A home is likely the largest investment you’ll make in your life, and like any other investment, it needs to be taken care of. You wouldn’t neglect your car or your computer if it was showing signs of damage, and the same should go for your home.
Maintenance is key to keeping your home in top condition and avoiding costly repairs down the road, and today, we’re looking at simple ways of organising and prioritising your home maintenance tasks. Let’s dive in…
Get Organised
Create a home maintenance schedule and stick to it. This will help you keep track of what needs to be done and when. Organising your home maintenance tasks is a great way to avoid forgetting something important or letting things slide.
You can use a physical planner or calendar or create a digital one using a program like Google Calendar. Whichever method you choose, make sure you update it regularly and refer to it often. Some things you may want to include in your home maintenance schedule are:
- Quarterly: Clean gutters; test smoke detectors; check the expiration dates on your fire extinguishers; deep clean oven; vacuum refrigerator coils
- Bi-annual: Flush water heater; inspect roof; clean dryer vent; test sump pump
- Annual: Service furnace; service air conditioner; have the chimney cleaned
Of course, this is just a general list. You will need to tailor it to your specific home and needs. Also, be sure to add any one-time tasks that need to be done, such as painting the exterior of your home or power washing the deck.
Don’t Wait For Things To Break
Preventative maintenance is critical when it comes to your home. It is much easier and cheaper to fix something before it breaks than wait until it needs repair. For example, you should clean your gutters every quarter to prevent them from getting clogged and causing water damage to your roof or foundation.
You should also service your furnace and air conditioner annually, should you have them, to keep them running efficiently and avoid costly repairs down the road. There may be times you need emergency furnace repair or same day AC assistance if things start breaking down, and it’s essential to get issues fixed quickly instead of delaying them. Catching problems early can save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress in the long run. Additionally, you can avoid dangerous situations, such as a gas leak or a clogged chimney.
If you’re unsure how to perform preventative maintenance on your home, plenty of resources are available to help you. You can find helpful tips and instructions online, in books, or from family and friends. Additionally, many hardware stores offer classes on home maintenance.
Do Regular Home Inspections
In addition to your regular home maintenance schedule, you should also do periodic inspections of your home. This is especially important if you live in an older home or one that has undergone recent renovations. Assessments will help you identify potential problems to fix them before they become serious. Some things you should look for during your inspection are:
- Cracks in the foundation or walls
- Water damage
- Leaks
- Pests
- Electrical problems
If you find any issues, make sure to address them as soon as possible. Ignoring a problem will only make it worse and more expensive to fix down the road.
Don’t Forget The Exterior & Garden
Your home’s exterior and garden are the first things visitors see, so it’s essential to keep them well-maintained. Regularly trimming hedges and lawns, sweeping paths and patios, and cleaning gutters and downpipes will help to keep your home looking its best.
If you have any outdoor furniture, make sure to clean and protect it from the elements. Be careful of using harsh chemicals on delicate surfaces like stone or brick – a power washer is usually all you need to keep things looking fresh.
And finally, don’t forget about your home’s drains. Blocked drains can cause all sorts of problems, so it’s essential to keep them clear. Once a month, pour a cup of baking soda down each drain, followed by a cup of vinegar. Leave for 30 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Foundation & Roofing
Your home’s foundation and roof are two of the most important components, so keeping them in good condition is essential. Check for cracks or damage regularly, and if you notice any problems, then the experts at Mainmark Ground Engineering UK emphasise the importance of calling in the professionals before irreparable damage is done to your property.
It’s also essential to clean your gutters and downpipes regularly. Leaves and debris can build up, causing blockages that can damage water. So once a month, climb up on a ladder and remove any leaves or debris from your gutters. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire someone to do it for you.
Don’t forget about your home’s insulation. Insulation helps to keep your home cool in summer and warmer in winter, so it’s necessary to check it regularly. If you notice any holes or gaps, seal them with caulking or insulation tape.
Heating & Cooling
During the summer, it’s important to keep your home cool to prevent excessive heat and humidity from damaging your belongings. To do this, you’ll want to check your air conditioner and make sure it’s in good working order, if you have one, of course. You should also clean or replace your air filters monthly. In the winter, you’ll want to do the same thing with your furnace or boiler. Make sure it’s serviced regularly and that the filter is clean. The same thing goes for your fireplace and chimney!
Heating and cooling are two of the most important aspects of maintaining a comfortable home. Keeping these systems properly serviced can avoid costly repairs down the road. Though we’re currently in the height of summer, now is a great time to start thinking about getting your home ready for winter weather.
In addition to regular maintenance, having a reliable home warranty provider can provide extra protection for your system. For example, 2-10 HBW can cover your furnace, HVAC, and other appliances, helping with unexpected breakdowns or malfunctions. With a comprehensive plan, you can rest assured your home will always be protected.
Pest Control
Pests can cause all sorts of problems, so it’s important to keep them (and conditions that could attract them) under control.
To help prevent pests from becoming a problem, start by doing a little housekeeping. Keep your home clean and tidy, and store food in airtight containers. You should also have your home inspected for pests regularly. If you do find pests in your home, there are several ways to get rid of them. You can use traps, baits, or poisons. You can also hire a professional pest control company to do the job for you.
The Bottom Line
These are just a few things you need to do to maintain your home. By following this checklist, you can be sure your home is in good condition and that any problems are caught early. Home maintenance may seem like a lot of work, but keeping your home safe and comfortable is worth it. So don’t put it off any longer; get started on your home maintenance checklist today.