- Gutters
Clean and repair your
gutters early in the fall. Once cleaned and repaired, consider adding a layer
of waterproof mesh over your gutters to keep leaves out.
Clogged gutters can allow overflowing water to damage walls,
spark a rodent infestation and erode your landscaping. The water can
leak through your foundation and cause a flood in your basement.
A minor flood could cost $500 to $1,500 to repair, if you
catch the problem quickly. If you don’t, there could be mold, damage to the
sheet rock and ruined installation to repair as well, pushing the cost up to
$10,000 or more.
- Shingle
Professional repairs on a 10-by-10-foot roof cost an average
of $630. Save yourself money and make the small repairs now.
Burst pipes are a costly problem. A non-urgent call to a
plumber can cost up to $250, while an emergency pipe repair can cost up to
$600. Repairing the damage from the resulting flood could costs thousands more.
In cold climates, you need to winterize your pipes to
protect your home. Outdoors, shut the water off to any spigots and drain any
remaining water by briefly turning on the spigot. Indoors, locate any exposed
pipes that may get cold in the winter.
- Windows
Gaps in your window or door frames let in cold air, causing
your furnace to work overtime.
Start by running your hand over windows and doors. If you
feel a draft, apply weather stripping around the frame to create a tighter
feel. Sealing up leaks can reduce your utilities bills by up to 10%.
- Call the Chimney Sweep
Your fireplace should be inspected and cleaned once a year,
even if you don’t use it much. While a professional may charge up to $350, it
is worth the cost.
The most minor potential problem is that the lining of the
chimney could crack, costing $2,000 to $4,500 to repair. At worst, the chimney
could force carbon monoxide into your Minneapolis home or cause a fire.
- Turn on the Furnace
Before the cold sets in, fire up your heater
After your home starts to warm up, walk from room to room.
If you notice cold spots, loud screeching sounds or strange smells, you may
have a heating problem. (Remember to replace the filter regularly)
If the furnace stops working, repairs could cost $325 to
$475. And if you wait until the busy season, technicians may raise their
prices.
A weekend of work before the weather turns will help you get ready for winter and avoid any surprises and big repair bills.
Karen Pelkey
REALTOR® Keller Williams Classic Realty Northwest
612-414-2888
If you are looking to buy or sell in the Minneapolis Metro, let me be your expert!
Great article ...Thanks for your great information, the contents are quiet interesting.
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Thanks for the comment. I'm glad you enjoyed my post!
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