Updated: Jul 12, 2023
1. Change the locks on the door, sheds, and outbuildings. (Tip: Don’t hide spare keys under flower pots or under door mats. Thieves know to look in these places!)
2. Re-set the code on your garage door, pool gate, etc.
3. Create a list of emergency contacts (include insurance company, utility companies, neighbors, family) and post in a convenient location.
4. Create a folder for important home documents to include the property survey, the lender information, the home inspection report, final closing documents, and insurance documents.
5. Create a home owner ring binder for appliance information, warranty information, and repair receipts.
6. Make sure you know where the main water shutoff is located and have the proper tool in a handy place, if one is needed.
7. Make sure that you know where the main gas shutoff valve is. (It’s also a go od idea to be familiar with the location for the local gas shutoff valves, such as the shutoff valves for the gas heater, gas hot water heater, gas fireplace, etc.)
8. Know where the electrical panel is located and label all circuit breakers.
9. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to insure that they are working properly.
10. Place a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
11. Check the temperature on the hot water heater. (120deg is recommended.)
12. Evaluate any items that were listed on the home inspection report and not repaired and make a plan for remediation, as necessary. (Minor issues can result in additional damage, sometimes hazardous. For example, loose gutters can create damage to fascia, soffits, and foundation. A faulty electrical outlet can create dangerous conditions.)
13. If there is a sump pump installed, test and make sure sump is clean.
14. Create a maintenance schedule to include the following:
a. Clean dryer vent and hose annually.
b. Schedule changing the HVAC filters, based on usage (every month during heavy usage; less often for less usage)
c. Drain / flush hot water heater annually.
d. Clean refrigerator coils annually (newer refrigerator coils are insulated and do not need cleaning).
e. Clean gutters every 3 months (more often if surrounded by trees; possibly less often if in the open).
Call Busy Bea Home Inspection, llc for an annual inspection of your roof, foundation, structure, electrical, plumbing, grounds, interior, laundry room, kitchen /appliances, HVAC, etc. to give you peace of mind!
· Lisa Bea Smith (license #11028)
· www.ChooseBusyBea.com
Protect your investment!
Call Busy Bea Home Inspection, LLC 318-419-3108 ChooseBusyBea@gmail.com www.ChooseBusyBea.com
It’s January! The holidays are now over. You may not be enjoying the weather….. January is about disappearing days; an overwhelming feeling of anti-climax and regrets; worrisome thoughts about the future and what could have been done differently in the past, and thoughts of melancholy. To forge ahead, make new habits to do something productive day that you can feel good about!
1. Make your bed
2. Make contact with at least one friend or family member that is needing a message of caring every day.
3. Spend time every day appreciating your blessings and giving thanks.
4. Practice listening without the need to express an opinion.
5. Lean against a big tree and feel life within.
6. Sit in silence for at least ten minutes without getting agitated.
7. Write a letter to someone that you care about.
8. Sing a song.
9. Drink lots of water.
10. Limit your time on social media to specific times and limited times, regardless.
11. Appreciate what you have and take care of it. Limit accumulation of more.
12. Wash your windows, sweep your floors, and dust your ceiling fan blades and furniture. Change your air filters, clean your gutters and roof valleys, vacuum your refrigerator coils, flush your hot water heater, and rake the dirt and leaves away from your foundation.
