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On The Level Newsletter                September 2013, Volume VI, Issue III

Cari Barron | Contractor Hotline | [email protected]

425.775.9085 | www.contractorhotline.net

In This Issue
Everett Fall Home Show
Prepare Your Home For Winter
Planning a Kitchen or Bath Remodel?
 
   The Everett Fall Home Show at Comcast Arena is coming soon - Sep 27, 28 & 29! The show is a fun place to gather information for future projects and learn about new and innovative products and services. Click for show details and to download free tickets.  Enjoy the Everett Gift & Food Show while you're there - it's all happening at the same time and the same place!
Always a pleasure having you help us find someone, your resources are fantastic and saves us a lot of hassle, I keep giving your card to people. ~ C. Brister, Lake Stevens

 

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Greetings!

Cari

I hope you enjoyed the incredible summer we had this year in the northwest. It is hard to believe the season is nearing an end. Fall is in the air and it's time to start preparing our homes for winter.  

 

For the Do-It-Yourself types, many projects can be done on your own. Some things like chimney cleaning and servicing the heating system are best left to a professional. I hope the following Prepare Your Home For Winter tips will be useful and help guide you through your fall checklist.   

 

Mark your calendars - the Everett Fall Home Show is coming soon - Sep 27, 28 & 29! The show is packed with great ideas for all your home improvement, repair, or maintenance needs. Free tickets are limited to the first 1,000 people. Don't delay - download your free tickets today! I look forward to seeing you there.

 

Have a fabulous fall! 

Signature 

Cari Barron

 

Contractor Hotline

Email: [email protected] 

425.775.9085

www.contractorhotline.net 

Prepare Your Home For Winter

 

Outside Your Home ...

 

Lawn Care:  To ensure a healthy lawn in the spring, take a bit of time this fall to apply a quality fertilizer and weed killer. Thatch and re-seed or lay sod as needed.   

 

Outdoor Faucets: Once all the yard work is completed, remove, drain, and store hoses for winter. If you have an inside valve for each outdoor faucet, turn these off and open the outside faucet slightly to drain any water left in the pipes. Attach insulated covers over outside faucets. Blow out sprinkler systems.

 

Tree Trimming: Take special care to have any dead or Tree overhanging roofdiseased branches removed from trees that may fall and cause injury, damage property, or take down power lines. For large trees this task is best left to the experts. Trim any trees or bushes away from the side of the house or hanging over the roof and gutters.

 

Tools & Furniture: Check that all summer tools have been cleaned and stored away for winter and that winter tools like snow shovels and blowers are accessible and ready to use. Clean and store or cover BBQ and outdoor furniture.

 

Chimney: Have the chimney inspected and cleaned, especially if you use a wood stove or fireplace regularly. On average, your chimney should be cleaned after every two cords of seasoned, dry wood is burned. Stock an adequate supply of dry, seasoned firewood and store away from the side of your house in a location where it will stay dry and has good air flow.   

 

Roof: Inspect the roof of your home and buckling shinglesoutbuildings for any signs of leaks or damage including buckling, curling, or missing shingles. Shingles and metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and in valleys should be firmly adhered.  

 

Gutters & Drainage System:  Gutters and downspouts should be flushed and inspected for leaks. Ensure the downspouts are properly diverting water away from the foundation. Keep storm drains clear and inspect gutters, downspouts, and drains regularly throughout the rainy season.   

How to Clean Rain Gutters and Downspouts
How to Clean Rain Gutters and Downspouts

Siding, Doors, and Windows: Take care to remove any soil or organic matter in contact with the siding. Check siding, doors, and windows for any gaps where air and moisture can pass through. Remove any old caulk and thoroughly clean areas that need repair. Allow the areas to dry completely and apply a quality, exterior caulk to seal any gaps. Check and replace worn weather stripping on all doors and windows. Install storm windows if you have them. Have the garage door and electric door opener serviced to ensure it continues to operate properly. 

 

Inside Your Home ...

 

Air Leaks: If you don't have insulated windows you can buy inexpensive and easy to install 'shrink & seal' insulation kits to reduce heat loss. Changing light weight curtains with heavier drapes helps reduce heat loss and gives the room a fresh look for fall. Add insulated plates to electrical outlets on exterior walls.   

 

Heating System: Have a professional inspect and service your heating system each year to ensure it is operating efficiently. Replace air filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Buying a season's worth of filters and marking your calendar in advance will help prevent overlooking this important task. Consider installing a programmable thermostat. This can save a lot of money by eliminating those times you forget to turn the heat down when leaving the house for extended periods. Walk through your home and make sure all vents or baseboard heaters are clear of furniture.

 

Dryer Duct: Clogged dryer ducts are a fire hazard. Have the dryer duct cleaned and clean the lint trap after each load of laundry. 

 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Inspect all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Replace batteries in each device annually or sooner if needed. Check batteries monthly at the same time you change your air filters.

 

Insulation: Consider having your home's insulation inspected in the attic and crawl space to ensure it meets the proper R-value specification and that there isn't any water or rodent damage. Wrap your water heater with an insulated blanket. Wrapping exposed water pipes in the crawl space or basement and garage will cut your energy bill, as well as help prevent pipes from freezing. Be sure and check for air leaks where pipes enter the house on exterior walls and caulk or add insulation as needed. 

 

Emergencies: Last but not least, prepare an emergency kit for you and your family in the event of a power outage or other emergency. Click here for important tips from the Red Cross and a comprehensive list of essential items to include.

 

Our expertise is matching customers with the most appropriate service professional for their project. We take  the initial steps to ensure they are professional and dependable. Each contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured, successfully passed a thorough screening process including reference checks and regular credential audits, and continue to meet high standards of workmanship. We are committed to helping our customers achieve their home improvement dreams and goals, safely and efficiently. Please let us know if we can help as you make your way down your fall checklist.   

Featured Project

Planning a kitchen or bath remodel this fall? We are here to help. We have a variety of remodeling professionals in our network who can assist with all your home remodeling needs, from initial design to finish. You tell us about your project and what level of assistance you need, and we will match you with the most appropriate contractor(s) to help you get the job done efficiently, cost effectively, and to your complete satisfaction.  And, we will be there for you throughout the entire process.

Bothell Home Remodel
Kitchen Remodel (before)
Kitchen Remodel - (before)
Kitchen Remodel (after)
Kitchen Remodel - (after)
Dining Room & Kitchen Remodel (after)
Kitchen & Dining Room Remodel
Remodeled Bath (after)
Bath Remodel

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