We’re headed into August (those hot dog days of summer!) and now is the time to ensure your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or the surrounding North Shore communities has had a proper check-up.
Due to rising temperatures during these warmer months, you’ll want to make sure your cooling system is in working order in addition to conducting an energy audit. Once these tasks have been completed at your North Shore Chicago home, you can enjoy the rest of the summer with few problems in sight!
Start an Energy Audit
Not as difficult as it sounds! Simply pick up a notepad and walk around your home looking for places energy might be able to escape. It has been said that a homeowner on Chicago’s North Shore can save approximately 20% on heating and cooling bills just by plugging leaks, so take note of any cracks or gaps you see around the property.
Doing an energy audit now before the cooler weather comes can save you a great deal of money in the long run.
Clean the Patio
Have you been enjoying your home’s outdoor space this summer? While you’re cleaning the rest of your home, give the patio a good sweeping and plan a quick spruce simply by cleaning the furniture!
First, remove any cushions or pillows, washing those that are machine-safe, and spray down the furniture. The following recipe is great for deep cleaning patio furniture:
-2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP)
-1/3 cup laundry soap powder
-A quart of bleach
-Three quarts of warm water
Clean the Walks
Over the summer, your sidewalks and driveway can begin to show signs of wear, as well as accumulate dirt and grime. You can easily rinse these away by renting a power washer.
It’s important while you’re cleaning the sidewalks and driveway to be sure the water is running away from the foundation— if not, look for any cracks or gaps where water could seep into your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or the surrounding North Shore communities. If a problem arises, it might be wise to contact a home inspector.
All of these homeowner maintenance tasks can boost your home’s appearance and even appeal to potential homebuyers on Chicago’s North Shore!
If you’re ready to sell this season, I am here to help! Contact me today to discuss how I can help you with your current property.
Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert
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