If you are a homeowner then you know that keeping your home in top shape can be tedious and difficult. When you own a home you need to be proactive if you want to keep it in good, clean shape. This means preventing problems from happening in the first place instead of merely reacting to them when they pop up.
This means adhering to a home maintenance checklist or a preventive maintenance schedules. Also, make sure that you have complete equipment ready. Here are the top 15 maintenance tasks that you need to do at least once a year.
Lighting Fixtures – One of the things that should fall in your maintenance management list is the lighting fixtures. Test them regularly and let the to-do list remind you about this. You want to check all of the lamps, fixtures, and even ceiling fans for any bulbs that are busted, blown out, or outright missing. Replace any broken or missing bulbs. If you have to replace your bulbs and would like to save money on your energy bill, then you should try switching over to CFL bulbs.
Dryer Vent – It is very important that you regularly clean your clothes dryer vent. Not only will this reduce fire hazards, it will keep your dryer running smoothly.
Rugs & Carpets – You want to ensure that your carpets and rugs are in good condition. This means that you will have to inspect them regularly. If you see any rips, tears, stains, or mold then you want to contact a professional rug and carpet cleaning specialist for help. If that does not work then you may have to replace the carpet or rug altogether.
Fire Extinguisher – You want to be sure to always have at least one fire extinguisher in your home. You will need to check the expiration date on the extinguisher to ensure that it will work. If it is past its expiration date then dispose of it and replace it. If you have smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors at home, that you include them in your schedule template to make sure they are working when needed.
Air Ducts – Next thing in the cleaning list is your air conditioner parts. It is critical that you have your air filters and air ducts cleaned out in your home. This needs to be done on an annual basis for good air conditioning and it can be done either by yourself or by a maintenance technician.
Caulk Inventory – You want to go around your home and check to see if every area that requires caulk, such as counter tops, tile, or bathtubs, are not missing caulk. If they are missing caulk then you need to go around and replace the caulk that is missing.
Pest Control – Don’t forget to include pest control on your cleaning schedule if you don’t want to see bugs and other insects flying or crawling around your home. One of the worst problems a home owner can face is that of bugs and other pests. You want to be sure to have an appointment with pest control service at least once a year.
Clean The Chimney – Always include the chimney in your cleaning checklist if you own one. You should also know how it can get messy over time. This is why you want to hire a professional chimney sweep to clean your chimney. The best time to have this done is in the early days of Autumn before you are likely to use your fireplace on a regular basis. This will ensure optimal performance from your fireplace.
Those who don’t own the chimney can check their gutters and downspouts instead. Make sure they are in tip-top shape and hire the right service types if heavy amount of professional work order is required to fix the issues.
Pressure Wash – You want to keep the outside of your home looking clean, and one of the best ways to make that happen is to use a pressure washer. You can either rent a power washer or hire a professional to clean your home’s siding, deck, or patio. If you utilize yearly cleanings then you will greatly reduce the risk of mold growth and infestation around your home. On top of that the end results look great.
Inspect Appliances – You need to inspect any appliances with water lines or attached hoses. If you discover wear and tear or leakage then you need to have those components replaced by a professional.
Electrical Outlets – You need to also look around your home’s electrical outlets. If you find any frayed wires, plugs that fit too lose, or any other form of potential fire hazard then you need to stop using that outlet immediately and call an electrician who can repair the damages.
Enterances – You need to also inspect your walkways and stairs that lead up to your home. Potential threats, such as lifting concrete or sloping, or handrails in need to repaired. You can have the area professionally repaired and adjusted by an expert.
Mold – If you want to prevent mold growth and keep the tile in your home looking clean, then you need to seal the grout lines at least once a year. Professional tile and grout cleaning is offered many firms locally along with free grout sealing.
Landscape Review – Walk around the property and look for any overgrown shrubs or trees which may need pruning. DO NOT attempt to prune branches or trees located near power lines. Contact your local utility company for assistance.
Insulation – Check the insulation, adding a layer could save on energy costs. While reviewing the insulation look for any potential stains in the roof when a water leak could be starting.
Keeping an eye out for potential problems and handling them early can save you potentially thousands of dollars in maintenance and repair, and countless of headaches. It is never to late to start home maintenance.