As a homeowner, it’s important to stay on top of essential home maintenance projects. It can help you save thousands of dollars in repairs and avoid the stress of major issues.
From ensuring you have enough toilet paper to removing twigs and branches from around your home, these seven essential projects can help you avoid costly problems in the future.
- Check the Foundation
Home maintenance tasks may not be fun, but they help you avoid bigger headaches and costs down the road. Preventive care, like replacing furnace filters and shutting off water spigots before winter, is simple but important.
Other projects, such as cleaning out the gutters or staining the deck, may not be as easy and quick, but they are worth the effort to protect your investment. Keeping up with your home maintenance checklist helps you identify small problems before they become major headaches that can cost you big money.
- Check the Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against extreme weather. A leaking roof can cause rot, mold, and water damage to ceilings and walls.
During a roofing inspection, an inspector will assess the condition of your roof’s material (e.g., buckling or curling shingles, rust stains, moss, and algae growth) as well as the condition of your gutters and downspouts, which are critical for ensuring that rain and snow flow away from your house.
Regular home maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of your property. One significant aspect is proper roofing installation, which protects against weather elements and enhances energy efficiency. Addressing this along with other essential projects can prevent costly repairs and maintain your home’s value. Prioritizing such tasks ensures a well-kept and secure living environment.
The chimney, dormers, and vent pipes should also be examined. Additionally, an inspector will look at the flashing around the chimney to ensure it’s watertight.
- Check the Gutters
Keeping your gutters clear of debris, especially after a storm is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. Clogged gutters cause rainwater to fill up and overflow the gutter, which can damage roof shingles and the walls of your home. If the water seeps into the foundation, it can lead to costly repairs.
It’s not fun to get on a ladder to clean out the gutters, but this is one of those tasks that should not be ignored. Keeping up with this task can save you thousands of dollars in future home repair costs.
- Check the Windows
If you notice a draft around your windows, you may have gaps that need weather stripping. This will also reduce energy costs and prevent cold air loss. You should
also check the spline that holds the window in place, which can degrade over time.
Performing these home maintenance projects might not be fun, but it is necessary to protect your largest investment and ensure that your family can live comfortably in your house. Preventive care can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs, as well as keep your home safe and healthy.
- Check the Doors
No matter what season it is, checking the windows and doors should be on every homeowner’s home maintenance checklist. These items can affect the home’s energy efficiency and may cause a noticeable increase in utility bills during summer and winter peak usage times.
While some homeowners might find these tasks to be time-consuming and costly, they can prevent the need for more extensive repairs in the future. In addition, keeping up with routine home maintenance and cleaning is important for improving a property’s resale value in the future.
- Check the Electrical
Homeowners have a lot to keep track of when it comes to their homes, and keeping up with electrical maintenance can easily slip under the radar. However, it’s a very important part of maintaining your home.
Tripping switches and discolored outlet plates are telltale signs that there’s a problem with your wiring, and it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent serious damage or even fire.
If you’ve recently done some work on your home, such as a bathroom remodel, it’s a good idea to have an inspection afterward to make sure that all the wiring is up to code. You may be wondering, “What do home warranties cover?” Some warranty companies may offer coverage on electrical or plumbing, you need to be sure to check with your provider.
- Check the HVAC
It’s easy to put off home maintenance tasks, but they can save you money and headaches. Regular maintenance can help you save energy, improve indoor air quality and protect your home from pests and moisture problems.
It’s important to check your air filters regularly, schedule a yearly maintenance inspection and keep the area around the HVAC system clear. This helps your system work more efficiently, and it also makes the air in your home healthier for you and your family. It’s important to know how to shut off your water in case of emergencies (like a burst pipe or an overflowing toilet). And don’t forget to test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
