The following contribution is from another author.
Starting a home maintenance schedule is something that you have to prioritize if you want to keep your home looking its best for years to come. There are many different things that you will need to keep in mind when you are doing this.
You want to make sure that you cover all your bases. If you don’t do this you may find that over time things start slipping through the cracks and become run down. Once they become run down it may cost you a lot to start exacting repairs and this is the last thing you need.
You want to make sure that you are always doing things a little at a time to prevent them from getting run down completely. Here are some tips to try.
Checking of Gutters
It cannot be said enough that you need to check your gutters regularly. Debris can accumulate in your gutter over the winter and even through the summer.
This is why it is one of those areas that you need to check seasonally, as it will lead to water damage and compromise the overall structural integrity of your home. If the structural integrity of your home is compromised you will see very quickly how this may become a problem.
This is the worst nightmare of many homeowners. To fix this kind of damage will take thousands of dollars in many cases.
Check on Your Roof
Without a roof, you do not have a home. It is critical that you make inspecting your roof a priority.
Roofs left unattended can cause serious damage. The last thing you want is a surprise in the middle of a thunderstorm or snowstorm.
When you are doing your roof inspection you’re going to be checking for missing shingles or any damaged ones as well. If you notice this, address it promptly. If you suspect that there is some structural damage to the roof this should also be addressed very quickly.
The last thing you want is the somewhat nasty surprise of a roof collapse. This can be dangerous as well.
Check Your HVAC System
It’s important that you check your HVAC system. It can be easy to forget that this system even exists. In most cases, it runs like clockwork in the warmer months to keep things cool and in the colder months of the year,, it keeps your home at a comfortable temperature.
However, when you notice that it is malfunctioning it is often at the most inconvenient times. If you have kids or elderly people living with you, this is uncomfortable and even dangerous for them.
This is why you need to make sure that you are getting your HVAC system checked out at least once per year at the very least. You should have it checked before the winter season arrives. If this system breaks down at this time of the year and you live in a very cold climate, you will be in trouble.
You will have to do emergency repairs and this can cost you a lot of pennies. You might very well have to break the bank to do it and this is the last thing you want. You can avoid digging deep into your pockets by simply doing regular maintenance on this very important system
Check the Windows
Windows and doors can become drafty. If you’re not careful things can start to go haywire without you even realizing.
It’s only when you feel the first sign of heat coming through the cracks or you feel cold that you realize that things are not quite right.
You will not have to face these kinds of surprises if you regularly check for cracks. You also want to check your seals to make sure that they are working properly.
Broken seals diminish energy efficiency. This is the last thing you want because your bill can go sky-high before you even realize what is happening.
This is another issue that can cut deep into your pockets if you’re not careful. Be diligent about it and stay on top of your regular inspections.
Make sure that you check your doors as well. If things are damaged beyond repair you can go here to get replacements.
Keep Your Lawn Pristine
Your lawn is one of those areas of your home you should pay close attention to. Your home’s exterior is often one of the first parts of your home that people see.
This can directly impact your curb appeal. Why would you want to have curb appeal? Aside from the fact that it looks good, it also increases the value of your home.
If you plan to sell your home in the future then having a great curb at all times is a good way to ensure that you attract lots of buyers when the time comes to sell. Maintaining a decent-looking lawn is not that difficult especially with the tools available nowadays. If you can’t be bothered, get it professionally to get the job done.
Clean Outdoor Furnishings
Home maintenance is not just about those furnishings that are inside your home. Those outside your home should take priority as well. This means that outdoor furniture should also be top of your list of priorities.
You need to always make sure that you are maintaining these furnishings by cleaning them thoroughly and inspecting them as well. These also add beauty to your home and its curb appeal as well.
While you’re outside you might want to consider cleaning your charcoal grill and getting it maintained as well. There’s no reason why everything outside shouldn’t look fabulous.
Look Over Your Exterior
Remember those inspection lenses that you had on when you were looking over your roof and your windows? You also need to inspect and see if there is any damage done to the exterior of your home. Look for gaps and cracks in the exterior.
These gaps and cracks may be avenues for insects, and pests. This can also be a sign of foundational damage. Whatever the case you need to get things fixed up as quickly as possible.
Secure Your Home During Winter
Securing your home during winter is something that you should have on your list of priorities. One of the things you can do is to make sure that your plumbing system is winter-proof.
This means that you should be checking on frozen pipes and identifying any potential water damage that can happen in your home.
A trick to preventing your pipes from freezing is to always make sure that there is water running through the pipe. This doesn’t mean that you have to turn on the tap full speed ahead and waste your water.
Again, you don’t want a situation where your bill goes sky high and you have to be digging deep into your pockets and taking out every last penny to bring it down.
What you can do is turn on the faucet just a little bit and make sure that water is always dripping through. These drops cost you but they certainly won’t cost you as much as frozen and burst pipes that have to be replaced or repaired.
Your home is important to you, so it’s a must that you take the time to do all the little maintenance tips that have been discussed here. Once you do that it should be smooth sailing for you! Always remember that there are some home maintenance and DIY projects that you should not take on all by yourself. If you find issues, call in a professional or you could bite off more than you can chew.
