Home Maintenance
A home left unmaintained is hard to tame! The home inspectors at Curtis Home Inspections love to educate their clients about their home, its features, concerns and maintenance needed.
Below is important information about home maintenance and some home maintenance solutions.
Home maintenance is an essential part of homeownership. Regular upkeep not only keeps your home in good condition, but it also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. To help you stay on top of your home maintenance tasks, here are some helpful lists to guide you:
1. Seasonal Maintenance Checklist:
– Spring: Inspect and clean gutters, check for roof damage after winter, service your air conditioning system.
– Summer: Trim trees and bushes away from the house, clean outdoor grill and patio furniture, inspect and repair deck or patio.
– Fall: Clean out gutters again before winter, seal gaps around windows and doors to prevent drafts, service heating system.
– Winter: Check weather stripping on windows and doors for drafts/air leaks, remove snow build-up from roofs to avoid ice dams.
2. Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks:
– Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
– Check fire extinguishers to ensure they are fully charged.
– Inspect HVAC filters; replace them if dirty or clogged.
– Clean range hood filters regularly to maintain proper ventilation in the kitchen.
3. Annual Home Maintenance Tasks:
– Schedule a professional chimney sweep at least once a year if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove.
– Have your septic tank inspected by professionals every 2–3 years (depending on usage).
-Maintain water heaters by flushing sediments annually as recommended by manufacturers. Preventative maintenance on a hot water heater is a must.
4. Exterior Home Maintenance Checklist:
– Regularly inspect siding for any signs of damage such as cracks or rotting areas; repair or replace as needed.
– Keep driveways and sidewalks clear of weeds/cracks; reseal concrete surfaces when necessary
– Trim trees near power lines regularly (if applicable) – consult professionals if required.
5. Interior Home Maintenance Tips:
– Vacuum refrigerator coils periodically to increase energy efficiency
– Deep clean carpets/upholstery at least once a year
– Lubricate door hinges and locks to avoid squeaks or sticking.
6. Financial Home Maintenance:
– Review your homeowner’s insurance policy annually, ensuring coverage is adequate.
– Check your credit report regularly for any errors or discrepancies.
– Evaluate energy consumption and consider making upgrades (e.g., LED bulbs, programmable thermostats) for long-term savings.
7. Safety Measures:
– Keep a fire extinguisher on each level of the house, preferably near the kitchen and bedrooms.
– Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
– Create an emergency kit containing essential supplies like flashlights, batteries, first aid materials.
Remember that this list serves as a general guide; your specific maintenance needs may vary based on factors such as climate conditions or age of your home. By staying proactive with regular checks and repairs, you can ensure that both big issues and small concerns are addressed promptly to keep your home in excellent condition.