Your home is probably one of your largest investments, so you want to make sure you are maintaining it properly.
Keeping up with an entire house may seem like an overwhelming undertaking, however, once you know what to look for it can be pretty simple.
The first thing you should do is make a list of all the places in your home that need to be cleaned, checked, or serviced routinely.
Categorize each task by the time of year you want to do it, and you’re on your way to keeping your home the best that it can be.
Some maintenance can be done on your own, but if you feel more comfortable having a professional do the job for you that is always an option.
Routine maintenance will ensure that your house does not have serious damage that goes unnoticed for a long period of time, which can cost you more time and money in the long run.
Here is a list of the basic aspects inside and outside of your house that need to be checked throughout the year.
Inside of Your Home
HVAC System
If your home has central heating and air conditioning, it is recommended that you have it checked twice a year.
You can hire an HVAC technician who will check the duct work of your home for any signs of damage, as well as clean and service all aspects of the system.
This includes the furnace, A/C compressor, and vents.
Plumbing
Checking the visible pipes in your house, like the ones under the sink, for any leaks or damage regularly is always advised.
You should also check your ceilings to ensure that there are no signs of leaking water, and make sure none of the faucets are leaking.
Fix the issues that you can on your own, but call a plumber for the rest.
Smoke Alarms/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors are some of the most valuable aspects of your home, and it is extremely important that they be working properly.
Home fire deaths are often related to ineffective smoke detectors, so it is vital that you check them at least once a year.
The National Fire Protection Association advises you to change the batteries in these detectors once a year to ensure they have not gone bad.
Outside of Your Home
Gutters
Gutters are very important for protecting your home from rainwater. They control the flow of water and direct it off of your roof and away from any landscaping around your house.
Gutters that become clogged with leaves and other debris cannot function properly, and leave your home at risk for sitting water, mold, mildew, and damage.
It is recommended that you clean your gutters at least twice a year, and more frequently if you have a lot of trees surrounding your home.
Cleaning your gutters yourself is possible, however, climbing onto a ladder can be dangerous without a lot of experience.
If you hire a professional gutter cleaner they can not only clean out any debris but also check for possible damage.
This way if there is a problem, you can address it before it gets any worse.
Wash the House
Just like the inside of your home needs to be cleaned, so does the outside.
If mildew and other grit stays on the outside of the house too long, it can cause damage to the paint and masonry.
Think about walls, eaves, soffits, chimneys, foundation stem walls just to name a few.
Once the weather is warm, it is recommended to power wash the exterior of your home at least once a year.
Make sure all of your windows and doors are closed, and if you have landscaping it can be a good idea to cover them with plastic.
You can rent a power washer yourself or hire a professional. If your house is not super dirty, a garden hose may also do the trick.
If you have some spots that need extra work, you can use dish soap to get them off. Be sure to use a limited amount of soap, as it can damage your landscaping.