Maintaining Your New Home

Keeping your home maintained isn’t always the fun thing to do, but will be rewarding in the long run. Whether this is your forever home or your first, a long-lasting home is appealing in all aspects. While helping to keep your property value up, it usually leads to saving on bigger fixes and bigger expenses later down the line. 

Here is a quick list of things to consider when maintaining your home. Specifically, items that aren’t on your weekly to-do list already! 

  • Clean gutters 
    • Keeping your gutters free of leaves and debris is an important seasonal item to add to your list. This will help keep the water running through effortlessly and away from your home. 

  • Yard Maintenance
    • Trim your bushes, trees and any shrubs you have that regrow every year. Think about fertilizing, aerating and any sprinkler maintenance you may have. Many HOA’s will also require some level of yard upkeep such as keeping it mowed, weeds at a minimum and specific plant requirements.

  • Clean exterior windows 
    • Power wash your windows or buy cleaner from your local hardware store. Usually once a year is enough for this, some will prefer more often! You can also find companies to hire to come and clean them for you. Don’t forget the screens!

  • Service HVAC 
    • Hiring a qualified technician to check your AC and furnace once a year is the easiest way to keep them running for their full life span. With a quick inspection and a clean, you’ll be well set. While you are checking this off the list, getting your ducts cleaned could be an added plus.

  • Fireplace/chimney service 
    • Similar to HVAC systems, getting your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned yearly should be added to your list. Keeping the airway clear is the easiest way to keep your home safe.

  • Replace air filters
    • Make sure to replace the air filters throughout your home regularly. If you have pets, you should be changing them every 3 months. If you don’t have pets, you may only need them every 4-6 months or so. This helps keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens and dust. 

  • Re-seal and caulk around your windows
    • The late spring or summer is usually a good time to do this one. Take a look at the exterior of your windows. You can see the caulk or sealant around the window frame. If it’s falling out or cracked, it’s time to replace it. Simply slide a box cutter or similar tool down the edge of the current caulk. You can pull it off and redo it yourself. 
    • While the ladder is out, you might as well do some paint touch ups around the exterior. 

  • Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide
    • It’s always a good idea to check the batteries of your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are in working order throughout the home.