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You're a new homeowner. Congratulations! Now what? To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 15 basic maintenance tips for your new home. These are things that everyone should know about their house and be able to do to maintain it. In turn, improving your home's longevity. Let's dive right In!
Inspect Your Roof
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to inspect your roof. You should examine it for damage at least once a year, and more often if there is a storm or heavy weather. If you find any damage, have it repaired right away. A leaking roof can cause major water damage to your home.
Check Your Windows and Doors
Your doors and windows are going to be a regular part of your life, so they need to work properly. Look for anything that seems out of place or damaged, whether it's sticking when you open or close them or cracks in the glass.
These may seem like small things, but if left unfixed can lead to bigger problems down the line. Check with local professionals about having any issues fixed as needed.
Clean Out Your Gutters
One of the most common home maintenance chores is cleaning your gutters regularly once spring rolls around. This is because all that rain and melted snow can cause a lot of build-up in your gutters, which can lead to leaks and other problems. Make it a point to clean them out at least once a year (more often if you have trees nearby).
Service Your HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units are the most important things in your home when it comes to comfort. That's why it's so important to have it serviced regularly by a professional. They'll be able to check for any potential problems and fix them before they turn into costly repairs sometime in the future.
Give Your Plumbing System A Checkup
Your plumbing system might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to home maintenance, but having regular checkups can help keep your water flowing smoothly and prevent any leaks or other problems from occurring down the line. You should look for anything that seems out of place or damaged so that they can fix them before they lead to bigger issues if left unfixed. If needed, hire a professional plumber who knows what they're doing!
Get Rid Of Clutter And Organize Your Home
A cluttered house isn't only an unpleasant sight: too much clutter in your living space can trigger stress-related symptoms such as headaches and fatigue since we don't feel like we have control over our environment. That's why it's so important to get rid of clutter and organize your home regularly. This can help you feel more in control of your surroundings and less stressed out overall.
Start by going through each room in your house and getting rid of anything that you don't need or use anymore. If it doesn't have a place to go, put it in a box or bin and deal with it later. Once everything is cleared out, find a place for everything that remains and make sure that everything has its own designated spot. This will help keep your home neat and tidy on a regular basis!
Maintain Your Yard
Your yard is an extension of your home, so you need to make sure that you're taking care of it properly. This includes mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, and doing any other necessary yard work. You should also make sure that your bushes and trees are trimmed back so they don't become a fire hazard in the event of a wildfire. If needed, hire a professional to take care of all your yard maintenance for you!
Clean Your Dryer Vent
Frequent and prolonged use can lead to a buildup of lint in your dryer vent, which is a serious fire hazard. That's why it's important to clean them out regularly (at least once every few months) using the brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner or by brushing them out with an old toothbrush. It might take some time depending on how long they are, but it's well worth the effort!
Test Your Sump Pump
Your sump pump is responsible for pumping water out of your basement in the event of a flood, so it's important to make sure that it's working properly. You can test it by filling up a bucket with water and placing it on top of the pump. If it's working properly, the water should drain within a reasonable amount of time. If it's not working properly, you'll need to call a professional to fix it.
Check Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are an important part of any home safety plan, which is why you need to check yours regularly to make sure they're working properly. Test them monthly by pushing the test button and listen for the alarm sound. If it doesn't go off, replace the battery immediately. You should also replace your smoke detector every ten years (or whenever they stop working).
Power Surge Protection
One of the most effective ways to protect your appliances, electronics, and other expensive equipment is by investing in a power surge protector. This helps to keep them safe from any electrical damage that might occur if there's an unexpected spike in voltage. If you don't have one or are looking for more protection, it might be time to look into installing whole-house surge protection instead! It will help defend every part of your home against sudden spikes which can lead to damages down the line.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater is another appliance that should be checked on a regular basis to make sure it's working properly. The most common problem with water heaters is when they stop producing hot water, but you can also check for leaks and other problems as well. If your water heater isn't heating up the way it used to or if there are any signs of damage, it's time to call a professional for repairs.
Check Your Chimney
Your chimney is another important part of your home's safety, which is why it's important to check it regularly for any signs of damage or wear. You should have your chimney inspected at least once a year by a professional, and cleaned as needed. A dirty or damaged chimney can lead to a house fire or other serious problems, so it's essential to keep it in good condition!
Check For Drafts
Windows and doors are notorious for letting in cold air during the winter months, which can lead to higher energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures indoors. That's why it's important to check them regularly for any drafts and seal them up if needed. You can do this yourself using caulk or weatherstripping, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Replace Your Air Filters
One of the best ways to keep your home's air clean and healthy is by replacing your air filters on a regular basis. Most filters should be replaced every three months, but check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific filter. Dirty filters can cause respiratory problems and other health issues, so it's important to replace them as often as possible!
Bonus Tips
Create An Emergency Plan
One of the most important things you can do for your family is creating an emergency plan. This should include a list of who to contact in case of an emergency, where to meet, and what items each person needs to bring with them. You should also practice this plan regularly so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
Update Your Home Insurance Policy
Your home insurance policy is one of the most important things you have in case of an emergency, so it's important to make sure that it's up-to-date. Review your policy every year and make any necessary changes, such as increasing your coverage or adding new riders. This will help ensure that you're fully protected in case of a disaster or other unforeseen event.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the many home maintenance tasks that need to be done on a regular basis. By taking care of them, you can help ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for you and your family.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions or give us a call at 410-693-5539; we are here to serve you in every way possible!