Published 1/18/23
Tips and Advice for Maintaining a Home
One of the most important parts of owning a home is taking the time to maintain it, so it lasts longer and looks fantastic. Many have fallen behind on the art of home maintenance, but it’s never too late to start!
If you follow these simple small tips, you can keep major problems from happening down the line.
Check Pavers and Concrete
This step is easy to do when following through with other lawn work or outside chores. Simply look at the ground pavers, sidewalk, and driveway on your property and make sure it’s in good condition. If you see any cracks, it’s vital that you get these repaired as soon as possible.
When winter sets in, moisture can gather in these cracks and then expand as it freezes and crack further. The average winter season goes through countless thaw and freeze cycles, so a tiny crack could break an entire paver in half by the time spring arrives.
Clean Showerheads and Taps
This step is easy to do and should be done once every month to two months, depending on how much use the faucets and showerheads are getting. To do this, mix baking soda and water and apply this paste directly to the shower head and tap. Let the paste sit for around thirty minutes, and then wash it off by turning on the tap and wiping it with a clean cloth.
If you want to take it further on taps, you can remove the filter to make sure there’s no build-up, but this isn’t as necessary.
Ensure Features Are in Great Condition
The features on the exterior of your home are important because they’re often the first part of your property that anyone sees. Check areas like your mailbox, patio, and lawn to make sure whatever features you have are well-maintained. From replacing a cracked birdbath to looking at new mailboxes because yours is old and rusted, it’s easy to make a small change that will freshen up your lawn and keep your property value high.
Help Your HVAC System Run Smoothly
Your HVAC system is the main thing that keeps your property comfortable through every season. Although it can be an added expense if you don’t already do this, it’s a good idea to take care of it and take steps like swapping out the filters every month or so. Beyond that, consider putting in a radiant heating thermostat so you can better control the temperature of your home.
If your home has two floors, you may want to consider putting in a second unit to control the top floor separately. Heat rises, and if you try to heat your entire home evenly, you could be facing a lot of problems.
Check Security Features Often
Security features can make a huge difference in how safe you feel at home. This means going through and checking if your window locks, garage door, and external door lock all function correctly. If you have a doorbell camera, make sure the batteries on that stay charged and that it’s able to do its job without interruption.
Install Attractive and Durable Updates
When you’re updating your property, look for both quality and attractive features. This could mean manufactured stone panels that will last for years and look fresh, or it could mean updating to triple-paned windows to block out the weather and harsh conditions.
If you’re unsure about a brand, don’t be shy to shop around and look at reviews. You want what’s best for your property, so it’s worth the extra legwork.
Ensure Windows and Doors Don’t Leak
One of the most devastating blows to any property is if there’s an air leak. This can ruin your electricity bill, allows extra moisture into your home, and can even invite insect life into your property. The best way to check if your windows and doors are leaking is to take a lit candle and carefully carry it near doors and windows while they’re closed. If you see the flame pull strongly one way or another when near an opening, that door or window needs a better seal.
If all of your windows or doors are leaking, it might be time to replace them fully, depending on your budget.
Keep Your Gutters and Roof Clear
How often do you clean your gutters and roof? If you don’t currently have gutter guards, it’s a good idea to consider them since the average homeowner needs to have their gutters cleaned two to three times a year, depending on tree coverage and species.
This can be dangerous for the homeowner to take on and expensive to have professionals complete.
Your Home Can Run Smoothly When Well Maintained
By taking the time to create a plan for yourself and keep up with maintenance, you can help your property last longer and look amazing while it does. Follow some of these tips if you want your property to thrive!
– Sam Willis
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on real estate. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in Fall 2022.
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