THRIVE: Your Key to Equity   

As a homeowner, every action you take can play a big role in your home's value and maintenance costs.

Trying to tackle everything at once can be overwhelming, so we created a monthly to-do list with one larger project each month.  Following this simple guide could mean a 1% increase in your value every year- making all the time and money worth it.

JANUARY

 MAIN PROJECT: Deep Clean & Inspect Basement 

The after-holiday lull is the perfect time to tackle your basement! Once a year, clean it out to check for bugs, water leaks and cracks that may have gone unnoticed. Doing this once a year can help prevent major repair bills in the future. 

Other January Tasks:

• Change Furnace Filters
• Test CO & Smoke Detectors
• Check and Clean Range Hood Fan
• Deep Clean and Inspect Basement for Leaks/Cracks
• Run Water and Flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
• Clean Garbage Disposal

FEBRUARY

 MAIN PROJECT: Check Caulking Around Sinks, Showers & Bathtubs 

Keeping an eye on caulking in your bathrooms is one step to preventing leaks, flooding and mold before it becomes a timely and costly problem.

Other February Tasks:

• Clean Curtains
• Clean Garbage Disposal
• Check & Replace Batteries in CO and Smoke Detectors
• Repair Interior Wall Damage Including Paint Touch-Ups

MARCH

 MAIN PROJECT: Gutters and Exterior Drainage 

April showers are coming! Be prepared by checking your gutters and exterior drainage. Prepping for rain now can help prevent leaks, flooding and future foundation problems.

Other March Tasks:

• Schedule HVAC Tune-Up and Inspection between March and April
• Repair/Replace Damaged Window Screens
• Remove and Clean All Window Screens
• Flush Hot Water and Remove Sediment
• Inspect your Septic Tank if Applicable

APRIL

 MAIN PROJECT: Paint and/or Stain Home Exterior, Decking, etc. 

Beat the heat by painting and staining your exterior now. Just make sure the weather's clear for a few days before you start, a challenge of its own when you live in the midwest! 

Other April Tasks:

• Clear Dead Plants & Shrubs from the House 
• Fertilize and Repair Your Lawn
• Run Water & Flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
• Clean Garbage Disposal
• Clean Debris from Window Wells
• Schedule HVAC Tune-Up and Inspection (If you Didn't in March)
• Change Furnace Filters

MAY

 MAIN PROJECT: Spray for Ticks, Mosquitos and Fleas 

Unfortunately, some of the most annoying bugs come along with nicer weather. Protect yourself and your pets by spaying for ticks, mosquitos and fleas.

Other May Tasks:

• Test Sprinklers
• Inspect and Clean Outdoor Lighting
• Renail any loose siding or Trim Boards
• Mow Lawn as Needed
• Trim Trees, Bushes and Shrubs
• Test CO and Smoke Detectors

**HINT** May is the best time to buy new refrigerators because manufacturers come out with new models! 

JUNE

 MAIN PROJECT: Check & Repair Grout in Kitchen, Bathroom, Flooring, etc. 

Repairing your grout is an easy way to give your tile a facelift though, most importantly, leaving it untouched creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mold growth.

Other JuneTasks:

• Remove Lint From Dryer Exhaust Vent
• Check Grout in Kitchen, Bathroom, Flooring, etc.
• Power Wash Siding, Driveway, Deck, etc.
• Inspect Plumbing for Leaks
• Clean aerators on Faucets
• Mow Lawn as Needed

JULY

 MAIN PROJECT: Clean Garage 

Piles of junk are some of the favorite hiding places for pests! Cleaning your garage helps eliminate or prevent infestations before they happen.

Other July Tasks:

• Clean Garbage Disposal
• Run Water and Flush Toilets in Unused Spaces
• Vacuum Refrigerator Coils
• Check and Clean Hood Range Fan
• Check all Locks on Doors and Windows
• Mow Lawn as Needed

AUGUST

 MAIN PROJECT: Look For Visible Signs of Ants and Termites 

Ants may seem small and harmless but they can cause food contamination and property damage as well as act as a nuisance. When unchecked, termite damage can affect the integrity of your home. 

Other AugustTasks:

• Inspect Basements, Attics and Crawl Spaces for Moisture
• Repair Cracks in the Driveway & Sidewalks
• Repair Deck/Patio as Needed
• Test CO and Smoke Detectors
• Mow Lawn as Needed

SEPTEMBER

 MAIN PROJECT: Check Weatherproofing on Doors and Windows 

Winter is coming! Though it doesn't seem like it with the warm temperatures. Be prepared for heating bills by checking the seels on your doors and windows. 

Other SeptemberTasks:

• Inspect Roof for Missing, Loose or Damaged Shingles
• Flush Hot Water Heater and Remove Sediment
• Apply Fertilizer to Lawn and Reseed for Next Year if Necessary
• Mow Lawn as Needed

OCTOBER

 MAIN PROJECT: Clean and Inspect Chimney 

Cooler weather has arrived and that means it's time to cozy up by the fire. You too can help prevent home fires by having your chimney cleaned and inspected.

Other October Tasks:

• Test Sump Pump if Applicable
• Flush Toilets and Run Water in Unused Spaces
• Remove Leaves and Debris from Gutters
• Change Furnace Filters
• Turn Off and Flush Outdoor Water Facets
• Cover and Store Outdoor Furniture
• Insulate Exposed Pipes
• Clean Garbage Disposal
• Clean & Inspect Chimney

NOVEMBER

 MAIN PROJECT: Clean Carpets 

Holidays are close and that means parties, family events and more. In addition to looking and feeling better, cleaning your carpets helps to remove dust mites, bacteria and other allergens. 

Other November Tasks:

• Clean Carpets
• Change Direction of Ceiling Fans
• Remove Lint from Dryer Exhaust Vent
• Check that Exhaust Ducts are Clear of Debris
• Test CO and Smoke Detectors
• Check Fire Extinguisher
• Oil Garage Door Tracks

DECEMBER

 MAIN PROJECT: Check Sinks, Toilets and Pipes for Leaks 

With winter weather comes the threat of freezing pipes! In addition to opening your cabinets and running heaters when necessary, be prepared for any potential problems by checking for leaks.

Other January Tasks:

• Regularly Check for Ice Dams and Icicles
• Check GFI Outlets
• Clean Garbage Disposal
• Remove Shower Heads and Remove Build-Up
• Inspect Hoses on the Washing Machine and Dishwasher

Thrive: Your Key to Connections

Don't want to do the work yourself? Contact your favorite Thrive agent for connections to some of the best professionals in town!