A house can be the biggest investment for many. That’s why maintaining it is a must. You must ensure that small problems won’t become big ones. When you do things as you notice them, you’re preventing major damage that could come up in the future. Regular home maintenance lets you spot issues and work them out whilst they are still easy to fix. You then retain your property’s worth and ensure that you won’t need costly repairs afterwards.
Wear and tear are inevitable on any property. As a new homeowner, you should be aware of essential home maintenance tips to keep your home in tip-top shape all year round. Here are seven tips that can preserve 10% of your home’s value.
1. Schedule regular maintenance around the house.
When your contractor turns over the house to you, he is no longer responsible for any damage caused by lack of maintenance. Also, your insurance might not cover such damage. Therefore, you should be ready to make home maintenance a priority in your new home. And scheduling a regular one is the best way to do it.
In addition to its cost-saving benefits, regular maintenance will retain, if not increase, the value of your home. It will help you prevent possible breakdowns on your exterior, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as keep your home looking spotlessly clean and functional always. These are good reasons why you should set up a schedule to maintain and care for your property.
2. Check your plumbing and drains.
When you see water pooling on your pipes or leaks under your sink, give them a good look. Your plumbing system may be in need of a check-up. Is the water pressure low or are the fixtures just broken? Do the pipes need to be changed or is the shut-off valve not working? Regularly inspecting your plumbing system around the house can help you identify issues and address them before they become emergencies.
The kitchen and bathrooms are the common places with many plumbing fixtures that you should examine. Is your drain slow? You should better check it before it becomes clogged. A clog remover tool or drain cleaner can solve this issue, but be careful with the cleaner you will use. It should not be harsh on your pipes; otherwise, you’ll be dealing with your pipes soon.
3. Clean and change your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system filters.
When your unit is too hot or the air is not cold enough, it’s a sign that your filters need cleaning or replacements. Regularly changing air filters is a simple yet important way of taking care of your HVAC system. If your air filters are dirty and clogged, your HVAC system will malfunction and the equipment will be damaged. The dirt can reduce the airflow and affect the system’s efficiency. This can even lead to high energy bills.
3. Examine your grout and caulking.
When cleaning your bathroom, you should not just keep your eyes on the tiles but also the grout and caulk. Whilst tiles provide you with a smooth surface that doesn’t absorb water, grout and caulk act as fillers between the tiles and barriers to water. When they are well maintained, you are extending the life of your bathroom fixtures and saving yourself from future substantial repairs.
Grout and caulking inside and outside the house should be inspected for any void or crack. If there’s any, they should be touched up or re-caulked if necessary to avoid seeping water damage. If your grout or caulk is mouldy, a bleach solution can be used as a quick fix.
4. Inspect your roof.
Inspecting your roof may reveal areas that are deteriorated and in need of repair. Similar to other maintenance activity, repairing these small issues before they blow up into a major problem can save you money.
What should you look for when checking on your roof? Leaks in the attic and ceilings, overhanging branches that can damage your roof and missing, curling, or cracked shingles. If your roofing contains asbestos and it’s damaged, you will also need to contact a professional for asbestos removal in Sydney. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, asbestos fibres are disturbed and released, when they are inhaled, they can cause serious lung diseases.
5. Secure doors and windows.
Doors and windows are essential in giving your home security and appeal, and proper maintenance can make them last longer.
With time, some parts of your doors or windows may deteriorate as they are constantly exposed to changing weather conditions. Maintaining them can start with cleaning and then checking for cracks and openings, which can cause your energy use to increase. If cracks are found, you can use caulk to seal them up. If the doors and windows are too old, they may also need replacement. Or do they just need new locks or hinges? Check with a locksmith so you can better protect your house with better performing doors and windows.
6. Update your electrical works.
Your electrical system is the backbone of your house. In its absence, a large percentage of your home operation will cease. You won’t be able to use your refrigerator, air conditioners, washing machine, gadgets and more. So if you notice flickering lights or a flipping circuit breaker when being used, immediately take actions. Are the outlets still working? Or is your electrical system outdated? These are just some things you should check to avoid electrical fires and other electrical-related inconvenience at home. To do the job, you can enlist the help of a qualified electrician to assess your system.
Making sure that your home is always in excellent condition is a good habit. As a new homeowner, you may be overwhelmed with the many things that should be done. Whether you will do it yourself or you will hire a professional for your regular house maintenance, it is good to remember these tips so you will know where to start checking. As you get used to it, your home maintenance routine will become more consistent and detailed.
