You’ve probably heard Benjamin Franklin’s old axiom, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” But did you know this philosophy applies to how to maintain a house, too?
While you may think you’ve got all the bases covered when it comes to seasonal replacement of your furnace filter and gutter cleanings, you’ve barely scratched the surface.
The home buying process comes with many challenges. From to how much square footage you can afford. But the work doesn’t stop once you see your name on the title. Read on for our essential home maintenance checklist.
1. The Garage
Did you know that an improperly balanced garage door leads to a shorter lifespan for your opener? Or, that you even risk injury?
Fortunately, checking the balance of your garage door proves simple. Close the door. Then, disengage the opener by pulling the release handle.
Next, manually pull the door up about halfway and let go. If the door stays in place, you’re good.
But if it drops back down or pulls up, your balance is off. Hire a professional to make the necessary adjustment. (Adjusting the spring yourself is at best complicated and at worst downright dangerous.)
While you’re at it, don’t forget to lube your garage door springs. That way, you’ll extend the life of your opener and door.
2. The Roof
Let’s talk exterior home maintenance. Did you know that your roof and siding can become infested with tiny pests?
While they can make your home appear dirty, there’s much more to the problem. These organisms can retain heat and destroy roofing and wood. So, what are these nasty critters?
They include:
- Algae
- Bacteria
- Mildew
- Mold
What to do? Instead of opting for a pressure wash, which only removes the visible signs of the problem but not the roots, go with a soft wash roof cleaning.
The roof cleaning cost proves well worth it. Why? Because it lasts four to six times longer than a regular pressure wash due to the process’s 100 percent pest kill ratio.
3. The Windows
When it comes to the windows in your home, there are two essential tasks that can save you lots of heartbreak down the road. First off, make sure you clean your window weep holes often.
You’ll find these holes on the exterior bottom of each window frame. They’re designed to whisk rainwater that collects in the bottom channel of the frame.
When they get clogged with dirt and debris, they stop draining and water can collect inside your house. Clean them with a garden hose and wire hanger to avoid this nightmare.
Second, keep your window wells clean, especially when it comes to basements, to avoid flooding. Then, invest in covers from your nearest home center to ensure that they stay that way.
4. The Water
Water leaks are the disaster no homeowner wants to return to. But they’re easily preventable. For one, keep on top of testing your sump pump a couple of times each year.
Dump water into the basin to assess its function. Also, check the pump to make sure the vertical float switch is in good working order.
Another plumbing-related issue that often gets overlooked is water pressure. High water pressure ruins appliances, fixtures, and connections. Yet, testing water pressure proves a cinch with a simple pressure gauge.
Every year, you need to drain some of the water from your water heater, too. Why? To clear built-up sediment.
When dirt builds up, it can lead to hot spots (for gas units) that damage the tank or failure of the lower heating element (for electric units). But a simple annual drain may extend its life as well as lower your energy bills.
5. The Appliances
A couple of other home maintenance jobs to keep in mind involve your appliances. To save on energy bills and extend the life of your refrigerator, remember to clean your condenser coils regularly. Do this with a vacuum and a coil-cleaning brush.
As for your dryer, check and clear your vents often. From excess lint to animal nests, there are countless ways a duct can get clogged.
To clear it, use a wet/dry vac to suck out any potential debris. Or, try a cleaning kit, which includes a long, flexible brush to clean out those ducts.
Finally, scope out other appliances for mice nests and other potential rodent damage. Mice love building nests in cramped engine compartments where they munch on wires. What a mess!
Check for signs of the critters and handle necessary repairs and cleanup before the situation develops into a major problem.
The How to Maintain a House Checklist
When it comes to how to maintain a house, this checklist will help you avoid 99 percent of avoidable mishaps. Schedule these items on your calendar and then handle them like clockwork.
But what if you uncover much bigger problems in the midst of household maintenance? Check out our article on it’s time to relocate.
