There is more to owning a home than your mortgage and utilities. Most home warranty services would say that proper maintenance on your new house can prevent costly repairs and extend its life.
Clean your refrigerator coils and drain pans, change your HVAC filters, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and clean around the garbage disposal to avoid clogs.
1. Clean the Gutters
No one likes cleaning the gutters, but it’s a necessity. Gutter debris can block the flow of rainwater and cause expensive roof, wall, foundation or landscaping damage.
Before you start climbing the ladder, Counahan recommends letting someone in the house know that you will be working on the roof and asking them to keep an eye out for any problems. Also, wear sturdy work boots and a pair of eye protection.
2. Inspect the Roof
Your roof should be one of your top priorities for preventive maintenance. It may not be fun to climb the ladder and look for problems, but it can save you from paying for a costly repair later.
Start by examining the roof from outside using binoculars. Check for curled or missing shingles, discoloration and moss. Then, examine the flashings around chimneys and dormers.
3. Check the Windows
When it comes to homeownership, a lot of emphasis is placed on the mortgage payment and utility bills. But keeping up with small maintenance items is also essential.
Window frames, seals and caulking can degrade over time. This can allow air into your home and result in astronomically high energy bills. Cleaning your windows regularly and inspecting them for crevices, holes and seams that need to be caulked will help prevent moisture damage.
4. Change the Filters
When it comes to home ownership, a lot of emphasis is placed on the monthly mortgage payment and utility bills. However, there are multiple maintenance items that should be handled throughout the year to ensure your house stays in tip-top shape.
This includes changing the filters. Some homeowners even mark an arrow on their filter housing so they know which way to turn the wrench.
5. Inspect the HVAC System
Whether you’re buying a home near Berlin or selling one, keeping up with routine maintenance can save you money and make your house more energy-efficient. This includes cleaning out gutters and changing filters, shutting off spigots before winter, and ensuring that furniture, drapes, and other items aren’t blocking the supply or return vents.
You can also monitor the system’s performance by monitoring energy bills. Sudden increases can indicate a problem with the equipment or ductwork.
6. Inspect the Electrical System
Homeowners often overlook important maintenance tasks, such as inspecting the electrical system. This hidden system keeps lights on and charges your appliances, but it can also be a fire hazard if neglected.
An inspection can reveal if your home’s panel is outdated or doesn’t meet housing codes. It can also identify damaged outlets or wires. Consider adding outlets with USB portals to help reduce the need for extension cords, which can overburden your system.
7. Inspect the Plumbing System
Leaks in the plumbing system can cost a lot in the form of water bills, major repairs and damage to walls, ceilings and floors. To avoid costly leaks, look for puddles and dampness under sinks and in unfinished areas like basements or crawl spaces.
Many homeowners take their home’s plumbing for granted until something goes wrong. Keeping up with routine maintenance and inspections can help you spot problems before they get out of hand.
8. Inspect the Flooring
As a homeowner, your new flooring is one of the most important investments you’ll make. It’s crucial to keep up with the cleaning routine so stains and dirt don’t build up.
Harry Homeowner explains his flooring issues to the inspector, who listens carefully. He may repeat his explanation to be sure he understands the problem. He will then start to collect data about the problem.
9. Inspect the Kitchen
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to keep your home in top shape. Home maintenance can seem like a daunting task, but by doing a few things regularly, you can save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.
Start by sweeping and mopping the floors. Clean up spills as they happen. It’s much easier to clean up a fresh spill than one that has dried on.
10. Inspect the Bathroom
Many older homes have bathrooms without exhaust fans that vent to the outside. A home inspector should check that the bathroom is properly vented.
A musty smell in the bath, shower or toilet is a sign of water damage behind the walls and in the floor.
Look for signs of leaks around the sink, tub and s-trap drains. Also, be sure the faucets are free of clogs.