As a homeowner, you’ll agree that maintaining your home is an essential duty. But, did you know that negligent homeowners spent an average of $12,000 in 2019 on home repair? Acclaimed real estate and insurance agencies attribute this cost to ignoring basic home maintenance tasks. Your home is your sanctuary, your refuge, so it is critical to ensure its optimal condition. Here’s the kicker; Nothing lasts forever, including crucial elements of your home. To safeguard your pocket and preserve the lifeline of your home, there are several maintenance tasks to pay attention to.
Maintaining Heating and Cooling Systems
The integrity of your heating and cooling systems are paramount. Any lapse in their upkeep will not only lead to an uncomfortable living environment but also skyrocketing utility bills. Ensure annual servicing from professional technicians besides changing filters periodically and cleaning ducts every 3-5 years. This also helps avoid total system failure, a costly affair.
Cleaning Gutters Regularly
Though it might seem trivial, gutter cleaning holds significance in maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Overflowing water can lead to foundation damage, landscape destruction and even breed molds. Regular cleaning during fall and spring seasons can prevent these potential damages.
Vigilance for Water Leaks
Weeping or silent water leaks can escalate minor issues into serious structural damage over time. Pay close attention to plumbing systems, appliances and roof for any signs. Minor dripping taps or dampened ceilings are early cautionary signs that need immediate addressal.
Eradicating Pests
Pests are not just troubling but can cause substantial damage if not promptly treated. Termites alone cause $5 billion worth damage each year in the U.S according to the National Pest Management Association. Hire professional exterminators annually and remediate any visible signs of infestation right away.
Maintaining Home Exterior
Home exterior maintenance ensures your home’s longevity and curb appeal. Regularly paint walls, maintain sidings, repair cracks, clean windows, slime mold and moss to keep your home in good health.
Checking Fire Safety Devices
Fire safety devices are lifesavers in an unfortunate event of fire. Regularly check if smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are working effectively. Replace batteries as needed and ensure the availability of a functional fire extinguisher on every floor of your household.
Inspecting the Roof
Roof leaks can lead to unbearable repair charges if unnoticed. Periodically check for missing or damaged shingles, rotted fascia boards or metal worn around chimneys and pipes to prevent possible leaks.
Tuning-Up Garage Doors
A garage door is the largest moving part in most houses. An unattended worn-out door can fall abruptly, causing unexpected injury or damage. Regular maintenance checks ensure smooth operation and longer lifespan.
Servicing Home Appliances
All home appliances require periodical servicing to maintain their efficiency and increase lifespan. Ensure regular sanitation of dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and dryers. Also, service your chimney flues yearly for safe operation.
Maintaining Plumbing Systems
A neglected plumbing system can spring surprises like blockages, leaks or corrosion. Regular maintenance work like cleaning pipes, checking for leaks and corrosion can avoid such unpleasant surprises.
Watchful for Electrical Hazards
An electrical system defect can lead to dangerous mishaps. Be vigilant for any signs like flickering lights, frequent circuit breaker trips, discolored outlets or unusual heating appliances. Address these signals promptly.
Preserving Floor Health
Floors bear the brunt of daily wear and tear. Regular cleaning and periodic professional servicing can maintain its freshness and extend longevity. This is especially true for wood flooring that needs periodic resealing.
Checking Water Quality
Bi-yearly water testings are advisable to ensure water quality. Especially if you own a private well, as water quality affects not just drinking water but also other home appliances.
Maintaining Landscaping
Landscape maintenance enhances curb appeal. Regular weeding, pruning, mulching, and maintaining outdoor structures like fences, gates, decks increase longevity and make your yard a place to relax.
The Final Word
In your capacity as a homeowner you shoulder an important responsibility; a recurring obligation to the investment you call home. The upkeep tasks enumerated earlier serve a dual purpose: they sustain the structural health of your home and preserve its market value. Even more importantly, they promote a safer living for you and your family by averting devastating incidents of damage. You will find that these routine checks yield discernible rewards but just like a good health regimen, consistency is key. So go ahead and embrace this habit of periodic home maintenance to enjoy hassle-free homeownership.
