Routine Home Maintenance List
A home is an expensive investment that requires regular upkeep in order to keep it in optimal condition. Homes ideally gain value over time as you make improvements and as the other homes in the neighborhood also increase in worth. This isn't guaranteed, as market conditions are challenging to predict, but routine home maintenance helps ensure that your home retains its maximum value. Does this Spark an idea?
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Look for Leaks
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Leaks are a common problem in a house and they are also destructive over time. Perform regular walks throughout your house to look for signs of leaks that require repair. Cracked walls, stained ceilings and a musty scent are all symptoms of a house leak. The water heater is another possible source for water leaks as it gets older.
Inspect all of your plumbing and fixtures and have leaks repaired as soon as they are discovered to prevent more expensive damage. Check all of your appliances while doing the leak check, to verify they all function properly.
Clear Your Vents and Gutters
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Gutters often get clogged with leaves and other debris. This contributes to house leaks. Check your gutters monthly to ensure that they are not obstructed by debris and clear out any material that is found inside, so rain water can flow freely through the gutter piping.
Vents also get hot if they are blocked and should be checked to ensure they have proper airflow. Inspect the vents of your air conditioning and any other systems that have them, because a blocked vent can damage the system that uses it.
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Roof Inspection, Cleaning and Repair
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The roof is often neglected in home maintenance because of the difficulty in getting up to it safely. The roof shingles loosen over time and collect dirt and mold. Scrubbing the roof shingles with a mild detergent and a scrub brush keeps them looking like new and prevents discoloration.
Likewise, any damaged shingles should be replaced to further reduce the risk of roof leaks. Inspect any antennas or satellite dishes while you're there, to ensure they are properly secured. The chimney should be cleaned and inspected, with any damage repaired as soon as possible.
Safety Inspection
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Examine all the locks in the house to make sure they function properly. Check all doors and windows for signs of damage. Check electrical outlets to look for any discoloration, since a brown or black outlet indicates burnout that requires repair. If you have a security system, look at all the sensors and the control panel to verify that they function properly.
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms annually, to make sure they have adequate power. If you don't have at least one smoke detector on each floor of the house and near the kitchen, get them installed.
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References
Resources
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