Home Maintenance Checklist Safeguards the 'Health' of a Home

CHICAGO, Sept. 9: You know the old adage, but do you know how it pertains to your home and what to do about it? Many people don't. In fact, surveys show many homeowners do not plan or budget for their home maintenance costs, which can mean that small problems could become big, expensive ones.

Starting Tuesday, September 9, 2003 Sears Product Repair Service Technicians and other Sears service professionals will conduct free home maintenance assessments for 14 homeowners residing on one block in the Auburn Gresham Englewood neighborhoods of Chicago. The assessments will include preventative maintenance checks on plumbing, heating and electrical systems, appliances, windows and siding. But even if you're not in Chicago, your home can benefit from this preventive checklist developed by Sears.

Fall is a great time to pay attention to the seemingly minor repairs that can increase the value, safety and efficiency of a home. According to Sears, of its 14.5 million service calls in 2002, the company saw an increase in service calls for heating systems and cooking appliances during the fall season. By planning for and making routine annual assessments and house repairs, homeowners can often prevent more costly surprise expenses in the future.

Housing experts recommend setting a little money aside every month (one to three percent of the market value of your house annually) to pay for maintenance and repair costs. These funds can help defray the large expenses that occasionally occur as a house ages -- and can even happen in a new house. Saving money and planning ahead can prevent those unforeseen bills from becoming big financial headaches.

Many of the checklist items can be performed by the homeowner, but it is important to know when an expert is needed. Certified technicians should be called for major appliances, chimney cleaning and electrical and plumbing work.

Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc. is Chicago's largest non- profit housing organization. NHS of Chicago has more than 27 years of experience in educating residents of Chicago on home ownership, as well as offering innovative and affordable home purchase, home improvement, and home rehab loans.

The Sears American Dream Campaign Bi-Annual Home Maintenance "Top to Bottom" Checklist

1. Roof: Check roof and around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
2. Attic: (Fall) Close vents to conserve heat. (Spring) Open vents to ensure proper ventilation.
3. Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Drain outside faucets.
4. Fireplace: Clean fireplace of ashes. (Fall) Check chimney for loose or missing mortar. Have chimney professionally cleaned. Make sure
damper closes tightly. (Spring) Leave damper open for improved ventilation if the home is not air-conditioned.
5. Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
6. Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice each year.
7. Air Conditioner: (Fall: In cold-climate areas) Remove window air-conditioners, or put weatherproof covers on them.
8. Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the latch may need to be adjusted or the seal may need to be replaced. In addition, if you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Your refrigerator will run more efficiently with clean coils. Also, stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one.
9. Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary.
10. Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. Replace seals as needed.
11. Storm Windows and Screens: (Fall) Take down screens (if removable type) and replace with storm windows. (Spring) Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable). Check and patch all door and window screens. Put screens up (if removable type).
12. Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. Slice down alongside it from both directions with the hook-like blade, then use the knife to lift out the old caulk bead intact.
13. Basement: Check basement walls and floor for dampness. Be sure to clean dehumidifier regularly, if you have one.
14. Heating System: (Fall) Have heating system serviced. Change filters.
15. Hot Water Heater: (Fall) Drain hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.

For more home maintenance tips, or to learn more about the community outreach efforts of the Sears American Dream Campaign, log on to http://www.nw.org/sears .