Your home is probably the biggest investment of your life and after dealing with numbers such as down payment, mortgage rate, closing costs, inspection fees, and so much more; You might have not considered what comes after the sale is done and you’re all moved in – Home maintenance! What is maintenance on a house? And why is home maintenance important? Home maintenance is the upkeep of your house. And is very important because keeping track of your home’s interior, exterior, electrical, plumbing, and appliances can prevent breakdowns, save you money in the long run and keep your home looking its best.
You might be asking now, how much would this home maintenance tasks be? It is a good idea to budget between one and three percent of your home’s purchase price each year to cover the homeowner maintenance expense. We know it all sounds overwhelming, but if you keep a house routine maintenance in place your house will be functional without giving you any big surprises.
The question of how to care for your new home should be thought of, at least two ways, monthly and seasonal. The most important home maintenance checklist needs to be done consistently to help save time and money. A home maintenance checklist by month helps you stay on top of vital home maintenance tasks and avoid costly repairs. A home also operates with the seasons, coming to life in the spring and laying low in the winter. To maximize efficiency and get all these tasks done, it will be a good idea to create either an online or paper maintenance calendar.
How to Maintain Your Home Monthly.
- Clean the furnace filter
- Check water softener and replenish salt
- Clean faucet aerators & showerheads to remove mineral deposits
- Inspect tub and sink drains for debris
- Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Inspect electrical cords for wear
- Vacuum heat registers and heat vents
- Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked
- Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment
- Clean garbage disposal
The Ultimate Home Maintenance Checklist for Every Season.
Fall Maintenance Checklist
- Rake leaves
- Check fireplace for damage or hazards, and clean fireplace flues
- Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping
- Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
- Power-wash windows and siding
- Remove and debris from gutters and downspouts
- Tune-up major home appliances before the holidays
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clean carpets
- Clean window and door screens
- Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems
- Check water heater for leaks
Winter Maintenance Checklist.
- Cover your air-conditioning unit
- Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms
- Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill
- Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
- Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers
- Check the basement for leaks during thaws
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist.
- Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
- Change the air-conditioner filter
- Clean window and door screens
- Power-wash windows and siding
- Remove and debris from gutters and downspouts
- Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
- Inspect chimney for damage
- Drain or flush water heater
- Have the air-conditioning system serviced
- Fertilize your lawn
Summer Maintenance Checklist.
- Oil garage door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges
- Clean kitchens exhaust fan filter
- Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays
- Check dishwasher for leaks
- Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks
- Replace interior and exterior faucet and showerhead washers if needed
- Seal grout
- Prune trees and shrubs
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