Home maintenance isn’t one of those tedious responsibilities that you have to do to keep the neighbors happy. Rather, it’s an investment in your property’s resale value and your general living conditions. And, if that’s not enough motivation, maintenance is a requirement when you purchase homeowners insurance. Interestingly, many insurance policies don’t cover household damage caused by poor property maintenance. In fact, if you take a closer look at the details of your policy, chances are you’ll see that the provider explicitly excludes “damage from neglect” from the coverage. But, what exactly amounts to good property maintenance? Follow along with our homeowner’s guide below and start checking off your seasonal duties.
Indoor Home Maintenance Checklist
To keep the interior of your home in prime condition all year long, pay close attention to the following tasks:
- Inspect HVAC filters and change them if necessary.
- Make a habit of cleaning the mold every six months.
- Clean out your kitchen sink disposal.
- Clean hood filters.
- Inspect your fire extinguisher for wear and tear, and ensure that the gauge shows the right pressure.
- Test your carbon dioxide/smoke detectors to ensure they’re functional and replace depleted batteries.
- Test the auto-reverse feature of your garage door. This is a mandatory federal law requirement, and you could run into trouble for violating it.
- Flush toilets in unused spaces and clean rarely-used sinks to prevent grime build-up.
- Check the pressure relief valve of your water heater to prevent leaks caused by corrosion and mineral build-up.
- Inspect your plumbing for leaks, and clean the aerators on faucets.
- Check grout in the bathroom and kitchen, and attend to the necessary repairs.
- Ensure your sump pump drains properly.
- Check your chimney for blockage or excessive soot build-up.
Outdoor Home Maintenance Checklist
Home maintenance doesn’t stop with the interior. Check off the following jobs for a great-looking exterior and eye-catching landscaping:
- Have an arborist inspect your trees regularly to identify any potential hazards.
- Check the roof for loose or missing shingles.
- Check the foundation and façade for any signs of cracks or water pooling.
- Clean clogged gutters and replace them if leaky.
- Clean your siding for durability and aesthetics.
- Repaint walls with chipped paint.
- Clean and inspect your patio or deck for cracked wood and loose nails.
- Inspect your pool for damage, and treat the water to ensure that all your pool equipment is in working order.
Altogether, utilize these indoor and outdoor checklists at least once every season to ensure your home is in tip-top condition.
Need Parts for Repairs? Contact Friel Lumber
After reviewing our homeowner’s guide and running a thorough inspection of your home, you may find a few missing or non-functioning parts that need replacing. Or, you might even decide to change the design of the kitchen or bathroom to improve your living conditions or increase your home’s resale value. For that and more, look no further than Friel Lumber. With over 15 years of experience in residential building materials, we’ll choose the best supplier for your needs and deliver all the parts you need for repairs at your doorstep.
Moreover, if you need expertly crafted designs for a new kitchen, bathrooms, or any other home improvement project, we provide error-free custom blueprints. That way, you can focus on what’s important: improving and taking care of your property. Contact us today to get an estimate for your project.
