There is joy that comes from owning your own home, but there are responsibilities you must stay on top of. It is important that you avoid putting off key home maintenance items when they come up. Doing a small but necessary job now can help you avoid a big, costly problem later. Attending to these things is not that difficult or expensive—and it will save you money overall. Here is a list of often-neglected home maintenance items that you really do not want to put off.
Heating and Cooling Systems. Have your heating and air conditioning systems checked annually by a professional. Change the filters yourself as often as your service person recommends.
Water Heater. Clean out the sediment that collects at the bottom of the tank by draining the heater at least once a year.
Sump Pump. If you have one in the basement, check twice a year that it is working. Pour water into its basin and see that it kicks on.
Water Filtration System. If you have one, ask a qualified professional to replace the filters and softeners on a regular schedule.
Radon Mitigation System. If you have one for household air, have a qualified professional check it at least once a year. If you have a radon mitigation system for well-water, ask a qualified professional how often tanks should be replaced and follow that schedule.
Pest Control. Hire a service to check for bugs and rodents at least twice a year and for termites annually.
Carpets. Have your area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting professionally deep-cleaned every 12 to 18 months.
Fireplaces. Hire a chimney sweep every spring. Once a year, have qualified professionals check pellet- and wood-burning stoves and service gas fireplaces.
Gutters. Clean out gutters in the spring and again just before winter to remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris. Check that downspouts are properly positioned to take water away from the foundation, and that their openings are unobstructed.
Garage Door Springs. Lubricating your garage door springs helps prevent metal fatigue and corrosion, problems which eventually will cause them to fail. Check your owner’s manual or the garage door manufacturer’s website for directions on how to properly lubricate them.
Deck. Every two or three years, clean the deck with a power washer, and seal it if the decking boards are wood, not manufactured materials.
Curb Appeal. A home’s curb appeal is a major indicator of how well the home is maintained overall. Trim trees and shrubs; keep up with the lawn, walkways, and railings; wash the windows and touch up paint on trim and siding.
Happy Fall!
Mary Cockburn/505-639-2090/MaryCockburn.Realtor@gmail.com
