This is a collaborative post
It’s common knowledge that properties cost 1-3% of their value annually in things like maintenance and upkeep, but for many homeowners it’s a constant chore and hassle. Getting all that work done in an efficient manner is difficult, which is why costs can sometimes rise.
The best way around this problem is to have a home maintenance system in place. This is a schedule you follow every day of the year to ensure you are staying on top of odd jobs that need to be done. Here’s what to do.
Do your monthly 10-minute home walk
First thing to do is your monthly 10-minute home walk. This is where you check and evaluate various systems in your home, which can sometimes go wrong. For example, you’ll need to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Push the buttons, push the test buttons on the devices to see if they beep. If they don’t, then replace the battery; erase the batteries. You also need to check your HVAC filters. These can become clogged in as little as a month, so removing them, cleaning them out and replacing them is usually a good idea. Other checks include things like:
- wiping down humid areas, especially in shower rooms
- looking for plumbing leaks around toilets or water heaters
- checking the perimeter of your home’s foundations for cracks or subsidence
Fix your perimeter security
Next, you’ll want to think about your perimeter security. Check your fencing along the border of your property and look for problems that could develop further in the future. Wood fencing is the most temperamental and prone to damage, so you’ll need to treat it regularly. Also, check your doors and make sure the locks are working properly. If there’s any looseness or the key won’t turn as well as it did before, then you might need to use a door lock repair service. Don’t waste any time here because small problems today can lead to bigger issues in the future.
Perform your springtime checks
Next, you’ll want to think about your springtime checks. These include things like:
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris that can accumulate during the autumn and winter.
- Also, you want to remove ice dams that could possibly form.
- Make sure you service your HVAC unit by cleaning the coils and changing the filters, especially if warmer weather is on the way.
- Windows and doors can also become damaged over the winter, so re-caulk them as needed.
Do annual big ticket checks
Finally, you’ll need to do various annual big-ticket checks. These include things like fully inspecting the roof every 1-2 years and catching leaks before they develop.
If you can arrange one, get a water heater flush and inspection. These can be performed by trained professionals who come to your home and inject high-pressure water and cleaning fluid into the system. If you have a chimney, get a chimney sweep professional to clean it out, especially if you’re burning wood.
