A Guide to Balancing Your Home

Maintenance and Improvements

We specialize in working with our clients to help them keep
up with their home maintenance and home improvements.
Let us develop a plan specifically for your needs and budget.

HOME HOME
MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENT

The things you need to do... The things you want to do...
Keeping up with maintenance Making improvements to keep
and repair. up or increase the value of
your home

We are proud to announce we are celebrating over 30+ Years in the Real Estate Industry!
Chairman’s Circle Diamond Level Achievement

(314) 602-9924 / Terry

(314) 799-7908 / Dave

(636) 544-9543 / Eric

 HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
Spring Checklist
INTERIOR
__ Install screens
__ Clean and lubricate your window channels
__ Clean glass on windows and doors
__ Reverse ceiling fans to direct heat upward
INSULATION AND VENTILATION
__ Test your dehumidifier
__ Check your attic for proper insulation
__ Clean your dryer vent
__ Check vents for birds, squirrels or other pests
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
__ Test all smoke and CO detectors, replace batteries
__ Test and reset your GFCI and AFCI outlets/breakers
HVAC
__ Change your filters
__ Hire an HVAC contractor to service your system
PLUMBING
__ Check all fixtures for leaks
__ Check tile joints, grout and caulking
__ Remove hoses from storage and open spigots
__ Check faucets and valves for leaks or damage
__ Check washing machine hoses
Exterior
__ Repair glazing and caulk around windows and doors
__ Repair cracked bricks and missing mortar
__ Repair freeze/thaw cracks in drives and walks
__ Repair, prime and paint areas with peeling paint
__ Remove debris from yard and high traffic areas
__ Search for signs of colonized insects or pests
__ Trim branches and trees away from roof & siding
__ Treat Lawn
STRUCTURE
__ Check basement and foundation walls for cracks
__ Check your chimney for cracks and leaks
__ Check your crawl space for moisture
WATER CONTROL
__ Test your sump pump for proper operation
__ Clean your gutters and window wells
__ Extend downspouts away from your foundation
__ Make sure grading flows water away
PROPERTY
__ Test your lawn mower and trimmer
__ Treat your lawn with fertilizer and pest control
__ Power wash and seal your deck and patio
__ De-winterize and service lawn sprinklers
Summer Checklist
INTERIOR
__ Change your ice maker filter
__ Catch some rays while cleaning your windows
__ Search for mold (gray or black blotches)
__ Check your wiring and cables for wear and damage
__ Pour water into your sump pit to test the pump
EXTERIOR
__ Check the house for loose or rotted siding
__ Check your deck for popped nails or loose treads
__ Reseal your driveway
__ Inspect and clean your grill
__ Fill cracks in your patio and sidewalks
STRUCTURE
__ Reseal your garage floor
__ Keep fertilizer/power tools out of children’s reach
Fall Checklist
INTERIOR
__ Remove and store your window screens
__ Reverse ceiling fans to direct heat downward
__ Check attic vents for birds, squirrels or other pests
__ Stock your home with a current fire extinguisher
INSULATION AND VENTILATION
__ Open and clean your attic louvers and vents
__ Check your attic for proper insulation
__ Clean your dryer vent
HVAC
__ Change your filters
__ Have your HVAC serviced
__ Vacuum radiators, baseboards and air registers
PLUMBING
__ Check your toilets for leaks inside the tanks
__ Check all fixtures for leaks
__ Check tile joints, grout and caulking
__ Remove and store hoses and winterize spigots
EXTERIOR
__ Replace screen doors with storm doors
__ Repair missing caulk around windows and doors
__ Weatherstrip doors that lead to the exterior
__ Repair, prime and paint areas with peeling paint
__ Treat Lawn
STRUCTURE
__ Check your chimney for cracks and leaks
__ Get your chimney cleaned before the first burn
__ Check your foundation walls for cracks
WATER CONTROL
__ Clean your gutters and window wells
__ Extend downspouts away from your foundation
__ Make sure grading flows water away
PROPERTY
__ Store or cover your patio furniture
__ Winterize your lawn mower, sprinkler system and pool
__ Test your snow removal equipment
Winter Checklist
INTERIOR
__ Test your sump pump to be sure it’s working properly
__ Prepare for a storm. Make a survival kit
__ Protect your entryways with mats and boot trays
__ Check for air leaks at windows and doors
INSULATION AND VENTILATION
__
Insulate pipes near windows and doors where areas are
unheated
__ Clean your dryer vent
HVAC
__ Be sure your drain line is clean on your humidifier
EXTERIOR
__ Disconnect garden hoses from outside faucet
__ Place a piece of plywood on top of your A/C to protect
__ Stock your garage with a shovel and sand
__ Have your snow blower tuned up
 HOME SELLER’S/BUYER’S CHECKLIST

HOME SELLER’S HOME BUYER’S

This checklist will help you prepare your
home for a successful home sale.
• Do your interior and exterior lights and outlets work?
• Are your windows, doors and screens in good condition?
• Are your plumbing fixtures in good condition?
• Is your fireplace clean and working properly?
• Is there access to your attic, crawl space and basement?
• Is there access to your electrical panel?
• Is there access to your furnace and water heater?
• Do your HVAC systems have clean air filters?
• Are your HVAC systems working properly?
• Do you have service records available for major systems?
• Are there working smoke and CO detectors as required?
• Is all debris removed from gutters and near foundation?
• Have your pets been removed during the inspections?
• Are keys available to unlock all doors and sheds?
• Are water, electric and gas utilities on?
• Have you tested your house for radon gas?
A home inspection empowers you to know a home’s
condition and gives you exactly what you need to
address potential concerns.
• Is the house structurally safe and sound?
• What is the condition of the home’s exterior?
• What is the condition of the roof?
• Are the HVAC systems working properly?
• Are ventilation and insulation adequate?
• Are windows, doors and screens in working condition?
• Are all plumbing fixtures working properly?
• Have water, gas and electrical shut-offs been located?
• Is the main electrical panel properly labeled?
• Is there any evidence of water leaking into the house?
• Do gutters, downspouts and extensions control water?
• Are smoke and CO detectors installed and operating?
• Is there any evidence of termite damage?
• Has the home been tested for radon gas?
• Is there any evidence of mold?
• Have records for renovations been provided?

TOP 10 INSPECTION ISSUES DAVE’S HOME

SELLER’S CHECKLIST
1. Damaged or Deteriorated Exterior Trim and Siding
Water problem! Permits water intrusion. Prepping For Home Sale
Repair or replace the trim and siding.
Clean gutters
2. Missing GFCI Receptacle
Power wash siding
Safety and shock hazard! Hire an electrician to install a proper receptacle.
Remove screen and clean windows
3. Light Fixture Doesn’t Work Trim bushes and trees
It’s dark! Repair or replace the light. Evaluate concrete
4. Loose Toilet Base Check for street creep
Causes leaks and water damage. Replace the wax ring and secure the base to Declutter basement, garage and
the floor. backyard
Evaluate appliances
5. Gutters Filled with Debris Evaluate paint
Water hazard! Permits water intrusion. Clean the gutters.
Evaluate flooring
6. Missing Downspout Extension Evaluate basement – Check walls for
Water hazard! Extensions carry roof water away from the foundation. Install a signs of leaks
downspout extension. Replace all batteries in smoke and
carbon monoxide detectors
7. Garage Door Opener Auto-Reverse doesn’t work.
Evaluate all hard surfaces in kitchen
Reversal must occur within seconds of closing on a 1.5 " object on floor. and bathrooms
Repair or replace the opener. Evaluate fireplace
8. Missing Electrical Cover Plate Make sure you have a key to the
Danger, shock hazard, fire hazard! Install a cover plate. front door
9. Missing Anti-Tip Device on Range/ Oven Evaluate sump pump
Danger, safety hazard! Appliance can fall forward. Install an anti-tip device.
10. Damaged or Deteriorated Exterior Door Trim
Vinyl wrap door trim.
 RESIDENTIAL COMPONENTS LIFE EXPECTANCIES
EXTERIOR
OTHER COMPONENTS FIXTURES
ROOF COVERING
• Circulator pump .............................. 20-23 • Builders grade ................................ 15-20
YEARS
• Circulator fan ................................... 15-20 • Higher quality ................................. 20-40
• Fiberglass/asphalt 3-tab ................. 16-20 • Fuel tank (interior) ......................... 50-80+
• Fiberglass/architectural .................. 25-35 • Faucet, fixture ................................ 30-50
• Fuel tank (exterior) .......................... 30-50 • Sink, toilet, tub ............................ Lifetime*
• Cedar shake/shingle ...................... 10-30 • Expansion tank (bladder) ................ 15-25
• Slate .................................................. 50+ *Depends on water quality
• Humidifier .......................................... 7-10
• Synthetic Slate ................................... NA
• Metal standing/seams .................... 50-80 ELECTRICAL
• Clay/concrete tiles ........................ 50-80+
WELL Service entrance cable ..................... 25-40
• Submersible pump .......................... 15-20
• Single/ply modified Sheathing condition affected by
• bitumen ......................................... • Above ground pump ........................ 15-20
16-20 exposure to weather
• Steel pressure tank ......................... 15-20
• EPDM/TPO/PVC ............................ 20-24
• Circuit breakers/fuse panel ......... Lifetime
Affected by installation procedures, exposure • Wiring (modern Romex) .............. Lifetime
to weather and maintenance. Coverings fac -
SEPTIC
Steel tank......................................Not • Wiring (armored cloth) .................... 60-80
ing south wear more quickly. Slate affected by • Wiring (knob and tube) ................... 75-90
Allowed
hardness and quarry source. Cedar affected
Concrete tank..........................................40- Affected by use, modifications and
by wood quality and maintenance. Repoint
50 adjacent activity.
masonry as required.
Leach fie
SIDING AND VENEER
ld...............................................20-30 APPLIANCES
Septic tank performance and lifespan • Refrigerator .................................... 15-20
• Cement composite ............................ 50+
are dependent on regular and qualified • Dishwasher ...................................... 7-12
• Vinyl .................................................. 35+
maintenance; this is especially true of • Range/cooktop ............................... 12-20
• Aluminum .......................................... 50+
“engineered” on-site treatment systems. • Garbage disposal ............................. 7-12
• Stucco, brick veneers ................. Lifetime
• Improper use, improper parking of vehicles • Microwave oven ............................... 7-12
Affected by finish, exposure to weather and and inappropriate plantings will negatively • Washer ............................................. 7-12
maintenance. Repoint masonry as required. affect a septic system. • Dryer .............................................. 10-15
GUTTER AND DOWNSPOUT
• Aluminum .......................................... 30+ PLUMBING INTERIOR
• Galvanized ..................................... 15-25 Affected by water quality and installation. CERAMIC TILE
• Copper ........................................... 50-80 Fixtures may require new cartridges and • Mud-set centered ........................ Lifetime
• Plastic (PVC) .................................. 15-25 seals, toilets may require new internal parts. • Mastic (adhesive) ........................... 15-25
Affected by slope and maintenance WATER SERVICE (PUBLIC) • Plaster wall ceiling ....................... Lifetime
• Drywall ceiling ............................. Lifetime
DECK • Lead ............................................. 75-100
• Wood .............................................. 15-25 • Galvanized steel ............................. 40-60 FLOORING
• Composite materials ...................... 25-35 • Copper ........................................... 75-80 • Solid wood ................................... Lifetime
Affected by moisture, climate and • Plastic ................................................ NA • Engineered wood .............................. 50+
maintenance. INTERIOR WATER PIPES • Laminate ........................................ 15-25
• Sheetgoods (linoleum) ................... 10-15
• Galvanized steel ............................. 40-60
HVAC • Granite/marble ................................ 100+
• Copper ........................................... 75-80
• Carpet .............................................. 7-12
HEATING SYSTEMS • Plastic .................................................. NA
• Hot air furnace (oil/propane gas) .... 15-25 DRAINAGE LINE WINDOWS
• Boiler .............................................. 35-40 • Galvanized steel ............................. 40-60 • Wood ............................................ 50-80+
• Heat pump ...................................... 10-15 • Copper ........................................... 50-75 • Vinyl ................................................. 25+
• Electric baseboard ......................... 15-25 • Cast iron ......................................... 60-90 • Aluminum/steel ........................... 35-50+
• In-floor radiant (electric) ................. 15-25 • ABS/PCC ..................................... 30-50+ Functionality of wood and metal windows
Regular service and cleaning is essential for affected by regular maintenance. Quality of
all systems (except for radiant), critical for all WATER HEATER
• Tank water heater .......................... 10-15 vinyl products varies substantially. Insulated
oil fixed systems. glass likely will require replacement.
• Tankless water heater .................... 15-20
COOLING SYSTEM • In-boiler domestic coil .................... 15-20
• Central-split-system ........................ 10-15 Tankless water heaters generally require Consider replacing items in
• Heat pump ....................................... 10-15 servicing every other year. advance to keep your home from
• Evaporative cooler .......................... 10-15
looking outdated.

Dave, Terry and Eric Guempel

Coldwell Banker Gundaker
(314) 602-9924 / Terry
(314) 799-7908 / Dave
(636) 544-9543 / Eric
2163 Bluestone Drive, St Charles, MO 63303
Email: daveandterry@theguempelteam.com
TheGuempelTeam.com
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