Buying a home is a major life milestone. Make sure your new property lasts for years to come with the right upkeep. Exercising regular maintenance on your home helps to maintain its value and keep its residents safe. Here are 10 must-know maintenance tips for new homeowners.
These maintenance tips offer advice on how to preserve your home, from inspecting the roof to looking for signs of rot. Even spending as little as five minutes per month on maintenance can help keep your home in prime condition.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Keep your home safe with these 10 maintenance tips for new homeowners.
1. Have a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a key part of the home buying process. Hire an independent inspector to check for any problems with the home before you purchase it. The inspector will examine the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring, air conditioning, heating system, and other areas.
In addition to helping you identify potential problems before investing in the home, a good home inspection can provide you with peace of mind that you’re buying a safe and well-maintained home.
2. Check the Roof
Checking the roof is one of the most important maintenance tips for new homeowners. Inspect the roof for any cracked, broken, or missing shingles. Make sure flashing and gutters are in place and not clogged. If you can, look inside the attic for any signs of water damage due to roof leaks.
If you find any problems, make sure to fix them immediately to avoid further damage. Depending on the severity, you may need to hire a roofing contractor to make the necessary repairs.
Keep an eye on the roof throughout the year to spot any damage early and have it repaired promptly.
3. Look Out for Signs of Rot
Rot is a common and costly problem in many homes. Look for any signs of discoloration, cracking, warping, or soft spots on the wood surfaces of your home. Rot can appear on the floors, walls, windows, and door frames.
You may also want to check your home’s basement and exterior for signs of moisture. Excess moisture can cause mold, wood rot, and other damage. Make sure to address any moisture problems in your home as soon as you spot them.
4. Perform Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
- Clean gutters and downspouts regularly.
- Sweep porches and decks.
- Hose down siding and windows.
- Clean air ducts and replace air filters.
- Pest proof your home to prevent infestations.
- Check for signs of rodent infestations.
- Inspect the interior and exterior for any signs of damage.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
5. Create a Maintenance Checklist
Creating a checklist is one of the best ways to ensure that all of your maintenance tasks get done. Make a detailed list of all of the maintenance tasks your home requires. Be sure to include tasks like changing air filters, checking smoke detectors, and cleaning the gutters.
It’s also a good idea to create a schedule for when you should perform these tasks. For instance, do monthly checks on smoke detectors and change air filters every 3 months. This way, you’re less likely to forget a maintenance task or let one fall by the wayside.
Conclusion
Good maintenance is essential for any home. It helps to keep your home safe and in good condition, which can help to preserve its value for years to come. Make sure to keep up with regular maintenance tasks and to inspect for common problems to ensure the continued safety of your home and family.