When your house is your largest investment, upkeep is essential. For a new homeowner who has never seen a boiler up close, let alone one that has been drained, performing routine maintenance on the house can seem daunting. Regularly inspecting your home's exterior, furnishings, HVAC, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help you avoid malfunctions, save money, and keep your house looking its best.
Use this home maintenance checklist to plan certain monthly chores, repairs, and cleaning.
Check the fire and security equipment and get supplies
Ensure your house is secure and that you have supplies available in case of a storm or other situation resulting in a power outage. Make sure your security system is operational by testing it. To ensure they are prepared for an emergency, test and replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and look at the expiration date on your fire extinguishers.
Keep an eye on your plumbing
Regular plumbing system inspections should be a key component of your home upkeep. Visually assess the area and search for damage indicators. Consider changing the item or contacting a specialist for help if you notice any of these problems in advance. Clean slow-moving drains as necessary to help avoid a significant backup. Ensure the toilets aren't running continuously; doing so can waste water and cost you more.
Take a tour of your entire estate
Check the attic or the area beneath a raised deck every month if those areas are seldom utilized or visible. To spot problems before they become serious, look for signs of insects, rats, rot, leaks, or mold. Look for weak spots or deterioration if you have large trees on your property. You should also ensure your garage door opener is operating well.
Maintain your landscaping
As part of your home maintenance routine in the warmer months, plan to tend to your flower beds at least once a month in addition to weekly grass care. In some cases, allowing weeds to grow unchecked or dead leaves and other garbage to accumulate, such as in flower beds, might endanger your property. These conditions can draw pests and even provide a fire risk. To keep things neat and aid in avoiding harmful pests, consider setting aside some time each month for landscaping maintenance and trimming.
Fill up on cleaning supplies
It's a good idea to keep an inventory of the goods you need for house maintenance and to check it frequently. Finding the essential goods you need to keep your house clean and your family healthy after a big storm is difficult. Think about buying extra paper goods, sponges, cleaning wipes, liquid soap, and other cleaning supplies in a suitable quantity. Your home upkeep routine can halt if you run out of these goods in an emergency.
Maintain your appliances and kitchen
The kitchen is often the room in the house where people spend the most time. Your floors and worktops may eventually become stained or damaged due to spilled foods and liquids from preparing, cooking, and serving meals. Spend some time cleaning cabinets and removing expired products from your pantry every month. To prevent clogs or leaks, clean your dishwasher following the manufacturer's instructions, and change the water filters in your refrigerator as needed. Check the hose between the wall and the refrigerator to see if it has an ice maker or water dispenser to see if it is pinched or stressed. Observe for wear and tear or leakage as well.
Regular upkeep and timely repairs can prevent small issues from becoming costly. Remember, a well-maintained home provides a comfortable living environment and gives you peace of mind. So, grab your calendar, prioritize your tasks, and embark on a journey toward a well-cared-for home. Here's to keeping your property in excellent condition for years to come!