Maintain your home’s value with this annual upkeep checklist
It’s not easy making the switch from renter to homeowner.
No landlord or property management company to handle that busted AC compressor or to replace the stove that conked out.
You just bought the house, so now that responsibility is all yours.
In addition to handling problems like broken windows or a leaky roof, you are also responsible for finding maintenance companies (or getting your hands dirty) to fix these issues.
Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with first-time homeownership alone. Here are 10 things to check every year to maintain the health of your home. You’ll be glad you did.
Any time flammable materials are present, routine maintenance must be kept up with.
Even if your gas fireplace appears to be in good condition, it is still a good idea to have it serviced once a year.
A professional will make sure you’re prepared for a cozy winter season by cleaning the fireplace and checking for any potential leaks.
The condition of the home’s HVAC systems is something that many first-time home buyers know to look for. A broken furnace could mean the difference between buying a house and looking elsewhere.
But you might not know what to look for unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment. Fortunately, a few pieces of information can provide insight into the overall condition of the home’s HVAC system:
Have a qualified HVAC technician quality check your central heat and air before extreme weather causes trouble. Your unit and ventilation systems will be examined and cleaned by the technician to ensure everything is in good condition.
Your roof needs to be carefully monitored and maintained because it serves as protection against weather and environmental damage.
Because of this, regular inspections are crucial to ensuring the durability and dependability of your roof.
Roof problems strike fear into the hearts of homeowners. Roof problems, from leaks to insulation issues, can be costly, and you want to do everything you can to prevent dropping a bag of cash on a new roof.
Additionally, as a part of your yearly checkup, you should test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house.
The obvious reasons for not skipping this one are “life” and “death.”
A simple change of batteries could end up saving your life or the life of someone you love.
You should have a professional come out once a year to sweep your chimney and carry out a routine inspection. Skipping this maintenance could result in dangerous consequences like carbon monoxide problems and chimney fires.
The buildup may not be visible from below, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Keep the gutters in good condition.
Not cleaning your gutters can cause a variety of drainage issues for your home, including roof damage, so it’s best to stay ahead of potential disaster and clean your gutters on a regular basis.
We suggest calling a professional twice a year to handle the job — once in the spring and once in the fall, when your yard experiences the most rain and leaf accumulation.
According to HomeAdvisor, the national cost for gutter cleaning is between $119 and $227. Gutter cleaning costs are typically calculated based on the size of your home, so larger homes (those with second or third stories) will cost more.
A sump pump failure, or lack of proper drainage systems, in the middle of a hot, humid, and rainy July, can cause major disaster. Once a year, have your sump pump inspected and tested to make sure it’s equipped to handle the summer’s heaviest downpours.
A can of Raid and a thorough cleaning may be sufficient to control bugs around your house, such as a single ant trail. The best time to deal with pests is before they take over.
You must be diligent and take precautions to lessen the likelihood of an infestation. Here are some preemptive measures you can take:
1.) Fix any openings that roaches and mice can use to enter.
2.) If you go on vacation and believe you may have brought stowaways home in your luggage, unpack in the garage and wash all of your clothes right away.
3.) Check unattended sheds and receptacles around your home for nests. Critters love an undisturbed space, so don’t make it easy for them.
According to HomeAdvisor, a single visit from a pest control company could cost between $111 and $261. Have a pest control expert check your home once a year, or more frequently if necessary, to address any issues with bugs or cringeworthy furry travelers.
Drain your hot water heater completely once a year.
By doing this, you can prolong the life of the heater and remove any sediment that has built up inside of it.
Failure to do so may result in clogs, leaks, ineffective heating, and a shorter lifespan. Hot water heaters can cost more than $1500, so you don’t want to replace it before you have to!
Even though curb appeal may not always be a top priority for renters, once you own a home, you have more of a reason to care about how it looks from the outside.
Siding and paint problems should be identified before they become unmanageable. It all comes down to preventative maintenance; while it may take time now, doing so will ultimately save you money and headaches.
This homeowner’s maintenance checklist will help make sure your home is secure and safe if you intend to live there for a very long time.
Maintaining these things in addition to major renovations can help ensure a higher resale value in the future if you’re planning a home renovation timeline.
In either case, regular upkeep can give your house a fighting chance to last for many generations.
