After you purchase a home, you may be focused on the financial aspects of the house. Although the mortgage and real estate tax aspects are critical components of home ownership, you also need to maintain it. Doing so regularly helps prevents future headaches, and creates a happy and healthy environment for your family to cherish. The following are home maintenance tips to keeping your dwelling in tip-top shape.
Check Alarms and Smoke Detecting Systems
The responsibility of home ownership may seem intimidating, especially if you’re a novice. Regularly maintaining your home is less costly than a home renovation, and you may be able to tackle many of the jobs on your own. You can start by bringing peace of mind to your family by checking alarms and smoke detection systems throughout your home. This includes safety alarms, carbon monoxide systems and smoke detectors. You may be more prone to do this if you set a regular schedule by changing batteries in both the fall and spring.
Schedule Outdoor Repairs
The winter and spring months can be brutal to the exterior of your home. Water entering your home’s exterior can cause mildew and mold. Seepage may also cause the dwelling’s walls and foundation to weaken and rot. Gutter and siding repair will protect your home’s exterior in case you encounter wind, ice, snow or water throughout the various seasons. If you’re unsure of the extent of the damage, you can have an expert inspect the exterior regularly. This is also a great time to get the roof inspected and have shingles repaired if necessary.
Change Filters
Dirty heating filters can cause your system to run less efficiently. They can also release dirt and dander into the air of your home. Experts recommend changing furnace filters monthly. But if you have a smaller home, and you don’t suffer from allergies, you may be fine with every 2 months. If you have a humidifying system that releases moisture into the air during winter, you want to change your filter regularly.
Appliance Maintenance
Appliances can be expensive, especially if you have top of the line gadgets. To ensure that they run properly, you want to perform regular maintenance checkups. Many of the latest washing machines have a cycle where you can clean them periodically. A light may even show up stating that it’s time to do so. If you have a dryer, cleaning the vents regularly helps prevent fires. With your refrigerator using approximately 15 percent of the power in your home, you want to regularly vacuum the coils to remove dirt, hair and other debris. If you have a water softener, set a reminder to add salt to the system monthly.
Plumbing and Electrical
Plumbing and electrical fixes are some of the most expensive repairs for a homeowner. Before you encounter major issues, it’s important to periodically check your dwelling for problems. Assess your faucets, toilets and shower heads for small leaks. Test outlets to ensure that they are working properly. You may also want to have a licensed contractor look over your dwelling each year. An expert eye can catch problems before they turn into a disaster.
Sealcoat Driveways and Fix Cracked Walks
If you have an asphalt or concrete drive, you want to extend its life. You can do this by fixing cracks and potholes. You should also have your asphalt driveway seal coated each year in the spring or summer months. Check walkways for cracks and have them repaired. This can prevent trip and fall hazards and alleviate unnecessary injuries from people passing by.
Whether you’re looking to sell in the future or create a safe environment for you and your family, the above tips will help ensure that your home is in peak condition. Regular maintenance also helps improve its appearance and allows it to work more efficiently.