As the leaves fall, many of our friends and family members leave Cape Cod for warmer climates. Some leave for months at a time and others for a week or two. No matter how long you are away, you want to be sure that your Cape Cod home will be taken care of while you are away. What should you keep in mind when choosing someone to watch over your largest asset? Is the person you are considering licensed? Do you know that the Massachusetts State Police offer a licensing program for care takers? Is the person or company you are choosing insured and bonded? You want to be sure that while they are covering your bases, they are covering their own as well! Does your caretaker offer pre and post storm inspections? A winter Nor’ Easter on Cape Cod can wreak havoc on your home. You want to be sure that the property is checked before the storm to assure readiness for the unpredictable Cape Cod Weather. Inspections can be strictly exterior or can include the interior that is up to you. An Emergency Response Service is something that you hope you never have to use but you want to be sure that if there is an emergency that your caretaker will get over there as soon as possible. If you are interested in learning more about the caretaking services and property management services available from Foran Realty, be sure to call the office today. They have a list of services available for you to choose from and Patrick Foran is an accredited member of the National Home Watch Association for the second year in a row! The most important thing is that when you leave the Cape for the winter you know your home is taken care of until you return. ]]>
Home Preparations For Winter
climates….but what preparations are necessary when you are going to live in that home all winter? Bob Vila from “This Old House” has put together a thorough checklist to ensure the efficiency and lifespan of your home and its components. Preparing the exterior of your home for the harsh New England winds, the snow and ice is crucial for keeping the cold out and the heat in! So where do you start…..Here are several ideas from Bob Vila and Bobvila.com. Windows and Doors
- Check all the weather-stripping around windows and doorframes for leaks to prevent heat loss. Replace weather-stripping, if necessary.
- Replace all screen doors with storm doors.
- Replace all window screens with storm windows.
- Examine wooden window frames for signs of rot or decay. Repair or replace framing to maintain structural integrity.
- Check for drafts around windows and doors. Caulk inside and out, where necessary, to keep heat from escaping.
- Inspect windows for cracks, broken glass, or gaps. Repair or replace, if needed.
- Trim overgrown branches back from the house and electrical wires to prevent iced-over or wind-swept branches from causing property damage or a power problem.
- Ensure rain or snow drains are directed away from the house in order to avoid foundation problems. The dirt grade — around the exterior of your home — should slope away from the house. Add extra dirt to low areas, as necessary.
- Clean and dry patio furniture and cover with a heavy tarp or store inside a shed or garage to protect it from the elements.
- Remove any attached hoses and store them away for the winter to prevent cracks. Wrap outside faucets with covers to prevent water damage.
- Shut off exterior faucets. Drain water from outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to protect against pipe bursts.
- Inspect decks for splintering, decay or insect damage. Treat if needed, to prevent further deterioration over the winter.
- Clean leaves, dirt, and pine needles between the boards of wooden decks to thwart mold and mildew growth.
- Inspect outdoor lighting around the property. Good illumination will help minimize the chance of slips and falls on icy walkways at night.
- Check handrails on exterior stairs to make sure they’re well secured.
- Bring all seasonal tools inside and spray them with a coating of lightweight oil to prevent rust.
- Weatherize your lawn mower by cleaning off mud, leaves, grass, and debris.
- Move your snow blower and shovels to the front of the garage or shed for easy access.
- Prepare the snow blower for the first snowfall by changing the oil and replacing the spark plug.
- Inspect snow shovels to make sure they’re ready for another season of work.
- Make sure you have an ample supply of ice melt or sand on hand for steps, walkways, and the driveway.
- Check fireplace for drafts. If it’s cold despite the damper being closed, the damper itself may be warped, worn, or rusted. Consider installing a Chimney Balloon into the flue to air seal the area tightly.
- Clean or replace the air filter in your furnace for maximum efficiency and improved indoor air quality.
- Clean your whole house humidifier and replace the evaporator pad.
- Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
- Remove air conditioners from windows or cover them with insulated liners, to prevent drafts.
- Examine exposed ducts in the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, and use a sealant to plug up any leaks.
- Check for missing, damaged or warped shingles and replace, as necessary before you get stuck with a leak.
- Check for deteriorated flashing at the chimney, walls, and skylights and around vent pipes. Seal joints where water could penetrate, using roofing cement and a caulking gun.
- Check the gutters and downspouts for proper fastening, and re-secure if loose or sagging. The weight of snow and ice can pull gutters off the house.
- Clean gutters of any debris. Make sure downspouts extend away from the house by at least 5 feet to prevent flooding of the foundation and water damage from snowmelt.
- Clean leaves and debris from courtyard and pool storm drains to prevent blockages.
- Ensure all vents and openings are covered to prevent insects, birds, and rodents from getting inside to nest in a warm place.
Congratulations to Foran Realty Co.
Foran Realty Co., Inc. of East Dennis, MA, earns second-year Accredited Member status in the NHWA!
Greetings and salutations! Foran Realty Co., Inc., of East Dennis, Massachusetts, has earned Accredited Member status in the NHWA for the second consecutive year. President Patrick J. Foran is a Worcester native who grew up in Dennis. He currently lives with his wife and their daughter in Cummaquid. Patrick followed in the family tradition and attended Assumption College. He has a B.A. in Politics. Having been in the real estate sales and vacation rental business for over 10 years, Patrick saw a lack of dependable people to keep an eye on the property of absentee owners. One winter, an alarm went off at his parents’ home, alerting him to a flood. The emergency responders told him this happens a lot and that homeowners don’t discover these events until months later. Between this and the things he’s seen as a real estate broker, Patrick decided to offer Home Watch services. Patrick is a member of the Board of Trustees for Cape Cod Academy. He is also a founding member of the Assumption College Cape Cod Alumni Club. He has served on the Boards of Directors of the local Chapter of the American Red Cross; the Rotary; Cape Cod Children’s Museum; and Dream Day on Cape Cod. He has also served as Chairman of the Town of Yarmouth Finance Committee. Patrick enjoys golfing, boating, and spending time with his wife, their daughter and dog on beautiful Cape Cod Beaches! Foran Realty serves Barnstable County, MA. Patrick can be reached at pforan@foranrealty.com or (508) 385-1355. Learn more at www.capecodproperties.com. Congratulations, Patrick! As always, I wish you Much success, Jack ]]>