Desitip.com

The quality of life for the humans is very much dependent on where they live and how they live. If you live in a small town in tropical region then your dwelling will be very different from those who live in cold temperate zone. Some of you who are blessed with a good public transportation system need not worry much about owning an automobile and maintaining it and paying for insurance. There are some whose lifestyle is very much dependent on owning an automobile to commute, haul groceries and other stuff etc.

Automobiles need periodic maintenance in order function properly:

Auto checklist

check engine oil and replace oil, filter when needed. check transmission fluid and replace as per manufacturer's specification. check brakes, brake pads and replace if needed. check antifreeze. have a mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in tank. check tires and tire pressure. Replaced worn windshield wipers, check and add windshield washer fluid if needed. Clean battery posts, inspect spark plug wires, Check and replace air filter Add lubricant to Door hinges

House maintenance checklist

Houses in cold temperate zone need all kind of maintenance from season to season.

Spring Checklist

* Research on using organic fertilizers.
* Add fertilizer to lawn and also fertilize other areas such as flower bed.
* Top dress, level with top soil and reseed lawns. Cut the grass when it gets to be around 4" high and mulch during earley spring. Don´t mow it too short.
* Transplant vegetable plants from indoor to outdoor area once the frost season is over.
* Check smoke alarm. Replace batteries if needed.
* Check basement for cracks or leaks. If you find moisture then get hold of a professional to check it. Sealing basements might prevent mildew and fungus.
* Reseed or fill with pre-grown lawn carpets in patchy areas of the lawn.
* Check sprinkler systems.
* Try selling unwanted items (in good condition) over E-bay.
* Check roof for leaks. Repair if needed.
* Check siding for winter damage.
* Check gutters, downspouts.
* Clean the central AC compressor exterior.
* Paint house exterior if needed.
* Clean fireplace/stove. Get chimney cleaned if needed.
* Inspect storm windows for damage, clean, repair and store.
* Plant or hang annuals in hanging basket in porch or patio.
* Clean under decks or porches.
* Arrange for pest control if needed.
* Prune tree branches that are encroaching on the siding or roof.

Summer Checklist

* Check gutters and downspouts.
* Check roof for leaks. Repair if needed.
* Paint indoors and outdoors as required.
* Order firewood for the fall. Give it the extra summer months to season.
* Start using the freezer contents and clear so that, you can store the coming seasonal produce.
* Make jam and pickles out of all kind of berries and fruits and store them for winter use.
* Cleanup your swimming pool.
* Inspect recreational vehicles/equipment and make sure that they are usable.
* Check washer and dishwasher hoses and replace them if required.
* Those with wood decks should check them for signs of wear and tear.
* Clean and seal decks.
* Repair exterior railings and stairs if they are loose or showing signs of wear.
* Check Clothes dryer vents for any lint buildup that could cause a fire.
* Schedule furnace or heating system service.
* Inspect attic vents . Installing a whole house fan may cut down your AC bill.
* Check with local city/county government regarding waste disposal. Old paint, solvents, and other toxic substances should be disposed of thru proper channels. NEVER dispose toxic chemicals/waste thru the drain or throw them into the landfill.
* Inspect fences and fix or replace damaged parts.
* Those with septic tank, schedule and have septic tank pumped and cleared.
* Inspect windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges.
* Inspect garage door fix if needed.
* Insulate the attic if required.

Fall Checklist

* Replace the furnace filter.
* Drain the hot water heater. Flush and refill.
* Check basement for cracks or leaks and seal if needed.
* Those with a sump pump should test, clean and lubricate the pump.
* Plants that are starting to die , cut/remove top portions and deadhead flowers.
* Add mulch, compost to garden beds.
* Plant late autumn vegetables like cabbage, spinach etc.
* Keep leaves raked to prevent smothering new grass.
* Plant early spring bulbs and fertilize established bulb beds, including garlic.
* Check and fix leaks, then drain and turn off lawn sprinkler system.
* Empty, roll and store hoses.
* Take window screens out and install storm windows where needed.
* Split some kindling and keep them ready for use.
* Harvest seeds for next year.
* Bring tender perennials indoors.

Indoors

* Turn mattresses.
* Get carpets cleaned if required.
* Winterize! Replace weatherstripping and caulk around doors and windows.
* Check smoke detector. Replace batteries if needed.
* Buy and stockup on rice, lentils, wheat flour, sugar etc.
* Prune plants that died due to frost.
* Clear flower/vegetable beds, then mulch/compost to prepare for next spring.
* Clean gutters and downspouts.
* Clean, sharpen and change oil in lawn mower.
* Have automatic irrigation system serviced.
* Check and re-grout between tiles in your kitchen and bath if necessary and then add sealer.
* Buy and store a supply of wood. Less seasoned wood may be cheaper; let it dry this year and use it next year.
* Have your backup heat source serviced. Wood stoves and pellet stove should be checked to make sure they are in good condition and ready for another year of service.

Outdoors

* Have your chimney cleaned, especially if you use a woodstove or fireplace a lot during the cold season. Find out more about chimney maintenance.
* Check downspouts and splash blocks. Water should flow freely away from the house.
* Examine the roof and gutters. Make repairs yourself, or hire someone, but do it now.
* Check ridge vents and make sure they are clear of any obstructions.
* Schedule heating system service if you haven<92>t done it in a while.
* Check the smoke alarm and carbon-monoxide detector. Replace batteries.
* Weatherize your home. Use caulk, weatherstripping, and check for new, inexpensive ways to reduce heat loss. We have a few energy tips that might be helpful.
* Check your foundation before winter sets in.
* Inspect and make sure that all heat vents are clear.
* Replace that air filter before turnng the heat on for the season.
* Add insulation. If your home needs more, start at the top and work down to get the most for your money.
* Remove screens, clean, and repair before putting them away. Replace with storm windows if you don't have dual-pane, low-e windows.
* If you have a sump pump, check it now to make sure it is in good working condition for the winter months.
* Check siding. Caulk or repair as needed.
* Wrap and insulate pipes with tape in cold regions.
* Install a programmable thermostat which can save you some money.
* Trim trees and bushes so nothing touches your house.
* Hire Tree service to remove dead/diseased branches on your trees.
* Seal decks. Inspect wood decks for damage or rot. Get more detail on deck care.
* Check railings and steps to make sure they are clean, safe, and secure.
* Prepare garden beds for next spring. Clean out current beds add compost.
* Drain faucets, hoses, and sprinkling systems.
* Inspect exterior lights and replace bulbs and reset timers if necessary.
* Tune up snow blower.
* Clean ponds.

This site is under intense development. Please visit often.