Taking care of a house can be both fun and frustrating. It’s nice to see a house that’s fully functional and in great condition, but at the same time, it seems like there’s an endless list of things to do and improve around the house, especially if your property is an older one.
As the years go by, problems will accumulate in your home that will contribute to its wear and tear. They usually start small but, when ignored, can blow up to be a major problem that will take a huge chunk out of your savings.
That being said, here are a few home maintenance tips that will help you take care of the small stuff, so they don’t become monsters.
1. Restore dead power outlets
One of the most inconvenient things around the house is plugging an appliance or device into an outlet and finding out it’s not working. You need to either move to another spot with a working outlet or use extension cords.
2. Prevent molds from exhaust fans by cleaning them regularly
Molds are a normal part of life. They grow anywhere, including your exhaust fans, which can then lead to poor air quality around your home. Clean fans that work efficiently can help keep your home mold-free.
3. Recaulk or regrout your bathtub, shower, and other fixtures in the bathroom
Caulk and grout will show signs of wear-and-tear over time, so it is a good idea to recaulk or regrout your bathroom — depending on which one you used as fillers — every few years.
4. Inspect your downspouts
Take time to go around the house and inspect your downspouts if there are faulty ones or detached ones. Make the necessary repairs if you find one to prevent water intrusion and foundation issues.
5. Clear the drains
Another water-related issue that needs to be addressed is your drains. You don’t want any clogging to take place around the house, trust us. Once you notice some slow drains, address them immediately.
6. Flush and clean your water heater
At least once a year, make it a point to flush out water from your heater to eliminate the accumulated sediments at its bottom. Give it a good cleaning while you’re at it. Just be careful when you take on this task because you will be dealing with very hot water.
7. Clean and unclog your gutters and downspouts
No one likes doing gutters, but you need to do this to keep your home in great condition. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to water seeping into your walls all the way down to your foundations, which is a terrible thing to happen.
8. Give your sidings a good washing now and then
Another good home improvement habit of building is cleaning your sidings twice a year — once in the spring and another in the fall. Doing this helps prolong its life and gives your home a better curb appeal.
9. Give your exterior a facelift
Similarly, giving your exterior a touch-up paint job every few years adds to your home’s curb appeal and keeps wood from rotting and moisture at bay. You may also do the same with your interiors once in a while to keep it fresh and looking new.
10. Seal cracks on floors and driveways
Concrete degrades over time, which gives it cracks, chips, and stains. Worst-case scenario, you need to do a major restoration or resurfacing project and have contractors apply concrete epoxy to the mix to make it last longer. The downside here is it will get really inconvenient for you to get something like this done. So to prevent that, seal cracks and chips on your floors and driveways.
11. Clean and change HVAC filters
Regular cleaning and changing of HVAC filters make your A/C more efficient, allowing you to enjoy better air quality at home for a longer time. This is so easy to do that you can do it yourself. Of course, you will still need to call in the professionals for your regular HVAC check-up and maintenance.
12. Inspect door and window seals
No matter how small cracks are in your door and window seals, they can add up to make for an inefficiently cooled or heated home that can overwork your systems. Take time to inspect your sealings twice a year so you can avoid bigger and more expensive problems.
If you’re a new homeowner, understand that taking care of the little stuff now can go a long way. If you own a home and have neglected some of your duties around the house, you know first-hand what headaches procrastination brings. The important thing now is that you turn over a new leaf and never go back to your old ways if you want to protect your investment.
