When should you clean your gutters, and what happens if you keep putting it off?

For most homes in King County and Snohomish County, cleaning gutters at least twice a year (late spring and after fall leaf drop) keeps your drainage system working. …

When you inherit a home in King County or Snohomish County, which protection actually pays when something breaks or gets damaged?

Homeowners insurance covers damage from sudden events like fire, wind, or theft. A home warranty is a service contract that may help repair or …

What should Seattle-area homeowners and inherited-property owners do to prepare a house for the rainy season?

Focus on water management: inspect the roof, clean gutters, check exterior drainage, seal caulk around windows and doors, and make sure your heating system works …

Who is responsible for the sewer line that runs from your Seattle-area home to the public main, and what should you know before something goes wrong?

In Seattle, you own your side sewer all the way from your house to its …

What are the essential home records every homeowner should organize and maintain?

Every homeowner should keep receipts for major improvements, warranties, permits, paint colors, appliance details, repair history, and maintenance records in one organized system, whether digital or physical.

Why Home Records Matter Right Now …

Outdoor wood ages visibly.

Deck boards fade.

Fences turn gray.

Stain wears away.

Small cracks appear.

That can make homeowners wonder whether the entire structure is nearing the end of its life.

Sometimes it is.

But often, …

Bathroom exhaust fans are easy to ignore.

They sit quietly in the ceiling, switch on with a light or wall control, and usually get very little attention until they become noisy—or stop working altogether.

But a bathroom fan does …

Most costly home repairs do not start out looking costly.

They often begin as a small stain, a slow drip, a strange smell, or something that just does not seem quite right. The problem is that homeowners get used to seeing these little things and put …

Most homeowners look at a utility bill, check the amount due, and move on.

But those bills contain more information than many people realize. Changes in water, electricity, or natural gas consumption can provide early clues about leaks, inefficient equipment, failing appliances, and …

Six Simple Maintenance Tasks That Help Prevent Moisture Damage

Late summer offers a small but valuable window for home maintenance. The weather is typically dry, temperatures are comfortable, and it's much easier to inspect and repair exterior issues before months of …