Like every other structure, homes need a regular check-up. And, while the thought of checking your exterior, interior, appliances, heating, plumbing, cooling, as well as electrical systems and security systems doesn’t necessarily spark joy, it has to be done for your home to remain in great shape.
By doing routine maintenance, you may experience fewer breakdowns, keeping your home efficient at all times. In addition, fewer breakdowns will also mean that you may get to save money, which would’ve been used on repairs and replacements.
Maintenance can be done weekly, monthly, or annually, depending on the need. But, with so many things to keep an eye on, you might feel overwhelmed at the beginning. Luckily, this article discusses some of the things you can include in your annual home maintenance checklist. These include the following:
- Inspect Plumbing For Leaks
Wear and tear affect most parts of the home, including the plumbing system. In most cases, built-up grease, dirt, and grime thicken, making it difficult for wastewater to drain well. And, in cases where there is a problem of water not draining properly, you might experience issues, such as flooding, in the house.
As a result, you should consider hiring a qualified inspector and listen to their explanation on ways to prevent water damage, such as inspecting plumbing for leaks. And, although it might be pricey to have an inspection, it might reveal issues that, if left unnoticed, may worsen over time, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. Timely repairs, on the other hand, can help you save on water bills and prevent your home from rotting or experiencing mole problems.
- Thorough Clean Your Oven
One of the most used appliances in the kitchen has to be the oven. It also happens to be the most overlooked one when it comes to cleaning. And, although most people know that it’s vital to clean it, it tends to be hard to schedule an appropriate time to do it.
It’s advisable to deep-clean your oven every three months to maintain and improve its efficiency. And, to ensure that this task won’t be neglected, schedule the deep cleaning at the beginning of every new year.
- Have Your Air Conditioning Serviced
You can agree that air conditioners are vital in keeping the home cool and devoid of humidity, making your home comfortable. And, just like any appliance, air conditioners require to be serviced yearly as those that don’t tend to lose close to five percent of their efficiency, meaning they might break down earlier.
As a result, consider getting a professional air conditioning expert to check your control system and eliminate issues or concerns. You may avail of service packages arranged at the beginning of every year.
- Inspect Roofing For Damage
Your roof is an integral part of your home as it keeps you safe from the harsh environment. So, every year, consider getting your roof checked by professionals who can recommend repairs depending on the severity of damage to your roof. Also, Be sure to take note of the roofing company’s experience if you are looking for different roofing companies. A review or rating of a roofing company can give you a good idea of whether they are worth your time and money.
With a detailed roof checkup, you’ll be able to know things like the estimated lifespan of your roof, and you’ll prevent water damage to your home, as well as have an easier time filling out insurance claim after a storm.
- Deep Clean Your Carpet
If your house has carpeted floors, chances are they go through a lot as they’re being stepped or trampled on all the time. In addition, they get covered in dirt, dust, drinks, and not to mention the regular wear and tear. And, although you might be vacuuming frequently, it’s not enough to keep them clean.
So, as part of your routine home maintenance, consider having your carpets deep-cleaned. You can also consider steam cleaning them yourself to get rid of what’s underneath them, at a cheap cost.
- Repair Wobbly Deck Railings
If you have decks, chances are they always face intense beating from various environmental elements; thus, they might need repairs, too. So, if you notice that you have wobbly deck railings, consider repairing them if the wood is still in good shape. And, if done well, the wood used in the repair can withstand wear and tear for long periods.
- Drain Sediment From Your Water Heater
Hot water tanks normally have a holding tank that stores hot water anytime it’s needed. And, since the water stays in the tank for a long period, naturally occurring minerals can settle in the bottom of the tank. And, with this build-up, the hot water tank may not work efficiently, leading it to fail sooner than it should. As a result, it’s important to drain sediment from your water heater, therefore, increasing its lifespan.
- Clean Window Weep Holes
If you have sliding or vinyl windows, you may notice that they come with little holes on the bottom exterior part. Such tiny features are important as they help drain rainwater away from home.
However, over time, these holes become clogged up with dirt and debris, leading to blockage. And, if not taken care of, they might end up retaining water that might cause destruction to other parts of the home. As a result, consider cleaning window weep holes every year to avoid clogs.
- Check The Exterior Drainage
Homes are different in terms of needing maintenance, especially when it comes to cleaning the drainage. Having said that, it’s highly recommended that you have your drainage professionally cleaned to prevent a major blockage and keep it running smoothly.
Checking the exterior drainage and cleaning it will also reduce odors by getting rid of trapped bacteria and mold growth. With the exterior drainage cleaned thoroughly, its lifespan will increase.
Bottom Line
Home maintenance is an integral part of keeping the house running effectively. By doing it regularly, you can have every necessary repair done at the right time, keeping issues from worsening, which usually means expensive repairs or replacements. So, when making your checklist, include the tasks that you can do by yourself so you can cut costs. For the harder tasks, however, consider hiring a professional to ensure satisfactory results.
