Although we’ve heard it many times, nothing could be truer than the old cliche, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Preventative maintenance is the best and cheapest way to keep your house in great shape. It also reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling your house at fair market value when the time comes.
With this in mind, below are some suggested maintenance items to review on a periodic basis. Most, if not all of these items are things that you can do quickly yourself. If left unattended for too long, many will result in having to call a professional.
Monthly:
- Check that all fire extinguishers are fully charged.
- Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Ensure that downspouts are secure, and that the discharge of the downspouts is appropriate.
- Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulking. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during showering.
- Repair or replace loose faucets or shower heads.
- Secure loose toilets, or repair flush mechanisms that become troublesome.
Spring and Fall:
- Examine the roof for evidence of damage to the roof coverings, flashings and chimneys.
- Look in the attic (if accessible) to ensure that roof vents are not obstructed. Check for evidence of leakage, condensation or vermin activity. Level out insulation if needed.
- Trim back tree branches and shrubs to ensure that they are not in contact with the house and roof. Contact local elctric company if trees rest on power lines.
- Inspect the exterior walls and foundation for evidence of damage, cracking or movement. Watch for birds nest or other vermin or insect activity.
- Survey the basement and/or crawl space for evidence of moisture seepage.
- Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water flow away from the foundation.
- Inspect all driveways, walkways, decks, porches and landscape components for evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
- Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking and weather-stripping as necessary. Watch for evidence of rot in wood window frames and door frames. Paint and repair window sills and frames as necessary.
- Test all ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) devices, as identified in the inspection report.
- Insulate/cover hose bibs in the fall, if below freezing temperatures are anticipated.
- Test the overhead garage door opener to ensure that the auto-revers mechanism is responding appropriately. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
- Replace or clean exhaust filters.
- Clean, inspect and/or service all appliance as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Annually:
- Replace smoke detector batteries.
- Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
- Have the chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screes are secured.
- Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not sticky.
- If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. ave the house water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank(s) inspected (and pumped as needed.)
- If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventative treatments may be recommended in some cases.
What else should be added to a home owner’s regular maintenance schedule?
