stroll around. A DIY inspection costs nothing — and could save you thousands. Look for:
- Cracks in the foundation. Hairline cracks are fairly normal, but keep an eye on them and note if they’re getting larger. If so, your foundation may be settling unevenly. You can make a small mark with an indelible pen across the crack; over the next few months, if you notice the mark is moving apart, call in a foundation expert.
- Proper soil grading. Foundation soil should slope away from foundation walls at least 6 inches in 10 feet. More is better.
- Downspout extensions. They should reach at least 5 feet away from your house. A flexible extension is about $10.
- Roof damage. Use a pair of binoculars to look for shingles that are curled, torn, or missing, and rust spots on flashing.
- Shaggy bushes and tree limbs. Keep plants at least 3 feet away from your house. Branches can channel water right to your siding; during a windstorm, they may bang against your house and cause damage.
Branches near your roof are squirrel highways; trim them back to prevent critters from reaching your roof. You don’t want pests in your attic.
2. Make Caulk Your BFF
Annual cost: $24
Your home’s No. 1 enemy is water; your home’s best friend is caulk.
Cheap and easy to use, caulk seals openings and prevents water from getting inside your home, where lingering moisture causes rot and mold. Caulk seals air leaks that can rob you of precious heating and cooling energy.
As caulking ages, it may come loose as your house settles slightly. Every year, inspect window and door frames for cracked and missing caulk. Check around exterior dryer vents, hose bibs, and electrical wiring to make sure openings in your siding are sealed tight.
You won’t be caulking the whole enchilada — but bet on using 3-4 tubes of top-quality exterior acrylic latex caulk ($4-$6 per 12-oz. tube) every year.
3. Give Your House a Facial
Annual cost: $0-$32
As you make your inspection rounds, look for blemishes — chipped or peeling paint, small chips in stucco, and missing mortar between masonry. A little spot repair prevents moisture from doing more damage.
2. Make Caulk Your BFF
Annual cost: $24
Your home’s No. 1 enemy is water; your home’s best friend is caulk.
Cheap and easy to use, caulk seals openings and prevents water from getting inside your home, where lingering moisture causes rot and mold. Caulk seals air leaks that can rob you of precious heating and cooling energy.
As caulking ages, it may come loose as your house settles slightly. Every year, inspect window and door frames for cracked and missing caulk. Check around exterior dryer vents, hose bibs, and electrical wiring to make sure openings in your siding are sealed tight.
You won’t be caulking the whole enchilada — but bet on using 3-4 tubes of top-quality exterior acrylic latex caulk ($4-$6 per 12-oz. tube) every year.
3. Give Your House a Facial
Annual cost: $0-$32
As you make your inspection rounds, look for blemishes — chipped or peeling paint, small chips in stucco, and missing mortar between masonry. A little spot repair prevents moisture from doing more damage.
- Keep paint in good repair and help your exterior paint job last longer by touching up chipped or peeling areas so water can’t penetrate. Keep a close eye on trim, porch columns, and stair railings. Annual cost: $16 for 1 qt. of color-matched exterior latex paint.
- Plug holes in stucco with pre-mixed latex stucco patching compound ($7 for a 1 qt. tub).
- Repair missing mortar using textured, masonry mortar repair compound ($3.50 for a 5-oz. tube).
- Clean your exterior. All types of siding benefit from an annual cleaning to remove dirt and grime. Use buckets of warm, soapy water (½ cup of trisodium phosphate — $4.95 for a 1 lb. box — dissolved in 1 gallon of water) and a soft-bristled brush attached to a long handle. Or, use a homemade green cleaner from ½ cup baking soda dissolved in 1 gallon warm water.
4. Coddle Your HVAC
Annual cost: $50-$164
Annual cost: $50-$164
- Change furnace filters. Have you looked at them lately? They’re filthy! They’re cutting down on your heating and cooling efficiency and making your furnace fan work overtime trying to push air through stuffed-up filters. Keep allergy-causing dust to a minimum and give your furnace a break with regular HVAC maintenance that includes changing your high-quality filters every 3-4 months.
- Get an HVAC tune-up. For this annual HVAC maintenance chore, bring in a pro to clean out furnace parts and recharge your refrigerant levels. Signing a contract for an annual inspection lowers cost per visit.
5. Show Your Water Heater a Little TLC
Annual cost: $0
- Remove sediment and gunk in the bottom of the tank by hooking a garden hose to the drain valve and draining the tank until the water runs clear. That helps your water heaterwarm up quickly and more cheaply.
- Test the pressure relief valve by quickly opening it two or three times (catch the spillage in a small bucket). After testing, watch for any leaks from the valve.
6. Clean Your Gutters
Annual cost: $0
Clogged rain gutters cause overflows that damage siding and soak the soils around your foundation. That mean foundation problems that lead to expensive repairs. Clean your gutters at least twice each year to remove clogs and debris. Like you didn’t know that!
Related: Home Maintenance Made Simple
Clogged rain gutters cause overflows that damage siding and soak the soils around your foundation. That mean foundation problems that lead to expensive repairs. Clean your gutters at least twice each year to remove clogs and debris. Like you didn’t know that!
Related: Home Maintenance Made Simple
John Riha
has written seven books on home improvement and hundreds of articles on home-related topics. He’s been a residential builder, the editorial director of the Black & Decker Home Improvement Library, and the executive editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
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