The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist For The Savvy Homeowner
Homeownership is so exciting. But it can also be daunting. Once you have moved in, you realize that being a homeowner is about more than coming home to a beautiful home. It's also about maintaining the home regularly to avoid major issues in the future. In this article, we are going to share with you an exhaustive list of home maintenance tasks you should schedule for your home regularly.
Some home maintenance tasks you should do on a regular basis:
Foundation
Everything in your home starts with the foundation. That's why it is important to inspect your home's foundation for cracks or other damage regularly. Look for signs of dampness, mold, and mildew. If you see these signs, it's important to contact a reputable waterproofing company that can help you keep the problem from becoming worse. We work with several waterproofing companies that we trust. Please call us if you would like a recommendation.
Paint and Siding
Check the condition of your home's exterior paint and siding. When inspecting your siding look for signs of damaged or missing pieces. If you do have damaged or missing pieces, contact us immediately. It is important to repair this area right away to avoid water damage to your home later.
When considering your home's exterior paint, look for areas of exposed wood and/or brick. If these are left exposed your home could experience rot or unwanted pests.
Gutters
Clogged gutters are not only unsightly, but they could also lead to water damage to your foundation or even inside the walls. Clean your home's gutters and downspouts in the fall and spring to avoid water damage.
HVAC
Regularly servicing your home's HVAC system will not only help your system to run more efficiently, but it may also extend the life of the system as well. Many HVAC companies have a service agreement that includes regular maintenance and inspection. Some will even add you to a yearly call schedule so that it is one less thing you have to think about.
Air Filter Replacement
Like HVAC maintenance, regularly replacing your home's air filters can help your system run more efficiently and last longer. In addition, there have been some big advances in air filters in the past couple of years. Consider your needs and upgrade your filters as needed. If you have pets you may find that you need to replace your filter more often.
Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In Maryland, the law for smoke detectors changed in the past several years. Most homes are now required to have 10-year batteries in their smoke detectors. Although this is the case do not assume that your home's detectors are up to code. Test your home's smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
Also, did you know that carbon monoxide is a heavier gas and may be easier to detect if your detector is closer to the floor?
Home Security
Most home security systems have a backup battery system. Most homeowners do not know this. Ask your home security company to help you locate the batteries and to give your instruction on checking and changing the batteries in your home's security system as needed.
Water Heater
It's easy to take hot water for granted until one morning you wake up and don't have it. Some plumbers recommend flushing your home's water heater to prevent sediment build-up. If you are not sure how to do this or if it's necessary, call your plumber today. If you don't have a plumber, we would be happy to make an introduction.
Fire Prevention
Dryer vents are one of the leading causes of home fires. It's important that you have the dryer vent cleaned regularly. This is different from the lint vent inside your dryer. This is the long vent that leads the hot air out of your home. This is best done by a professional.
One of the fastest-moving fires in the home starts in your chimney. That's because the fire usually breaks through the chimney and into the walls of your home. There are 25,000 deaths a year due to chimney fires. The good news is that chimney fires can be prevented by a simple sweep and inspection. It's important to use a certified chimney inspector to do this.
Roof
We started with the foundation so it's only fitting that we end with the roof. Inspect your home's roof for damage or leaks. This is especially important after a storm. Even one missing or damaged tile on your roof can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.
By following this home maintenance checklist, you can be sure that your home is in good condition and will last for many years to come. If you have questions or would like an introduction to any of the services above, please give us a call at 443-690-3493. We have worked with some of the best individuals in the service industry. We are happy to make introductions and they will help you take care of your home.