Tips For Keeping Up With Regular Home Maintenance

Most homeowners understand the importance of performing regular maintenance to their house, but sometimes the reasons for doing it can feel a bit abstract. I know it can start to feel like an endless series of chores and expensive repairs, so don’t feel too bad if you’ve put off a few tasks over the years! Keeping up with regular maintenance will always save you time and money in the long run, and it often just takes a few minutes, so there’s no time like the present to start.

Here are 6 home maintenance items that I regularly check to save myself some time, money, and gain peace of mind. I typically find something to fix on this list every year, and more than once I’ve saved myself from having to deal with a much more expensive repair down the road by catching problems early.

1. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Prevent water damage in your soffits and roof leaks by cleaning the leaves and debris from your gutters and downspouts at least once or twice a year. Blocked drainage can cause water to pool up on your roof, which over time can lead to serious damage, so this is one I make sure to do as often as possible.

Bonus:  While you’re up there, trim back any limbs that might have grown closer to your home over the past year. Next year that limb will be bigger and more difficult to take care of… if it doesn’t fall on your roof between now and then!

2. Winterize Outdoor Faucets

I make sure to protect my plumbing from the cold weather by winterizing my outdoor faucets every year. It takes virtually no time or expense at all, and I don’t have to worry about those pipes bursting all winter long. I also like to make sure I do this before the weather gets really cold, so I’m not rushed to do it the night before the first hard freeze.

3. Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors

I make sure to regularly check for drafts and seal any gaps or cracks in the windows and doors. This not only prevents moisture damage and premature wear, but it also lowers my heating and cooling bills as an extra bonus!

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

I test my detectors once a month and replace old ones after about 10 years, because the sensor degrades over time. I also replace the battery in them every six months, because everyone knows that the little “battery low” chirp that they make almost always starts going off at 2 AM and wakes everyone in the house up.

5. Check the Fireplace and Chimney

Speaking of fire, check the ventilation for your fireplace every year before lighting it up for the first time. Make sure to check for creosote buildup, and that the flue is working correctly as well. If you haven’t used the fireplace recently, or if you see creosote starting to build up, have it inspected by a professional before using it to ensure there’s no risk of a chimney fire.

Bonus:  Go ahead and clean out those old ashes that you’ve been meaning to get to!

6. Check the Big 4 for Leaks

I regularly check my toilets, water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine for leaks, both to avoid a surprisingly large water bill and to protect against water damage. Checking for leaks also ensures that if water damage has happened, that I’ll be able to deal with it before mold starts growing. If I had to choose between my house being damaged by mold or fire, I would choose fire every time. Mold is that dangerous and destructive!

You’ve worked hard to make your home into a place to relax and feel safe! Don’t let it turn into a headache by skipping regular maintenance. Doing these simple steps throughout the year will save you time and money in the long run and provide peace of mind against unexpected repairs.