There’s specific maintenance involved in managing the care of your home. Home inspections are usually considered when homeowners are preparing to sell their homes, and when buyers are looking to purchase a home. However, neither of these reasons may be the case, as homeowners may simply be interested in keeping their homes in the best condition possible. If this is the case, then it would be a good idea to check the major sectors of the home regularly.
Creating a home inspection checklist that could be used annually would help homeowners know when it’s time for maintenance checks to be done on their homes. The benefits of doing this are twofold. First, your home is kept in the best condition while you live in it. Second, if and when you decide to sell, there will be fewer problems to contend with, paving the way for a swift and profitable sale of your home.
The following is a list of the sections of your home that should be attended to on a regular basis.
Finding a Reliable Home Inspector
If you’re new to homeownership, then the first time you decide it’s time for maintenance checks, it could be a good idea to seek a licensed home inspector who could help you become familiar with those parts of a home that are the most important to maintain. However, if you decide to do this, you should explain to the inspector that the purpose is to learn what parts of the house are essential to focus on. If the inspector agrees to assist, you’ll want to find out what his services will cost, as depending on the size of the home, the rate for standard home inspection services can be approximately $300 – $500. If you find his services in a situation such as this to be too costly, you can bypass this suggestion and look for reputable professionals in the following areas.
Roof Repair
Homeowners should contact someone to come and inspect the roof and give an analysis of the current condition. It would be best to consider residential roofers as they work mainly with the repair and installation of roofs for homes. If repairs or replacements are needed, residential roofers will be able to give the needed advice for the best materials to choose from that can also be cost-effective, and provide durability and aesthetic appeal.
Roofs serve as one of the first lines of defense for the home, protecting it from the damaging weather elements to which it’ll be subjected. So it’s important that roofs be included in a time for maintenance checklist. Some homeowners may be capable of handling small or minor roof repairs if they’re accustomed to heights, ladders, and the use of the necessary tools. However, since roofing jobs are something that few can accomplish, contact a capable, licensed roofer to check the condition of the roof and handle whatever repairs may be necessary.
Electrical Systems
The electrical system in a home performs a vital role in all the operations in that home. This system can also pose a considerable threat to the home if it’s in danger of experiencing short circuits or overloads that can lead to fires or explosions. Thus, homeowners will want to include this in their time for maintenance checklist as one of the areas of the home to be examined.
There are various aspects of the electrical system that must be evaluated and maintained to assure the smooth operation and safety of a home. Calling an electrical contractor is highly advisable because there are several ways that something could go wrong with the home wiring system. One major concern is homes that are more than 50 years old might have electrical systems or components installed that are no longer used, which could create a fire hazard. Therefore, the electrical service panel that houses fuses and circuit breakers, as well as receptacles and outlets should be assessed when inspecting the home wiring system. This is an area where only an electrician will suffice, so trusting anyone less than a licensed electrical contractor could amount to a large error in judgment.
Plumbing
There are numerous plumbing problems that are common in most homes, and many of these problems can be fixed by the homeowner if they have the knowledge and the proper tools. Some of the problems that can result in the loss of gallons of water per day (and an expensive water bill!) are dripping faucets and running toilets. In addition, the wasted water also contributes to the buildup of mildew, mold, rusting, and rotting, all of which can cause serious health problems.
There’s also the problem of clogged drains and toilets, leaky pipes, and low water pressure. Sometimes things can be cleared up by simply using drain cleaners and plungers, replacing faucet and toilet fixtures, or opening the water valve all the way. In any event, the cause of whatever the problem is must be determined before it can be fixed. So, place plumbing on the time for maintenance checklist and call in a plumbing contractor if necessary.
Pest Control
It’s likely that most people, no matter where they’ve lived, are totally familiar with an invasion or infestation of different types of pests. Many people have had to deal with some type of pest at one time or another in their lives, from the common types of household pests like roaches, ants, mice, rats, bed bugs, spiders, and beetles, to the more uncommon types like raccoons, moles, and squirrels. Sometimes, common intruders can be handled by the homeowner. However, pests have a way of increasing into multitudes and when this happens, you then have an infestation problem that can be difficult to bring under control.
In the time for maintenance checklist, this may very well be at the top of the list, so a company that provides efficient pest control services should also be at the top of the list as well.
Septic Tank
Solid and liquid waste products enter the drainage system through sinks, toilets and other drains. The treatment and maintenance of these waste products for homes in areas that are linked to a public wastewater system is handled by local authorities. Homes that aren’t connected to a public wastewater system must have a septic tank installed on their property and maintenance becomes the responsibility of the homeowner.
Septic tanks must be inspected and treated, and the EPA advises that the tanks should be inspected every two to three years and pumped, to remove sludge from the bottom of the tank, every three to five years. If septic tanks aren’t maintained as directed, the wastewater can back up into the home, resulting in a disruptive disaster for homeowners and their families. Contact your local septic company to assist in all phases of the installation and maintenance of septic tanks and place this item on your time for maintenance checklist.
Fireplace and Chimney
Fireplaces have always been and probably always will be a magnificently brilliant and comforting addition to any home. Homeowners can choose from gas or wood-burning fireplaces that will contribute to cozy and warm settings that family members and friends will enjoy, especially during cold seasons and around the holidays.
There’s the responsibility of keeping your chimney clean so it will be safe from smoke buildup and chimney odors. Contacting professional chimney inspectors to handle inspections, maintenance, and repair is something that must be added to the time for maintenance checklist if you want a fireplace that works properly and safely. On the other hand, some chimney inspectors might also help with the installation and care of an electric fireplace that doesn’t require a chimney and can save homeowners money!
Basement and Foundation
The strength of the foundation a home rests on determines the longevity and safety of that home. As soon as homeowners notice things like uneven, creaking floors, stuck doors, and windows, noticeable cracks on walls, and an overflow of moisture in the home, they should know these are common signs that a home is in need of foundation repairs. A foundation specialist should be contacted to inspect the home and administer all necessary repairs and basement waterproofing.
Homeowners will want licensed professionals to take care of all foundation repairs because it’s a crucial job that, if done incorrectly, people will be left with homes lacking structural integrity. After a botched job, if homeowners are fortunate not to have their homes sustain irreversible damage, or they escape major health issues stemming from living with caustic air and excessive moisture, they’ll still be left with having to spend more money to get the job done. Place this item on the time for maintenance checklist as it’s a job that can’t be overlooked.
Customary Care of Trees
Trees offer many advantages that are beneficial to our lives. Perhaps some of the most important benefits trees provide is that they clear the air of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, while also providing shade and food. Having the presence of one or more trees in your yard does wonders for decreasing stress and anxiety, as they create space for a sanctuary while promoting exquisite color, variety, and peace of mind. However, trees will lose much of their effectiveness if they’re not cared for properly.
Trees must be pruned correctly and regularly and protected from the infestation of certain insects and other invasive species like animals, plants, and microorganisms that cause disease. Therefore, depending on the size and height of some trees, they may be too much for homeowners to maintain on their own. If homeowners are fortunate to have one or more trees in their yard and they don’t have the knowledge or time to care for them, they should get in touch with companies that provide tree services. Place this on the time for maintenance checklist so a professional can come to give the trees the attention they require. After all, it would be a terrible loss to be the owner of this superb gift of nature only to have it wither and die from lack of care.
Garage Door Installation and Repair
Garage doors are another example of a first line of defense for your home as they can keep out unwanted visitors. Garages are usually attached to homes, so they not only serve as a place to park your cars, but they can also be safe to use as another room for storage. Also, a well-insulated garage door will keep cold air from entering the garage and the home. Older garage doors will provide none of this, and they can cost homeowners a sizeable maintenance bill.
Garages now offer advanced security features that prevent easy access for criminals or other unwanted guests, so homeowners and their families can feel safe and secure in their homes. Adding the replacement of your old garage door to the time for maintenance checklist will remind you to contact a garage door company to check out this feature. The representative will survey the garage area and offer ideas that would work best for you.
HVAC System
HVAC, an acronym for your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, is another item that deserves placement on your time for maintenance checklist. This system controls the temperature in the home as it purifies the air, producing comfortable and suitable air quality within the home. There are HVAC maintenance tips that must be followed to keep the HVAC system in the best working order. Checking electrical and mechanical parts like fans, motors, and wiring, and scheduling HVAC maintenance checks at least once a year are some of the things that should be done.
Yes, there’s lots of work, maintenance, and repairs that go into the care of a home. There’s also a lot of heartache and despair involved when that home isn’t properly cared for by homeowners. In the end, however, for all who do take care of their homes, whether they sell that home or spend a lifetime there, it’s all worth it in the end!
