Time for Home Preparations

As chilly weather approaches, it is important to take some simple measures to protect your home through the winter months. Winterizing is generally a task that can be done inexpensively, but will make a big difference in how comfortable your home is and could also end up saving you money on energy bills. In fact, many effective house weatherproofing jobs are something that homeowners can complete without any professional help!

Easy Home Weatherproofing

Some small weatherproofing jobs require little to no “handiness”, but can make a real difference once cold weather hits your area. By doing these things before the temperatures drop or the snow falls, you’ll be saving yourself some hassle (and possibly some money, too!):
• Clean gutters and downspouts in mid-fall and double-check them before winter.
• Replace the filter in your furnace.
• Close any vents in your home that may have been opened for the warm weather.
• Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and turn off the water.
• Buy a snow shovel and other winter supplies before the messy weather hits.
• Keep extra water and canned food in storage just in case.
• Test your heating system, so that you know it will work properly when you need it.
• Give your deck a fresh coat of sealer to protect it from the winter elements.

Happy Holiday Season from all of us at DeTray’s Custom Housing!

Jonathan Williams, Sale Consultant

It’s the First Day of Spring…Cleaning

Written By – Michael Dux, Service Manager

With the first day of spring arriving tomorrow, March 20th, it’s time to look forward to enjoying the amazing beauty that is the Pacific Northwest. It’s also a good time to do a little spring cleaning and home maintenance.

Spring Home Maintenance

We’ll leave the spring cleaning checklist to you, though here’s a list that might help with taking care of the home itself.

  • Clear any debris inside the gutters.
  • Look to make sure that the gutters are still flush to the fascia and that the down spouts are still straight and drain away from the home.
  • Some manufactured homes have a vent along the marriage line roof where the two sections come together. Look for loose shingles or debris that might have blown in.
  • Look for missing shingles or shingles that have popped up.
  • Check the chimney for signs of damage.
  • Examine any decks, stairs, or landings for damaged or splintered wood.
  • Check caulking at windows and doorways, and trim. Rework as necessary.
  • Remove any debris that may have piled up near or around the home.
  • Check the hose bibs, though it might not be time to take those insulating covers off just yet. 
  • Check your multi use fire extinguisher to make sure it’s full and in a good location.
  • Clean out the clothes dryer exhaust vent.
  • Check and replace any burnt out light bulbs. Consider changing to LED lighting for cost savings, and change the batteries in your smoke / carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Clean / Replace the Air Handler (Furnace) filter.
  • Inspect your exterior heat pump or AC for debris both inside and outside.