I'd like to share with you in the next few blogs some suggestions, ideas, tips and tricks on how you can improve, protect and preserve perhaps your most important investment you will ever make...your home.
I've read different studies, one recently stating that 80% of homeowners procrastinate or ignore home maintenance issues.
1 in 3 don't have money set aside for home maintenance/repair.
Wow!
If we can take care of those little things, that many times if they are addressed, aren't expensive and are much easier to do.
I'm going to share with you some tips and tricks from my experience, and I hope they will help you to maintain and protect your home.
Keep these on your radar, and hopefully you will avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Gutters - keep those gutters cleaned out. I suggest twice a year, once in the spring, and late fall. I've actually seen small trees sprouting in gutters. You want to keep the water draining away from your home and basement, and that's the purpose of a gutter. If they aren't cleaned, they can back up, get too heavy and fall off, and both situations don't end well.
Caulk - caulk that bathroom every few years. Caulk the tub, toilet, showers and tubs.
Caulk acts as a sealant to prevent leaks, and can harbor mold, bacteria and mildew over time.
It's a good idea to check the caulk annually, but you shouldn't have to do any recaulking annually, usually every 3-5 years will do the trick.
Appliances - when is the last time you cleaned under or behind your fridge, washer, dryer, or dishwasher?
A good vacuum behind the fridge, washer, dryer and under the dishwasher should be done at least annually.
When is the last time you cleaned your dryer vents?
I recommend doing that annually - those vents fill up quickly with lint and is a fire hazard.
It's a good idea to check the drain pan under the fridge to be sure there aren't any signs of wear.
It's easier to replace than to have the water run across the kitchen floor.
Regular maintenance and inspections will help extend the life of these high-cost appliances.
If you can't remember doing this, guess what? It's time to do it!
Sump pump - if you have a sump pump, the time to test it is BEFORE the rainy season! Many sump pumps now have battery backups, so be sure all is in order there. I would recommend testing this annually.
Pests - no pests are good for your home, but termites can be the most devastating!
Tiny, white and ant- like, termites form colonies and eating your home for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Do a visual inspection of the woodwork, frames around the window etc. If you see discarded wings, swarmers (flying termites), or hollow or blistering wood CALL A PROFESSIONAL!
Foundation - many times the foundation of the home can be overlooked. When is the last time you checked yours?
If you are experiencing doors and windows that are hard to open and shut, large cracks in your drywall, or large cracks in your basement floor or foundation, it would be a good idea to have a professional take a look.
Catching this early is key!
A tip that I'll pass along - it's a good idea to keep your foundation from getting too dry during the long, hot summer months. Hydrate the soil around your house and your foundation to prevent this from literally falling apart right under your feet!
Check your foundation every six months to be sure nothing is amiss.
Exterior paint - paint provides more than exterior beauty. It helps to protect your home against moisture to eat away at the wood and can be an open door for termites and other pests.
Once a year, do a walk around and if you see areas where paint is cracking, peeling or chipping, get that paint touched up.
Roof - a roof inspection every six months is a good idea. Once in the spring, and once in the fall. Check for any loose shingles and replace those before you experience water damage.
If you have a skylight or a chimney, it's a good idea to check for cracks, leaks, or other structural issues and get those fixed right away.
Check to be sure your chimney isn't home to a family of pests - usually squirrels - as they can really cause structural damage!
Check to be sure your chimney isn't home to a family of pests - usually squirrels - as they can really cause structural damage!
Lighting - I'm sure most of you have replaced those energy hog incandescent lights with energy efficient LED's.
If you haven't, it's time!
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors - test these monthly! Many people replace the batteries when the time changes, and that is a good idea as well.
Pipes - once a year do a visual on your pipes to hopefully ward off any leaks. Check out pipes, toilets, faucets and showerheads to make sure all are working properly and not leaking.
Make sure they aren't corroded, rusty or broken. Replace them before this is the case.
If you notice a dramatic increase in your water bill, hear continuous running (usually toilet), notice rotting smell near water sources, or bubbles in your drywall, you might have a water leak.
Call a professional and get this checked out.
Water and moisture can quickly turn to mold, and that is something you want to avoid.
You may be scratching your head, and thinking to yourself, how do I keep track of all of this?
Your smart phone of course...there are MANY home maintenance apps available - click on the link below:
Did you find one that you liked?
Download and make sure you use it and share in the comments below your recommendation.
If your idea of an unforgettable weekend isn't spending time fixing a leaky toilet, call Charter Handyman Services and call it done!
Your time is valuable, and so is your home.
Invest in both wisely.
Next blog, we will continue the list - we are just getting started!
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