Saturday, August 22, 2009

Easy Home Repairs - Three quick tips to spruce up your home


Several home repair suggestions were featured in a recent issue of Chattanooga's Blush Magazine. These are easy handywoman fixes for common problems. Even I can follow the simple instructions to these fixes.

1. Fix a leaky faucet
Turn off the water to the faucet and plug the drain with a stopper or rag. Take the faucet handles off and remove the old washer behind the handles, replacing them with new washers. Replace the handles and screw back on until they feel tight but don't use extra force. Turn the water on to see whether the faucet works properly. If not, you may need professional plumbing assistance. This tip was placed in Blush from wikihow.com.

2. Open a stuck window
Blush quotes hometips.com. Their solution is to wedge a putty knife between the window's sash and frame from the inside. Tap with a hammer to loosen the opening. From the outside of the window, wedge a pry bar between the sill and sash, and apply upward pressure. Work from each corner back and forth until the sash moves up evenly. Once the window is open, chisel built-up paint or residue off the sash edge. Sand the edges smooth if appropriate and apply wax to prevent further sticking of the window.

3. Re-grout tile
Another tip the local Blush Magazine is from move.com. To replace dark or mildewy grout in your tiles, get rid of the old grout first by razoring it with a utility knife or other grout instrument. Use a color for your grout that matches your tile and ask a supercenter attendant if you should use sanded or unsanded grout (you might take a sample). Mix the grout according to instructions, and use a squeegee to apply. Using a damp sponge, wipe off the excess grout. Let it dry and wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

Whether preparing your home for a sale, moving into another home that needs a few fix ups or just spucing up the home in which you want to stay; these tips can make your home more pleasant for you and/or for a potential buyer.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Home Security While You Are Away

Basic steps that may improve your home's security:
> Make your home appear occupied at all times by leaving some lights on or using light timers.
> Ask a neighbor to park one of their cars in your driveway.
> Ask a friend or neighbor to collect mail and newspapers.
> Have a delivery hold placed on mail if no one can pick it up.
> Turn off WIFI and DSL connections to deter identity thieves.
> Use motion sensor floodlights placed out of reach from thieves.
> Forward home phone calls to your cell phone so you can be reached.

There is no certainty that you can prevent thieves from stealing your possessions, but you can lower the chances of break-ins by taking simple precautions like securing your doors and windows or not leaving a spare key for a burglar to find. As always, use good judgment, and weigh the pros and cons in the decisions you make.

Your home is a valuable possession. Enjoy your vacation or allay your fears while away through precautions that lower the chances of a break-in or thieves. And when you decide to sell your home or buy a new home, give me a call. I will be happy to assist you as you buy or sell your home in the Greater Chattanooga-Hamilton County, TN area. Call Pat Branham, Affilliate Broker, Exit Upward Realty at 423-304-5597.