Your Atlanta real estate is not just a purchase – it’s an investment. Home maintenance is important to protect that investment as well as your family’s well-being. Now that the weather is finally starting to cool down, Keystone Homes has some home maintenance tips to keep everything in working order. Spending a little time on upkeep will pay dividends over the long-term and help you avoid costly repair bills later on.

For the interior of your home:

1. Turn on the furnace to see if it’s working properly. Be sure and replace the filters to start the season fresh!

2. Inspect and repair caulking in sinks, tubs, showers, thresholds, walls, windows and other interior areas as needed.

3. Adjust the heating registers.

4. Check the fireplace to make sure it’s clean, and open the chimney damper before first time use.

5. Perform safety tests on the following items:

• Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
• Dryer vents
• Pressure gauge in fire extinguisher
• GFCI outlets

For the exterior of your home:

1. Clean out the gutters and inspect the alignment of downspouts and splash-blocks. Doing this will ensure that water runs off properly. Having a clogged gutter can cause costly home repairs if it isn’t handled in a timely fashion.

2. Inspect the weather stripping on exterior doors and repair/replace it as needed. Heat loss will cause you to use more energy during the winter, which will quickly add up on your utility bills.

3. Put up hoses and shut off outside water faucets at the cut-off valve to avoid pipes bursting.

4. Close all foundation vents in the crawl space and place insulation over the opening(s).

5. Inspect and repair caulking of windows, siding, cornice, and other exterior areas as needed to seal gaps and secure tiles.

Following these tips will keep your Atlanta real estate in great shape for fall.