When it comes to maintaining a home, a lot of the projects you take on and the tasks you need to complete are problems that spring up over time.
While these are inevitable, there are a number of major problems that can be avoided through preventative home maintenance. Some tasks need to be done more often than others, but all are important.
Monthly
- Clean dryer vent (letting lint accumulate is an extreme fire hazard).
- Check shower and bathtub caulking (water can seep past the cracks and form mold, mildew and rot in the walls behind them).
- Check all pipes and faucets for signs of dripping or leaks.
- Replace A/C filter.
- Vacuum A/C returns and supply.
Quarterly
- Clean gutters (debris that accumulates can weigh the gutters down and do damage to both them and the structure of your home)
- Trim trees and shrubs back away from the home, the A/C unit and roof.
Bi-Annually
- Check for water intrusion near windows and doors; check for roof leaks.
- Replace smoke detector batteries; test them.
- Inspect caulking in the bathrooms for cracking and peeling.
Annually
- Check the house for any cracking in the brick work or stucco and repair as soon as possible, as this can be signs of foundation issues.
- Check the caulking around doors and windows for cracks or signs of weathering and replace it.
- Before the heat of summer begins, have your A/C coils cleaned.
- Check all trim for signs of rot (this can lead to pest issues if not corrected).
- Examine window seals and door frames for gaps (as this is where most of the home’s energy is lost).
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It may seem overwhelming at times to add home maintenance tasks onto your already long to-do list. What is always more overwhelming is neglecting one of those tasks only for it to turn into a major expense down the road that can no longer be ignored.