Homeowner tips
We often get busy with our lives and forget about the routine home maintenance. Keeping up with our home maintenance will extend the life of our home, minimize unexpected breakdowns, and help prevent unexpected costly replacements. Committing these 5 to 10 minutes weekly can eliminate future frustrations and help us save on our spending.
TO DO: MONTHLY
-
Check furnace filter and replace as needed.
-
Check water softener and add salt as needed.
-
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
-
Test your GFCI outlets.
-
Check gauge and expiration on fire extinguishers.
-
Check any other filters like fridge water filter, central vacuum filter, range hood filter, and water system filters.
-
Add water to any in floor drains which can dry and release unpleasant gasses.
TO DO: SEASONALLY (EVERY 3 MONTHS)
-
Inspect caulking for deterioration throughout home but specifically around sinks, showers, bath tubs.
-
Check dryer vent for lint and clean as needed.
-
Inspect roofing for any missing, loose, or damaged pieces and look out for any leaks.
-
Check for any signs of leaks around water heater, under sinks, around toilets, check hose bibs, around windows.
-
Check for any pests around home including mice, birds, bees, ants.
-
Oil any moving parts like door hinges, garage door rollers, chain.
TO DO: YEARLY
-
Contact HVAC system professional for inspection before using heating or air-conditioning.
-
Have fireplace inspected by professional before using - typically in fall.
-
Clean your gutters typically before winter.
-
Check around the foundation for any depressions and fill in so water does not trap near foundation.
-
Clean refrigerant coils by pulling out your fridge and using a vacuum and brush.
-
Check the attic and crawlspace for any pests, leaks, and unusual activity.
-
Power wash the exterior of home. Clean all window screens.
​
TO DO: 2 - 5 YEARS
-
Consider professional cleaning of heating ducts from dust and dirt.
-
Refinish deck or renew any sealant on tile grout.
-
Touch up any paint, replace caulking, and fix or replace any weather stripping around windows and doors.
-
Consider painting the exterior of home siding, deck, trims.
-
Conduct a full home walk through and make note of the age of various appliances or items reaching end of life like the water heater, HVAC system, kitchen appliances, garage door opener, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, roof, deck, windows. It is a good homeowner practice to make a list of items needing replacement and being able to budget for it.