10 Essential Home Maintenance Tips

You take pride in your family home and want to make sure that it’s a comfortable environment for your family and a welcoming space for guests. Taking good care of your house goes beyond the usual cleaning and occasional updating. It requires staying on top of a multitude of small issues before they result in bigger problems. Here are 10 practical tips to keep your property maintained.

Prune shrubs and trim trees – Keeping the greenery cut back from your house means that you’re less likely to have to deal with a branch falling on your roof, an infestation of pests, or a rodent problem.

Clean out eavestroughs – Gutters and waterspouts need to be looked after. A plugged drainpipe could back up water and cause it to leak into your home. While you’re up on a ladder clearing detritus away from the eves, inspect your roof for obvious wear and tear.

Clear away snow – This is, of course, a seasonal chore. If you think you just have to worry about your driveway, garden paths, and front steps, be aware that the weight of too much snow on your back deck can impact the structural integrity.

Replace cracked caulking – This includes all areas where water seepage could be an issue and may result in a humidity problem. Check around windows and doors as well as in the bathroom and kitchen for worn caulking.

Change filters – HVAC filters require regular replacement. Check them often between replacements and remove any accumulated dust to extend their use. You’ll find this helps lower your energy consumption.

Vacuum dust build-ups – Make it a point to pull kitchen appliances out from the wall and dust behind them, cleaning refrigerator and freezer coils. Remember to vacuum heating vents and registers too, and clear out lint buildup in the dryer vent.

Check for leaky pipes and faucets – Frequently check under kitchen and bathroom sinks for any sign of water leakage and notice if your faucets drip. Clean faucets and drains, replace worn out washers, and remove mineral deposits from showerheads to make sure everything stays in working order.

Inspect fireplace for damage – Fireplaces must be kept up to be used safely. Be sure to clean fireplace flues and check for any hazards. Book an annual appointment with a professional chimney sweep.

Flush water heater – This is a good practice to remove any sediment that has accumulated. During this process check the water heater for any leaks.

Examine door hardware – Repair door handles and knobs that are loose or stiff, and exterior locks that aren’t working properly.

When your week is full of other obligations, you may be tempted to put some of this off. Rest assured, it will save you time and money in the long run. And, it will give you peace of mind that you won’t need to make an insurance claim or check your home warranty coverage for a problem that could have been avoided!