Home Maint Coj

8/12/2019 Home Maint Coj

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Home Maintenance

Control Journal

(FlyLady Logo in middle of page)

Copyright 2006 All rights reserved; FlyLady and Company Inc.



2

Dear Friends,

Or homes are or greatest asset. !hey shelter s "rom the stress o" or

every day #o$s and protect s "rom the storms o" li"e. %e have ta&en or

homes "or granted, &no'ing that they 'ill al'ays $e here "or s. In order

"or or homes to protect s, 'e have to $e their eyes, ears and hands. Orhomes cannot maintain themselves; it is p to s to protect them "rom the

'ear and tear o" the 'eather, time and or "amilies.

For years the only time 'e 'old ta&e care o" or homes 'as 'hen 'e 'ere

cleaning. !hat cleaning didn(t happen ntil the mess 'as so $ad that 'e cold

not stand it any longer. %hen 'e 'ere in or crisis cleaning mode, 'e

coldn(t ta&e the time to do the little things to &eep or homes "rom "alling

into disrepair. !he same is tre "or the general repairs o" or home.

!he only time 'e even thin& a$ot "i)ing anything is 'hen the rain is poring

throgh or ceilings. *y grandmother sed to tell s a$ot a stitch in timesaves nine and a penny saved is a penny earned. A little maintenance done

each 'ee& 'ill save more than a penny and add vale to yor greatest asset.

In the past, the only time 'e 'old ever spend any money or time on or

home 'as 'hen it 'as time to move and 'e needed to sell or home in order

to $y another one. At this point, it 'as evident that the 'or& 'e 'old pt

into or home cold ma&e a signi"icant di""erence in ho' mch money 'e

cold receive "or or investment. %oldn(t it $e nice to $e a$le to pt yor

home on the mar&et 'ithot having to spend mch time getting it ready to

sell+!his ome *aintenance Control -ornal is going to ta&e the mystery ot o"

'hat to do, 'hen to do it, and ho' to maintain yor home. For some people

home maintenance comes natrally; #st as it does "or people 'ho &no' ho'

to clean hose 'ithot giving it any thoght. !hese people don(t nderstand

'hy 'e can(t #st do it. For s, it is not that 'e can(t do it; 'e #st need an

instrction manal to 'al& s throgh the process one $a$ystep at a time.

*any o" these things are not hard, $t in or per"ectionism 'e thin& they

'ill ta&e longer and $e more di""iclt than they actally are. %e may also

need to learn 'hat 'e can do and 'hat 'e have to delegate or hire done.

%hen it comes do'n to a stitch in time 'ith or homes, it can $e as simple as

a trn o" a scre'driver or a drop o" oil. !he secret is to not ignore it 'hen

yo see something that needs doing; #st se the Do it no'/ rinciple to get

it done and not sidetrac& yo.

Or nm$er one tool is or rotines. %hen 'e inclde home maintenance into



or daily, 'ee&ly and monthly schedles, 'e 'ill scceed at "inding the time

to ta&e care o" or homes and then or homes 'ill ta&e care o" s.

1o 'hat are yo 'aiting "or+ or home is not going to maintain itsel" all $y

its lonesome; it needs yo to $less it. !his ome *aintenance Control

-ornal is going to help remind yo 'hat to do and 'hen to do it. It is yor

instrction manal to $less yor home.Are yo ready to FL 'ith this ome *aintenance Control -ornal as yor

gide to $lessing yor home+

FlyLady



3

Pretend to be a Realtor®

In everything 'e do, 'e need to "ind a 'ay to have "n. %e are going to

do the same thing 'ith or ome *aintenance Control -ornal. In the

past, the only time 'e 'old ever thin& a$ot sprcing p or homes 'as

'hen company 'as coming or 'e needed to move. Let(s se this scenarioto help s get started $lessing or home 'ith the tender loving care that

it $lesses s 'ith.

4o' pt on yor pretend 5ealtor hat and get ot yor clip$oard and

pencil. %e are going to ta&e a 'al& throgh and arond yor home. Don(t

get over'helmed $y this; it is not going to ta&e long. -st pretend that

yo have another appointment in a "e' mintes and get started. %e are

going to ta&e it room $y room and then 'e are going to 'al& otside.

Let(s 'or& cloc&'ise arond yor home starting at the "ront door. A"ter

'e have $een throgh every room in yor home, 'e 'ill 'al& arond theotside o" yor home and do'n the drive'ay. Loo& at 'hat can $e

cleaned. %hat needs to $e "i)ed or painted+ %hat needs to $e replaced+

%hat needs to $e declttered+ !hese 7estions 'ill help yo to prioriti8e

yor "inal list.

A"ter yo have ta&en yor initial loo& at yor home throgh a 5ealtor(s

eyes, yo can then start to do some o" the things that this list is telling

yo needs to $e done. or home did not get in this shape overnight and

it is not going to get sprced p in a day. !a&e 9a$y1teps and yo 'ill

"ind this process as re'arding as the tender loving care is to yor home(svale.

-st getting this in"ormation do'n on paper is a great start. o can se

this list as a chec& list to implement some o" the repairs that yo see

need to $e done. o can(t do everything at once. !his is 'hy 'e pic& the

easily doa$le things "irst; li&e decltter and clean. o 'ill $e srprised

at ho' mch $etter an area can loo& 'hen the cltter is no longer there.

:ach month pll ot yor original list and see 'hat has gotten done and

'hat items are le"t "or $lessing yor home. o 'ill $e elated at ho' yor

list 'ill d'indle each month 'hen yo "ocs on 9a$y1teps.



5

Pretend to be a Realtor® Walk !roug! "!eet

(#ame of area)

(u$e one $!eet per area% make a$ many copie$ a$ you need)

W!at need$ repairing& replacing or painting' #eed to !ire profe$$ional e$#o

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W!at +u$t need$ to be cleaned or decluttered' *********************************** *******

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!i$ i$ +u$t an o,erall triage li$t% do not allo- t!i$ to o,er-!elm you. We

are !a,ing fun and it -ill e,entually get done -it! /aby"tep$.



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(#ame of area)

(u$e one $!eet per area) make a$ many copie$ a$ you need

W!at need$ repairing& replacing& or painting' #eed to !ire profe$$ional e$#o

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!i$ i$ +u$t an o,erall triage li$t% do not allo- t!i$ to o,er-!elm you.

We are !a,ing fun and it -ill e,entually get done -it! /aby"tep$.



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<=

Ha,ing our ool$ 0cce$$ible

%hen 'e are so over'helmed $y the CAO1 >Can(t ave Anyone Over

1yndrome? that it is hard "or s to "ind a scre'driver 'hen 'e need to

tighten a simple scre', 'e tend to procrastinate 'hen something needs

doing. It is #st too hard to "ind a good scre'driver, pair o" pliers or ahammer 'hen 'e need one. %e "ind orselves getting sidetrac&ed #st

$y loo&ing "or the tool 'e need; then 'e $eat orselves p over sch little

things. !his is 'hy I 'ant yo to pt together yor very o'n ome

*aintenance !ool$o).

ere is 'hat yo 'ill need "or yor tool$o).

<. A $o) to pt yor tools in or a dra'er. o may have to clean one ot.

2. A @< hillips scre'driver

. A @2 hillips scre'driver

3. A large "lat head scre'driver=. A thinner $laded "lat head scre'driver

6. A pair o" pliers

B. A pair o" visegrip pliers

. A pair o" needlenosed pliers

E. A small hammer

<0. A <0 "oot tape measre

<<. A small level

<2. A pencil

<. A $o) ctter or tility &ni"e<3. A small $o) o" assorted nails, scre's

<=. A roll o" dct tape

!hese are yor tools. %hen yo have yor very o'n tools, yo do not have

to $orro' "rom anyone else. !he gys sally can tell 'hen 'e have sed

one o" their tools. !his 'ill &eep peace in yor home. Don(t say that home

repair is a man(s #o$. o $oth live in this hose and 'hen yo see the

need, yo can address it right a'ay instead o" ptting it on a oney Do/

List. o are going to "eel so good a$ot 'hat yo can do. I" the item is

something that yo need more help 'ith then $e sre to as& "or help anddon(t nag.

1t i$ $o nice to !a,e your o-n tool$ and be $a,,y enoug! to u$e t!em.



16

aking Care of our Home$%e get over'helmed so easily $y #st the thoght o" 'hat needs done to

&eep or homes maintained. !his is $ecase no one has ever $ro&en it

do'n "or s into managea$le 9a$y1teps. I am not a pro"essional plm$er,

carpenter, electrician, heating and air conditioning repairman or a painter.

%hat I am is a person 'ho ta&es pride in her home and ses a little

common sense to see 'hat needs done. !his is not roc&et science and yes

even yo can do these things.

!he reason 'e have never loo&ed at maintaining or home is $ecase 'e

have $een so over'helmed 'ith #st cleaning that 'e coldn(t even thin&

or didn(t have time to loo& at these other little things that needed to $e

done to &eep or home in good shape. !he only time 'e did address an

isse 'as 'hen the toilet 'as a$ot to "all throgh the "loor or the

$athroom 'as "looding. ere 'e go ptting ot "ires again. I am going toteach yo to &eep these things "rom happening $y doing rotine chec&s.

>Did yo catch that+? 5otines 'ill save the day again.

%e have already loo&ed at or home throgh the eyes o" a 5ealtor.

9e"ore 'e have "inished or ome *aintenance Control -ornal, 'e 'ill

$e ptting on many other pro"essional hats. !here is no per"ect place to

$egin. Let(s #st #mp in and get started.



<B

Putting on a Plumber2$ Hat

%e are going to chec& the "acets inside yor home "or constant drips

and lea&s seeping arond the montings. %hen 'e do the otside srvey

o" or home 'e 'ill loo& at those "acets "or no' lets 'or& inside. A

steady drip can drive s cra8y as 'ell as ma&e or 'ater $ills higher thanthey need to $e. !hese #o$s are not hard, $t yo 'ill need to read

another one o" those instrction manals or loo& it p online. I" yo are

a"raid to tac&le this, then have yor plm$er(s phone nm$er handy in

yor Control -ornal. o may 'ant to pt it in yor ome *aintenance

Control -ornal too.

%hile yo are chec&ing the sin& "acets, also chec& the toilets to see i"

they are rnning all the time and the sho'er "acets. 9e sre to loo&

nderneath the sin& "or 'ater stains or 'etness. I" yo "ind some, this

cold mean that there is a drain that is lea&ing or a 'ater connection thatis not tight or a pin hole in a pipe or the sin& itsel". 5n some 'ater in the

sin& and then "eel the drain pipe, spply lines and the $ottom o" the sin&

to "ind 'here the 'ater is coming "rom. t one o" those nsed "lat

plastic t$s nder it to catch this 'ater. A constant lea& li&e this can

case yor "loor and s$ "loor to rot as 'ell as the $ottom o" the ca$inet.

1ometimes the pro$lem is very simple to "i) 'ith #st a t'ist o" a

connector $y hand. It doesn(t ta&e a lot o" mscle to trn these

connections. Over time they 'ill loosen 'ith s'elling and shrin&ing de to

hot and cold 'ater. Chec&ing these seasonally 'ill avert any potentialpro$lems. In "act, each time I open the ca$inet door I #st rn my hand

over the drain to chec& "or 'etness. Another good thing a$ot

declttering in these areas is that yo can see 'hen there is 'ater

pddling p.

Another place that can get a lea& is the spply lines to the toilet. !hey

$ecome loose "rom sitting do'n on the toilet and $eing 'iggled 'hen 'e

clean. %hen yo are doing yor 1'ish and 1'ipe/ each morning yo can

loo& "or 'ater lea&s and "eel "or drips. One time a"ter 'e remodeled, the

hot and cold lines got mi)ed p and 'e 'ere "illing the toilet 'ith hot'ater. !he tan& 'as s'eating; 'e &ne' something 'as 'rong $ecase

'ater 'as on the "loor. %e had chec&ed the spply lines, the tan& 'here

it attached to the $o'l, and to ma&e sre the toilet 'as secrely



<

"astened to the "loor. I" this had not $een the pro$lem or ne)t "i)

'old have $een to chec& the 'a) ring that the toilet sits on. !his is

another one o" those seals that &eeps 'ater "rom going 'here 'e don(t

'ant it to go. !hey can $ecome damaged 'hen the toilet is pt $ac& in

position. It is $est to replace this ring each time yo remove the toilet.I" yo have replaced a "loor then yo may have to get a taller 'a) ring.

Another plm$ing pro$lem 'e can have is 'ith or disposals. !hey can

$ecome clogged 'ith "i$ros veggies. !his is not "n especially 'hen yo

are trying to "i) a holiday dinner "or <0 people. I" yo do not rn enogh

'ater 'hile the disposal is 'or&ing then yo may "ind yor drain all

$ac&ed p. !he $est remedy is not to pt these things do'n yor

disposal; green $eans, asparags and potato peelings. I have had to ta&e

the drain all the 'ay apart in order to dig this mess ot o" the pipe 'ith a

coat hanger. I didn(t have a plm$er(s sna&e; 'hich is a marvelos tool tohave in emergencies; the cost 'ill pay "or itsel" in one plm$ers visit on a

holiday. Another thing that happens to or disposals is they get stin&y.

!his is $ecase the "ood reside ca&es p on the sides $ecase 'e are

not rnning enogh 'ater to "lly "lsh the organic reside do'n the

drain. %e are going to need to scrape it o"" and never do that again.

Once 'e get it clean, 'e can &eep it that 'ay $y sing the disposal to

clean itsel". Fill the sin& 'ith hot soapy 'ater a"ter yo rn the disposal

then release the 'ater as the disposal is rnning. One o" or ey !om

>'''.ey!om.net? readers has a toilet $o'l $rsh #st "or her disposaland as part o" her &itchen clean p rotine she give her disposal a s'ish

to remove the reside $e"ore it dries and hardens.

Another plm$ing pro$lem 'e have is 'ith the cal& arond or t$s,

sho'ers and sin&s. !his cal& provides a seal to &eep 'ater "rom lea&ing

onto the 'ood "loor nderneath or t$s. I" the cal& is crac&ed or

missing, it 'ill allo' this 'ater to seep into the nreacha$le places and

case the "loor and s$ "loor to rot. !o &eep this "rom happening, 'e

need to visally inspect this cal& 'hen 'e are in the t$ or at least 'hen

'e are in this room 'ith or 8ones. I" the cal& needs to $e replaced, itis not hard to pll ot or dig ot the old and s7ee8e in the ne' and r$ it

in 'ith yor "inger tip. o have to $e generos in order to "ill p all the

crac&s. *issing grot can also case the 'ater to lea& nderneath the

t$.



<E

4o' here is a pro$lem that doesn(t happen o"ten $t it 'ill ta&e an

e)perienced plm$er to "i); yor sho'er pan 'ill get a lea& in it or yor

t$ 'ill develop a crac&. !he t$ crac& yo can sally see easily. !he pan

lea& is mch harder to detect. or "irst sign cold $e a 'ater mar& on

the ceiling o" the room $elo' the sho'er. It cold even $e the ne)t room$ecase the 'ater can "ollo' a "loor #oist or a pipe ntil gravity cases it

to drip.

Other plm$ing pro$lem signs cold $e slo' drains. !hese can $e as

simple as ta&ing the cover o"" the sho'er drain and removing the hair

$ild p or it cold $e the main se'er drain "rom the hose to the street

or septic tan&. It may need to $e sna&ed ot i" yo are on a city se'er. I"

yo have a septic tan&, 'hen 'as the last time yo had it pmped ot+ %e

do ors every "ive years, $t 'e only have t'o people in or hosehold.

%e also give or septic tan& a dose o" $acteria t'ice a year. !his &eepsthe $acteria replenished that $rea& do'n the se'age. %ith yor septic

tan& yo also have "ield drain lines coming o"" o" the tan&. I" the tan&

$ecomes "illed over the years 'ith the inorganic sldge that is not eaten

$y the aero$ic activity, this sldge 'ill $egin to "lo' into yor "ield lines

clogging them and &eeping the 'ater "rom dispersing. Another thing that

can happen is these "ield lines can $ecome clogged $y tree roots. !he

roots search ot the 'ater and over a period o" years 'ill clog p the

drain system. I" yo are e)periencing these pro$lems yo may need a

plm$er to chec& this ot. Do not 'ait thin&ing it is going to get $etter.According to the si8e o" yor "amily and the si8e o" yor septic tan&, it

may need to $e pmped once a year to prevent damage to septic "ield

drain lines. !his annal maintenance cold save yo thosands o" dollars.

I" yo have a $asement, then there are a cople o" things that can go

'rong. I" the $asement is $elo' street level, then the 'aste 'ill have to

$e pmped p to the street. !hese are called slrry pmps and i" the

po'er is o"" they may not 'or& casing the toilet to over"lo'. Also in the

$asement there is sally a smp pmp to drain 'ater ot. ave yo seen

that drain hole in the $asement "loor+ o can chec& this to see i" it'or&s #st $y poring a $c&et o" 'ater do'n the hole. %hile yo are in

the $asement pttering arond, chec& the 'alls to see i" 'ater is seeping

in. !his is not a plm$ing pro$lem $t a drainage pro$lem arond the



20

"ondation o" yor home. o may need to install gtters or "ill in holes.

!his moistre 'ill help milde' and mold to gro' casing yor home to

stin&. I" yo can(t "ind the pro$lem yo may have to get a pro"essional to

come ot can loo& at it "or yo.

Another potential plm$ing pro$lem is yor hot 'ater heater. !his is anappliance 'ith an o'ner(s manal. It is important to read this manal and

&no' ho' yor hot 'ater heater operates. It cold $e gas or electric.

!here is nothing 'orse than 'a&ing p to a morning 'ithot hot 'ater.

eep the area arond the hot 'ater heater clear o" cltter. It 'ill hide

any tan& lea&age and cold case a "ire i" the heater is a gas nit. %hen

'e had or last hot 'ater heater installed, 'e pt a t'odollar alminm

pan nder it to collect any 'ater in the event o" a lea&. It is al'ays a

good idea to loo& on the "loor arond yor 'ater heater "or pddles. *ine

is ot in the open and I have to go past it to do landry. I" yors is in acloset, yo may need to remind yorsel" to chec& it occasionally.

or otside "acets need to $e 'interi8ed. !his can $e as easy as

trning o"" the 'ater to them inside o" the hose and draining or

'rapping them 'ith inslation and taping them to &eep them "rom

"ree8ing. Do not leave 'ater hoses hoo&ed p to "acets in the 'inter.

4e)t time yo need to replace this "acet pt in one that 'ill not "ree8e.



2<

Put on an 3lectrician2$ Hat

!his is "oreign territory to most o" s nless 'e are changing light $l$s.

In "orth grade I learned a$ot electrical sa"ety. I 'as taght to not

plg in too many appliances in one otlet. !hey told me a$ot 'orn ot

e)tension cords and appliance po'er cords. !his is common sense sa"etyin"ormation. o 'ere taght this too in elementary school.

%rite es or 4o in the margin o" this chec& list.

<. Do yo have any receptacles that are overloaded+

2. Are yor lamps in good 'or&ing order+

. Do yo have s'itches that spar&s "ly "rom 'hen yo trn them on+

3. Do yo have to reset a $rea&er o"ten 'hen it "lips o""+

=. Do yor lights dim 'hen the air conditioner or 'ater pmp &ic& on+

6. Do yo have e)tension cords nder rgs+

B. Is yor $rea&er $o) la$eled+. Do yo have s'itch plates that are loose or $ro&en+

E. ave yo chec&ed inside yor dryer and the vent "or $ilt p lint+

<0. Do yo rn yor dryer or dish'asher 'hen yo leave the hose+

<<. Do yo leave the small appliances plgged in all the time+

<2. Do yo have a "ire e)tingisher "or electrical "ires+

<. Do yo store things in yor oven+

<3. Do yo have smo&e alarms and car$on mono)ide detectors+

<=. Are the $atteries changed in yor detectors 'hen the time changes+

<6. Is yor cltter going to $e "el "or the "ire and the case o" it+!he most important prpose o" &eeping yor home maintained is to &eep

yo and yor "amily sa"e. I" yo are procrastinating a$ot "i)ing any o"

these things or changing yor $ehavior then yo cold $e in danger. Do

yo have an evacation plan "or yor "amily i" there is a "ire in the middle

o" the night+

4o' let(s tal& a$ot all o" those appliance o'ners( manals yo have all

over the hose. It is time to gather them all p and pt them in a "ile, an

o""ice in a $ag or ma&e them part o" yor ome *aintenance Control

-ornal. o cold have too many o" them, then yo 'ill need an accordion"ile to &eep them in. :ach time yo get a ne' appliance, read the o'ner(s



22

manal and pt it in the "ile. !his 'ay 'hen yo need it, yo can "ind it.

O'ners( manals sally have tro$le shooting tips and phone nm$ers to

help yo 'hen something $rea&s. It is also good to staple the receipt on

the inside o" the manal. !his 'ill have yor date o" prchase and ho'

mch yo paid "or the appliance. I &no' 'e never loo& at o'ner(s manals.%e #st e)pect to intitively &no' ho' something is spposed to 'or&.

%e even complain 'hen it is not as easy as 'e 'ant it to $e. It can $e

easy i" 'e 'ill #st ta&e <= mintes 'hen 'e get a ne' appliance and read

the manal. It is not going to hrt s. aving &no'ledge is never a $ad

thing. It can &eep s "rom ma&ing mista&es. !his goes "or yor car too.

I" I had not read my o'ners manal the other day I 'old have rined

the rain sensor on the 'indshield 'ipers i" I had gone throgh a car 'ash.

I didn(t even &no' it had one 'hen the 'ipers came on all $y themselves.

%hen yo get something ne', stdy the manal so yo 'ill &no' itslimitations and 'hat it can really doG



2

Put on Repairper$on Hat

4rafty Home$

Or homes protect s "rom the cold o" 'inter and the heat o" smmer.

%e can lose heat and also allo' cold air to creep into or living spaces.

!his happens $ecase or door seals are 'orn ot and the cal&ing arondor 'indo' "rames has $ecome old and crac&ed. !his allo's that cold air

to ma&e or tility $ills higher. o' do yo &no' there is a crac& or a

pro$lem 'ith the seals+

!his is very simple. In "act, this is the only time I have ever lit a

cigarette. A candle 'ill 'or& too $t it does not have the smo&e to help

yo see the actal air "lo'. All yo have to do is hold it p to the door or

'indo' to see i" the smo&e or "lame moves. I" it does, yo have a crac& in

the cal& or a de"ective door seal. Also chec& yor receptacles and

s'itch plates on yor 'alls; they can allo' cold air to seep in too. Anotherplace "or air conditioned and heated air to lea& is in the dct 'or& itsel".

I" yo have access to it in a $asement or attic, yo can see the actal

dcts and visally inspect the #oints to see i" the tape is loose or i" the

#oints have come apart. I" this happens yo 'ill $e heating and cooling

nsed areas o" yor home. !his can cost yo lots o" 'asted money 'ith

the increased e)pense o" yor tility $ills. o can also call yor electric

company or yor gas company; they can recommend someone to come ot

and give yo an energy srvey. !hey 'ill also chec& to see i" yo have the

proper inslation "or yor climate. Over the years, yor homes inslationpac&s do'n and does not have the air spaces that provide the inslating

properties. !his is 'ell 'orth the money that it ta&es. !his srvey 'ill

pay "or itsel" dring a season o" heating and air conditioning $ills.



24

"tructural "ur,eyLet(s ta&e another 'al& arond the otside o" or home and loo& "or air

lea&s and other potential pro$lems 'ith the strctre o" yor home. As

elly li&es to do, it is time to loo& p. Loo& at the roo" o" yor home. Do

yo see any shingles that are li"ted p+ 5ain can $lo' nder theseshingles dring a storm. 4o' loo& at the "lashing. !his is the metal that is

arond anything that goes throgh a roo"H a chimney, plm$ing vent pipes

and ventilator "ans. Loo& "or a separation $et'een the top o" the metal

and the item it is arond. Another cle that there cold $e a pro$lem is a

circle on yor ceiling or a 'et place. !he lea& may not $e right 'here the

circle is in the ceiling. %hen the 'ater seeps throgh the roo", it 'ill

"ollo' gravity ntil it drops o"".

As yo are loo&ing p, ta&e note o" the trees that are arond yor home.

Are they leaning to'ard yor home+ Are there dead lim$s that need to$e ct+ Are any lim$s or $shes actally toching yor home+ rning

these lim$s once a year and $eing a'are o" the potential threat to yor

home dring a storm 'ill save yo many sleepless nights or a srprise

'a&e p call 'hen a $ig lim$ comes throgh yor roo". t this on a list o"

things that need to $e done. o can do the little st"" close to the

grond sch as the $shes $t yo may have to hire repta$le tree

ctters to get rid o" $ig pro$lems.

%hile 'e are still loo&ing p, chec& yor gtters "or de$ris. I" the

gtters are "illed 'ith leaves and t'igs they 'ill not drain the 'ater a'ay"rom yor "ondation. Do this every atmn a"ter the leaves "all. I" yo

don(t have trees, then yo 'ill not have this pro$lem. *a&e sre yor

gtters are draining a'ay "rom the hose. o can get simple lin&s o" pipe

to help the 'ater disperse a'ay "rom yor "ondation.

4e)t let(s loo& at the "ondation o" yor home. 1tart $y chec&ing the

vents that are arond the perimeter. !hese vents allo' the moistre to

dry nder yor home dring the smmer time. I" yo have a $asement yo

pro$a$ly do not have vents. In the 'inter time these vents need to $e

closed so that the cold 'ind does not "ree8e yor 'ater pipes or ma&e itharder to heat yor home. !hese vents shold close tightly to restrict



25

the air "lo' in the 'inter. A"ter 'inter is over yo 'ill 'ant to open them

$ac& p ntil the ne)t "all.

%hile yo are 'al&ing arond the otside o" yor hose, loo& "or areas

'here yor critters may have started to dig a hole. !hese holes 'ill allo'

rain 'ater to pddle and rn into yor cra'l space or yor $asement. Fillp these holes and pt roc&s there to deter them "rom digging. Chec&

yor otside dryer vent to ma&e sre it is opening and closing properly

'hen the dryer is rnning. *ice love to se this as their doggy door.

Chec& the seal arond the vent to ma&e sre it is not crac&ed. Also chec&

the area 'here the heating and air conditioning system comes into the

hose. A crac& in the cal&ing here can allo' critters to come into yor

home too. Don(t as& me ho' I &no'. It is not "n to "ind a $lac& sna&e in

yor hose.

I" yo have a $ric& hose, loo& "or places $et'een the $ric& "or mortar #oints that have crac&ed or are missing. I" yor home has siding, chec& to

see i" there are $oards or panels that do not seem to $e secrely

"astened. !his can allo' air to penetrate yor 'alls. !his is #st a simple

visal inspection. I" yo "ind a pro$lem area, it can $e "i)ed. Also chec&

arond the 'indo's "or crac&s in the cal&ing. !his cold $e the reason

yo have a dra"ty hose. Cal&ing is very simple to se. Cal& can $e

o$tained at any hard'are store. !he directions "or sing the cal& are

on the t$e and yo can "ind them on the internet too.

As yo are 'al&ing arond the perimeter o" yor home, &eep yor eyesopen "or ant $eds. I" yo have pro$lems 'ith ants, they have "ond a

path into yor home. It is p to yo "ind their ant high'ay and stop them.

!hey 'ill "ollo' 'ater pipes and crac&s in cal&ing. One time I 'as having

an ant pro$lem in my $athroom. I 'ent otside to "ind an ant $ed p

against the hose right $y my $athroom. I got rid o" the ant $ed and my

pro$lem 'ent a'ay. I 'ent to the hard'are store and got these little

spi&es yo stic& in the grond. In one 'ee& the ants 'ere gone. Chec&

'ith yor hard'are store "or 'hat 'or&s on the type o" ants yo have in

yor area.In the atmn i" yo have lots o" trees and "alling leaves yo 'ill need to

&eep the leaves "rom $ilding p arond yor hose. !his can $e a $ig "ire



26

danger. 5a&e or $lo' the leaves a'ay "rom yor home. A little ra&ing no'

cold &eep yo sa"e in the event o" a $rsh "ire. !his 'ill give yo a

$""er.

As yo are 'al&ing arond the otside o" yor home chec& the "acets

"or lea&s, the electrical otlets "or crac&ed covers and yor otsidelighting. Are there any $l$s that need to $e replaced+ Don(t pt this o"".

%e are the 7een o" procrastinators. o "eeling sa"e is importantG I"

yo don(t ta&e care o" this, yor home 'ill not $e a$le to protect yo. Are

there any lights that do not 'or&+

4o' let(s loo& at the sr"ace o" yor hoseH nder the overhang and the

otside 'alls. Does it need to $e s'ept or 'ashed+ Can yo see any rotten

'ood+ Is the paint peeling or "aded+ %hen 'as the last time yor hose

'as painted+ I" yo have siding, does it need 'ashed+ %hen 'as the last

time yo 'ashed yor 'indo's+ I &no' this seems li&e a hge #o$, $t anytas& can $e $ro&en do'n into 9a$y1teps to ma&e it more managea$le.

4e)t let(s loo& at yor porches and dec&s. Are there crac&s or rotting

'ood+ %hen 'as the last time yo pressre 'ashed and sealed the 'ood+

Are the handrails attached secrely and are the steps rotten or

nsta$le+ !hin& sa"ety here; cold someone stm$le and "all $ecase o"

yor negligence. Or homes need to $e sa"e "or s, $t they also need to

protect or visitors.

Does yor garage door 'or& properly+ ave yo changed the $atteries in

the opener+ ave yo ever read yor instrction manal to &no' 'hatneeds to $e done to &eep it rnning smoothly+ !his is a good place to

start. I" yo can(t "ind yors, loo& online "or its manal or generic

instrctions "or the sa"e operation o" atomatic garage doors or reglar

garage doors. All yo have to do is pt the ma&e and model nm$er o"

yor door opener into oogle and it 'ill "ind the manal "or yo. Is there

trash in yor garage that cold catch "ire+ et rid o" the piles o" papers

and maga8ines that yo have stashed there. !hey can catch "ire $y

spontaneos com$stion or $y critters $ilding nests in yor de$ris.

Do yo have holiday lights that have $een p "or a year or more+ !heyneed to go a'ay. !hey are not made "or year rond e)posre to rain and



27

sn. !hese need to $e ta&en do'n and thro'n in the trash. oliday lights

are only made "or a "e' 'ee&s o" e)posre.

Other things to chec& 'hen yo are doing yor srvey are the drive'ay,

yor mail$o), 'ater hoses and any other otdoor "acets yo have not

chec&ed. Do they need any repair+ Are they lea&ing+ Are the hosescrac&ed+ Do they need to $e replaced+

o have completed an otside loo& at yor home. *ost things can $e

done 'ithot a lot o" &no'ledge o" constrction or repair. I" yo don(t

&no' ho' to "i) something, do not procrastinate a$ot getting it done.

As& someone, do an Internet search or go to yor local do it yorsel"/

store. %e love those places any'ay. !hey have people there to help yo.

As& a "riend 'ho may &no' someone yo can hire.



28

Heating and 0ir ConditioningOr heating and air conditioner nit is pro$a$ly the most e)pensive

appliance 'e have in or home. It &eeps s 'arm and cool, $t it can(t do

this i" 'e e)pect it to ta&e care o" itsel". %e have to &eep it serviced.

!his means changing the "ilters once a month and schedling annal

service. !hese nits need to $e cleaned. !hey get lots o" de$ris on the

grill otside. %e have to read the manal on this nit to &no' 'hat it

needs. I" yo don(t have one then "ind the model nm$er and the $rand

and loo& it p online. :very "e' years 'e have or dcts cleaned ot.

1ome people don(t thin& this is necessary $t a"ter 'e remodeled or

home they 'ere "illed 'ith de$ris.

Are the taped #oints o" yor dct 'or& secre+ o can lose heated and

cooled air throgh these #oints. or nit 'ill $e heating and cooling

nsed areas o" yor home casing yor "el $ills to go p.Are yor retrn air vents $loc&ed $y cltter and are they open+

ave yo closed o"" too many vents in yor home+ -st 'al&ing over them

sometimes closes them. !his can case yor nit to overheat and damage

the heating cham$er. !his 'ill also &eep yor air conditioner "rom cooling

yor home properly.

Is yor thermostat 'or&ing correctly+ o may need to pt a

thermometer ne)t to it to see i" the nit &ic&s in at the right time. ave

yo closed o"" too many doors to the rooms in yor hose so that the air

does not "lo' past the thermostat correctly+4o' this does not have anything to do 'ith yor heating and air

conditioning nit, $t i" yo have a "ireplace yo need to have the

chimney chec&ed "or crac&s and the "le chec&ed "or creosote $ild p.

!his can case a chimney "ire and create a lot o" damage to yor home.

o also lose a lot o" heat and air conditioning p yor chimney. Do yo

close yor damper 'hen yo are not sing yor "ireplace+ Do yo have

"ireplace doors i" yo don(t have a damper+



29

La-n 35uipmentOr la'n mo'ers, 'eed eaters and other motori8ed e7ipment also need

to $e ta&en care o" $e"ore cold 'eather sets in and $e"ore spring time

comes and 'e need to cran& them p and ta&e care o" or yards.

La'n mo'ers 'ill need to $e serviced at least once a year. lease read

yor o'ner(s manal "or more in"ormation on 'hen and ho' to do this.

!he gas 'ill need to $e treated over the 'inter to &eep it "rom getting

gmmy. etting into the ha$it o" ptting yor e7ipment a'ay a"ter yo

clean it p 'ill help to &eep it "rom deteriorating. I" yo 'ill ta&e good

care o" them, they 'ill help yo ta&e care o" yor la'n.

#o- for our La-n$I almost "orgot a$ot or la'ns and gardens. !here really 'asn(t a good

place to insert this. ere is as good a place as any, right a"ter or la'n

e7ipment maintenance section. I don(t have any grass in my yard; I #st

have a "lo'er garden and mlch. !om 'ill have to help me 'ith this

section. I do &no' "rom 'atching him that he has a set time each 'ee& to

mo' and trim his yard. e also does 'eeding and "eeding o" his la'n 'ith

$ags o" "ertili8er. is la'n al'ays loo&s great.

ere are some o" the things that !om does to ma&e his la'n loo& great

all the time. e has a simple rotine "or this #st li&e 'e teach.

La'n *o'ing

<. I mo' once a 'ee& sally on 1atrday. I chec& the "orecast to see i" I

need to ad#st the day to Friday or 1nday.

2. rass sholdn(t $e ct too short. !he soil 'ill dry ot and it 'ill stress

the plants. A height o" arond inches 'or&s "or most grass types.



30

. Ct the grass in a di""erent direction each 'ee&. !his 'ill &eep the

grass "rom leaning over and gro'ing long. %hen this happens yo 'ill have

less grass. I call this the La'n Com$ Over.

3. I" yo are "inished mo'ing and yo see clmps o" ct grass on yor

la'n, raise yor mo'er dec& one notch and mo' over the clmps. !his 'illena$le the $lades to only 'or& on the grass clmps. !ry it; yo 'ill li&e it.

=. I" yo trim and edge $e"ore yo mo', most o" the clippings 'ill $e

$agged or mlched and the la'n 'ill loo& $etter.

1eeding

Once a year in "all, it is good to over seed yor la'n. !his is #st so'ing

seeds in the grass to encorage ne' gro'th. !his is the $est time "or

seed gro'th. I se a rotary spreader to evenly spread the seed. I do this

$e"ore I do my "all "ertili8ing.

For $are spots till or ra&e the area < inch deep. Add top soil i" necessaryand evenly spread seed. o then shold "ertili8e and &eep moist. %ater

t'ice a day ntil it starts coming in nicely.

Aerating and !hatching

!hatch is the dead grass clippings that accmlate at the $ase o" the

grass $lades. aving G to J inch o" thatch is $ene"icial to the la'n. It

$""ers the soil and protects the grass roots. *ore than J inch is a

pro$lem $ecase it 'ill repel 'ater mch li&e a thatch roo". Aerating is a

'ay to $rea& p the thatch to allo' the o)ygen and ntrients into the

soil. It ta&es a heavy dty ra&e or a piece o" e7ipment yo pll $ehind yor mover. Aerating 'ill sally &eep the thatch nder control. I aerate

my la'n once a year in the "all $e"ore the "all "ertili8ing. rass that is in

high tra""ic areas 'ill also need to $e aerated de to the compacted soil.

!hatching shold only $e done 'hen the thatch is over J inch. !his

actally harms the grass $lades, so it shold $e done every 2 years at the

most.



31

As yo can see "rom !om(s la'n rotine, he ta&es great pride in his yard.

!han&s !om "or helping s learn ho' to do this.

%ith most things in or li"e, 'e see all or nothing. -st loo&ing at or

homes and yards, 'e donKt thin& that there is enogh time to do it all.

%ell there is, i" yo 'ill learn to $rea& these areas into 8ones and smaller$ites. !rying to do it all in one day is going to over'helm yo and ta&e the

#oy "rom it. Oh yes, there is #oy in yard 'or&.

Let me tell yo a$ot or yard. %e do not mo'. %e live in the 'oods and

have no grass, $t I &no' a$ot mo'ingG It is li&e 'ashing dishes; yo

never get "inished, $ecase as soon as yo do, the grass decides to gro'

again.

For those o" yo that donKt &no' a$ot or $asic 'ee&ly plan, #st thin&

o" it as a day "or everything. %hen 'e loo& at or homes, 'e have things

that 'e do daily, every other day, 'ee&ly, $i'ee&ly, and monthly. !hisalso 'or&s "or or yards and gardens.

%hat needs to $e done daily in or yards+

<. %eeding "lo'er$eds. !his is one o" those otside #o$s that only ta&e a

"e' mintes at a time. Consistent daily plc&ing o" 'eeds "or only =<=

mintes 'ill &eep this nder control. !his is something that 'e have never

noticed ntil it 'as ot o" hand. I &eep a pair o" garden gloves, small

ra&espade tool, and some snips in a $as&et $y my "ront door, so 'hen

I 'al& otside in the cool o" the evening or early morning, I can pt

on the gloves and do #st a little. Another reason "or 'earing thegloves, $esides &eeping yor hands "rom getting dirty, is to protect yor

hands "rom thorns.

2. Deadheading spent "lo'ers is something that can $e done daily as yo

'al& arond yor garden. 1nip, 1nip, 1nipG

. 1ome plants need to $e 'atered every day dring the hot part o" the

smmer. I ma&e it easy to 'ater, $y having the 'ater hose handy or a

'atering can "illed at all times. I #st re"ill it a"ter I 'ater, that 'ay I

can 'ater 'ithot a lot o" hassle.



32

o can incorporate these things into yor daily rotines. I" yo 'ill

spend <= mintes a day doing these little things in yor garden, yo

'ill never have to spend a 'hole day again.

4o' 'hat needs to $e done on a 'ee&ly $asisH

<. *o'ing. For the most part, mo'ing ta&es "rom < hor to as many as =6hors, i" yo have a $ig yard. o can also $rea& yor yard into 8ones and

do it over a cople o" days i" yo need too. !his schedle 'ill need to $e

"le)i$le according to the 'eather. 1o set aside one day 'ith an optional

day i" needed.

2. 1ome "lo'ers or la'ns may need to $e 'atered 'ee&ly; I personally do

not recommend heavy 'atering. !he more yo 'ater early in the year, the

more shallo' the root system develops and i" 'e have a lot o" dry

'eather, the plants 'ill not $e hardy and 'ill s""er and so 'ill yo. Mse a

little 'ater 'hen yo plant them; then let them root hog or die, I al'ayssay. I" I have to 'ater them; I &no' me, I 'ill not do it. 1o they had

$etter learn to "end "or themselves. I also li&e to plant a lot o" sedms

and droght tolerant plants. I li&e a pretty garden 'ithot a lot o" 'or&.

. 1ome people li&e to "ertili8e their la'n and garden 'ee&ly. Fertili8er

companies have made this easy "or those o" s 'ho don(t &no' a$ot

rotines. !hey have made time release "ertili8ers.

3. rning o" yor perennials 'ill stagger $looms and create less leggy

plants. !his is good to do early in the season. !his also helps them $e

"ller plants.=. 1ome o" my "lo'ers need to $e sta&ed so they donKt spread ot 'hen

the rain 'eighs them do'n. 1o I chec& on this a$ot once a 'ee&. I

also loo& at my vines to ma&e sre that they are ent'ined in the

trellis.

I" yo 'ill spend <= mintes a day en#oying yor yard and garden $y

'al&ing ot there and loo&ing "or a "e' 'eeds and clipping 'hat is calling

ot to yo, yo can trn 'or& into a la$or o" love and $eaty. IsnKt that



33

e)actly 'hat 'e have done 'ith yor home; "illed it 'ith loveG Fill yor

yard 'ith the same love. It is only 'or&, i" yo thin& o" it that 'ay.

I hope this ome *aintenance Control -ornal 'ill help yo to not $e

a"raid o" home and car maintenance. I am also going to inclde a chec&list

"or each season and a list to 'rite do'n these important pro"essionals(phone nm$ers. !here are also some printa$le la$els to se on yor

calendar.



34

6ur Car$ need a little Lo,e too.All most o" s &no' ho' to do is get in or cars, ad#st the seats,

pt gas in the tan&, trn on the radio and drive or cars till they 'ill

not rn any more. Or cars need #st a little tender loving care too.A"ter all, i" 'e ta&e care o" them, they 'ill ta&e care o" s.

!he "nny thing a$ot car maintenance is that 'e >'omen? don(t

&no' mch a$ot it. It is not that 'e don(t 'ant to &no'; it is that

'e #st do not even thin& a$ot it. For s, ptting gas in or cars is

a ma#or inconvenience. %e 'ait till the last possi$le "me has $een

consmed $e"ore 'e stop "or a "illp. %e have to practice "illing

p more o"ten and 'hen 'e do there are some things that 'e can do

as the gas pmp is ptting the "el into or vehicles.

As yo get ot o" the car, gather p any trash that needs to $ethro'n a'ay. !his is a great ha$it to esta$lish. %hile the gas is

pmping ta&e a visal inspection o" yor tires to see i" any o" them

loo& lo' in air pressre. It is never "n to have a "lat tire on a $sy

high'ay or rn ot o" gas. Another thing to do as yo "ill p is 'ash

yor 'indshield to remove $gs and dirt that can o$strct yor

vision. %hen 'e 'ere yong, there 'ere "ll service stations that

'old chec& yor oil and other "lid levels 'hen yo "illed p. !hat

doesn(t happen mch these days e)cept in 4e' -ersey 'here yoare not allo'ed to pmp yor o'n gas. :ach 'ee& set a day to "ill p

yor car and clean it ot. %hile yo are doing this, please chec&

yor children(s car seats to ma&e sre they are secrely "astened.

ave yo ever read yor car(s instrction manal+ *ost o" s have

not. !hese little $oo&s ma&e "or interesting reading. !hey tell s

'hen schedled maintenance shold $e done. !hey can also save s a

ton o" money. I" 'e don(t "ollo' the recommended schedled

maintenance, 'e cold $e responsi$le "or even 'arranted repairs.

o can also learn a lot a$ot ho' or cars 'or&. I had to read mine

to "igre ot ho' to pt gas in the "irst time.



35

*y 1'eet Darling has a rotine "or reminding him to change the oil

in his car. e does it every three months 'hen the seasons change;

*arch, -ne, 1eptem$er and Decem$er. %hen yo get the oil

changed, also chec& the transmission and $ra&e "lid levels and the

tire pressre. Also have the $elts chec&ed to see i" they are 'orn

or loose. Another thing to have chec&ed is the coolant in the

radiator and the 'indshield 'asher "lid. %indshield 'ipers need to

$e replaced once a year. %e do this #st $e"ore 'inter sets in.

or tire pressre can help yo get $etter gas mileage and &eep

yor car "rom plling "rom one side to another. 5nning on correct

tire pressre helps yor tires to 'ear evenly. :very =000 miles it is

good to rotate yor tires and $alance them to help them 'ear

evenly. or "amily(s lives depend pon having good tires on yor car.5eplace them 'hen the tread is getting 'orn ot.

or car needs to $e 'ashed and vacmed a$ot once a month. I

&no' the gys 'ill say this shold $e done once a 'ee&, $t let(s

"ace it, 'e are not going to do that. 5emem$er this 'hen 'e start a

$rand ne' month.

I hope yo can see ho' car maintenance is #st li&e the rest o" or

rotines. %hen 'e get into the ha$it; they practically ta&e care o"

themselves. lease ta&e care o" yor cars. Little lives depend onthem. Don(t allo' yor cars to rn on emptyG A little !LC 'ill go a

long 'ay 'hen yor car is called on to per"orm 'hen yo need it.



36

1n Ca$e of 3mergency

Contact #umber$

6ccupation #ame P!one number

Car *echanic Carpenter

Chimney 1'eep

Dct Cleaner

:lectrician

:nergy 1rveyor

as Company

eat and AC

ainter

lm$er

1eptic lm$er

Other

7eeping t!e$e number$ !andy -ill keep you calm.



37

Mont!ly C!eckli$tDo one item each day starting on the "irst o" the month

*ar& yor calendars

Home

<. 5eplace "ilter in heating and air conditioning nit

2. %ash range hood "ilter in dish'asher

. %ipe do'n 'ashing machine, chec& hoses "or lea&s

3. Chec& the oil and other "lids, $elts, hoses in car

=. Chec& "acets "or lea&s

6. Clean the seals o" the re"rigerator and "ree8erLa-n

<. Chec& tools "or rst and loose parts

Car

<. Chec& oil and "lids

2. %ash the car

. Clean ot car

3. *a&e sre children(s car seats are secre.



38

Winter C!eckli$tHome

<. !ighten scre's and l$ricate door hinges

2. 5emove drain covers and clean ot hair

. Chec& cal&ing in t$, sho'er and sin&s; cal&

3. Chec& dryer vent and vacm lint ot o" dryer

=. 5eplace 'ater "ilters in re"rigerator or "acets

6. Chec& handrails "or loose connections

B. Chec& threshold and carpet "or tripping seams

La-n<. :n#oy dreaming a$ot yor la'n and garden

2. t do'n lime in Fe$rary

. Chec& drainage arond the hose and gtters

Car

<. Chec& tires "or tread 'ear and rotate t'ice a year

2. Change oil and "ilters in car; chec& $elts and hoses



39

"pring C!eckli$tHome

<. Chec& garage door; replace $atteries; read manal

2. Chec& smp pmp i" yo have one. Clean siding and chec& "or peeling paint

3. Open otside "acets "rom 'inter; get ot 'ater hoses

=. Chec& roo" shingles and "lashing

6. Chec& handrails "or loose connections

B. Chec& threshold and carpet "or tripping seams

. Change $atteries in smo&e detectors and vacm

E. Nacm re"rigerator coils

<0. Nacm $athroom "an grill

<<. Chec& otside o" hose "or lim$s toching hose

La-n

<. *a&e sre la'n e7ipment is ready "or season

2. Clean p a"ter 'inter

. *archH Cra$ rass preventer

3. AprilH !r" 9ilder pls 'eed control

=. -neH !r" 9ilder pls insect control

6. *lch

Car

<. et car inspected and rene' license plate >mar& yor

calendar and chec& yor driver(s license "or e)piration date?

2. Change oil and "ilters in car; chec& $elts and hoses

. Chec& car manal "or schedled maintenance

3. Chec& $ra&es



40

"ummer C!eckli$tHome

<. Chec& chimney "or crac&s and have cleaned

2. !ighten scre's on ceiling "an $lades

. Chec& "ire e)tingishers and replace i" needed

3. Chec& drainage arond the hose and gtters

=. Chec& handrails "or loose connections

6. Chec& threshold and carpet "or tripping seams

B. Chec& hmidity in $asement; trn on dehmidi"ier

La-n

<. *o' 'ee&ly

2. !rim

Car

<. Change oil and "ilters in car; chec& $elts and hoses

2. Chec& tires "or tread 'ear and rotate t'ice a year



41

0utumn C!eckli$tHome

<. %interi8e otside "acets; pt a'ay hoses

2. Chec& 'indo's; 'eather strip and cal&

3. Chec& doors "or 'eather strip and air lea&s

=. Cover 'indo' nit air conditioners

6. Chec& electrical cords "or $ad plgs and 'ires

B. Chec& handrails "or loose connections

. Chec& threshold and carpet "or tripping seams<0. Change $atteries in smo&e detectors and vacm

<<. Nacm re"rigerator coils

<2. Nacm $athroom "an grill

<. Chec& hmidity in $asement; trn o"" dehmidi"ier

La-n

<. 1ervice la'n mo'er; sharpen $lades, 1ta$il the gas

2. Chec& otside o" hose "or lim$s toching hose. 1eptem$erH !r" 9ilder

3. 1eptem$erH 5eseed la'n or spot seed

=. 4ovem$erH %interi8e; clean p and pt a'ay

seasonal items

Car

<. Change oil and "ilters in car; chec& $elts and hoses

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