IT'S YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT:  Termites, water leaks and  fire hazards can turn your biggest asset into a money pit.  However, home upkeep shouldn't tie up your weekends or reduce your savings.  If you do the upkeep in small doses and you can avoid significant problems later. Just a few and simple common sense moves each month can bring you peace of mind and boost your homes value for decades to come. Depending on what part of the country you live in and your regions weather the following suggestions can pretty much be done anytime. The following suggestions are broken down by month so you can enjoy your home throughout the year.

JANUARY: Take a scewdriver and walk the house tightening loose screws on doors, drawers, cabinetry and furniture. Conduct a home inventory and document all of your belongings with a camera or camcorder for insurance purposes and keep it in a safe palce. That way should you have to file a claim you have a record of what was damaged or destroyed. Clean the range hood filter by running it through the dishwasher and clean the fan baldes. Grease buildup can damage the moter and clog the ductwork which may create a fire hazard.

FEBRUARY: Check around the washer, dishwasher and refrigerator for leaks. replace the hoses if they show signs of wear or dry rot.  Pull the refrigerator and freezer away from the wall and vacuum the condenser coils so the appliances are more energey efficient which will save you money. If you have pets you should do this twice a year. Inspect the grout around tubs, showers and sinks.  Repair or replace grout as necessary to keep water from seeping under the floors.

MARCH: Set an appointment for April to have you central a/c and heater serviced. You can save as much as $100.00 by having the service done before hot weather hits. Review and inventory your family's disaster supply kit. For a complete list of what you should have visit redcross.org.  If you have firewood stored close to the backdoor of the house during cold weather relocate it at least 30 feet away from the house. With warm weather approaching termite season is beginning. If  you have a basement with a sump pimp check it out prior to the arrival of the spring rains. Note: you can do this yourself by pouring water into the pump silo to raise the float and activate the motor. SUGGESTION: You will have a healthier lawn if you areate the lawn before fertilizing or reseeding the dead spots.

APRIL: Inspect the homes exterior. Check the mortar and bricks for cracks or crumbling that may have occurred during cold weather and fill the gaps as needed. Check the walkways and driveways for similar freeze damage.  Replace batteries in the smoke and carbom monoxide detectors when clocks spring forward from daylight savings time.  Inspect crawl spaces and basements in homes that have them after heavy rains for stains, leaks or water pooling.  Portable dehumidifiers can help dry out those spaces. However, you may want to consult a contractor if the problem persists. 

MAY: Order or cut firewood for the next winter if you use it. Firewood will cost less if you buy it at this time. If you cut your own, now is the time to start. Firewood should cure between 6-8 months before you use it. It will burn more efficiently and give you a greater heat value. However, please note that you should not use pine since it creates a creosite problem in your chimney which can be a fire hazard.  Schedule your pest control service for this time. Check for termites since this is the time of year they swarm. Also chck for carpenter bees, hornets etc.... since this is also the time they start to become active. Examine outdoor wood structures for signs of wood rot or deterioration. Use a small screw driver, awl or knife to check for soft spots. Repair as needed.

JUNE: Clean and seal wood decks during a warm and sunny day. Apply a deck cleaner and scrub the deck while it is dry. If you have nail pops replace them with galvanized screws. Apply your deck sealer the next day.  Schedule an annual chimney cleaning if you have a chimney every two years. You can boost the energy efficiency of your air conditioning and heating unit by replacing air filters every two months.  Hose down the outside of your home with a garden hose and mild detergent. If you use a pressure washer use a low pressure one since high pressure ones can damage the finish on the siding. Check your siding for winter damage and replace as necessary.

JULY: Inspect roof eaves for water stains which is a sign of leakage. Use a pair of binoculars if necessary. You should also check the roof for signs of cracking, loose or missing shingles and granules on asphalt shingles. Also check for shifting in the metal flashing in roof valleys and around chimneys. Don't forget to check the skylights and nests in the fans. Check your storage shed and dispose of old paint and solvents since they are too flamable to store. If you have a septic tank have it inspected and make sure to pump it out every three to five years.

AUGUST: Schedule a checkup of your heating unit before the busy season.  Clean the homes gutters. Check for damage and use a hose to flush debris from the downspouts. consider installing leaf guards. This will allow leavest to slide off easier. Check and clean the drain traps under the sinks twice a year. Run a check on your security system if you have one. If you are going on vacation check light timers and motion detectos if needed.

SEPTEMBER: Vacuum dust from the heating vents, baseboard heaters and air returns to assist the heating system. Cover window a/c units with plastic if you don't remove them from the window. This will protect them from cold weather and keep heat from escaping from the home. If you live in a region where you have snow and ice apply a coat of epoxy to the garage floor. This will help prevent road salt from eating holes in the concrete. Drain and refill the hot water heater which will help keep it fully functional and extend its life span. Consider wrapping it in an insulated blanket if it is an unheated part of the home.  Last but not least don't forget to test the pressure relief valve according to the manufactureres instructions.

OCTOBER: Inspect weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows. repair or replace as needed since it may not be blocking air which can increase your energy costs. Check the bateeries again for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace as needed.

NOVEMBER: clean the gutters and downspouts again. Trim tree branches and shrubs that may touch the home. This can prevent storm damage. Also the shock of trimming tree branches to the tree is lessened in cool weather. Trimming als discourages visits by squirrels. Turn off outside water, drain the hoses and store them. This prevents ice buildup and prevents damage to the outside system. If you have an underground sprinkler system consider having a pro blow out any pooling water in the system. Check and lubricate the garage door rollers to prevent sticking during the winter. Also check and oil door hinges and window locks.

DECEMBER: Review your disaster plans and fire escape plan with everyone in the house. Check and service fire extinguishers as required. Conduct moisture and leak checks under vanities and sinks. inspect pipes for cracks or leaks and repair or replace as needed. Inspect the clotes dryer vents and hoses for dust and lint buildup and clean as reaquired since this can be a fire hazard. End the year with a little extra tax deduction by paying the January mortgage payment in Decmeber.

BONUS TIPS:

1. Water from your outdoor sprinkler system shouldn't hit the house.

2. Planning to have you home paited over the summer. Schedule the job in January or February. You can sometimes get a discount by planning the job 4-6 months in advance.

3. To keep your lawn in top condition during the hottest part of the summer plan on watering it every 5-7 days with an inch of water each time.

4. In most areas of the country fall not spring is the best time to plant bushes, trees and  sod.