Maintenance plays a large part in retaining value in your home. From periodic cleaning and lubrication of moving parts to caulking and repainting of surfaces to prevent wear, getting into the habit of regular maintenance pays big dividends when the time comes to sell your home. All Christopherson homes sold after January 2003 are delivered with a copy of The National Home Maintenance Manual. To obtain a copy, contact the publisher at www.buildingstandardsinstitute.org.

Top 10 Maintenance Items to keep your home in great condition.

1. Change your furnace filter often. It is located in the cold air return, found in a hall ceiling or wall near your furnace. When it appears dirty, remove the grill and replace it with a filter from your local hardware store. This should be done often to reduce strain on motor and ducts.

2. Use silicone spray as a dry lubricant for windows tracks, door hinges and door locks.

3. When you clean your windows, be sure to clean the tracks as well as the glass. This will keep windows operating smoothly and will allow water to flow out from the weep holes - very important in avoiding water damage. Apply silicone spray lubricant to tracks after washing.

4. Test your GFIC outlets every month. You will find these specially designed outlets in several locations throughout your home: specifically in the garage, in exterior locations and within six feet of water sources. They are designed to protect against electrical shock. To test, simply push the test button, then the reset button.

5. Painted surfaces should be touched up as needed. This is your best protection against dirt and weather damage. To prevent "flashing" of touched up spot you may need to paint surfaces corner to corner.

6. State mandated low-flow toilets may not clear completely on the first flush. Simply flush twice. Your are welcome to contact your congressperson to discuss your concerns with this legislation.

7. Make sure roof gutters, down spouts, yard swales and drains are cleared out before each rainy period begins.

8. Beautiful landscapes requires regular maintenance. Here are several tips and guidelines to follow when caring for your lawn.
Weather: Heat and wind will dry out soil quickly, more frequent watering is necessary. You can also cut the lawn higher to reduce the evaporation from the soil.
Run-off: The soil will not absorb water as fast as the sprinklers can deliver it, therefore it is best to set the clock so the water runs to a point when it begins to run off. Run-off is a waste of water and will not help the lawn. If needed, due to the weather, you will need to run two cycles a day or skip days to maintain moisture in the ground.
Moisture Content: The clock can be set to water several cycles and duration. You will need to adjust these periodically to maintain proper moisture without wasting water.
Fertilizers: It is important to supply your lawn with regular nutrients. When fertilizing use the application and watering procedures as directed by the manufacturer.
Mowing: You are advised to maintain the lawn depth at about 2 ½" to 3" with regular mowing through the summer and slightly shorter during the winter months.

9. Change batteries in your smoke detectors yearly. Be sure to vacuum dust and cobwebs at the same time. They may "chirp" for about 20 minutes after replacement.

10. Check tubs and showers for failed caulking. Even hairline separations can cause large problems. To correct, remove old caulking, clean thoroughly, dry and recaulk with silicone sealant.