When you own a home, maintenance is essential. Your regular chores ensure that your home stays in good shape. If you neglect it, you’re more likely to notice broken appliances and fixtures well before you expect them to fail. You might also end up with serious issues that could have been fixed much earlier. Since home maintenance is important, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Inspect Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It prevents water from getting inside and causing mold or structural damage. While your roof should last for a few decades, it does require maintenance in order to stay functional that long. You need to inspect your roof regularly. Most residential roofs require a yearly inspection. This inspection allows you to find problems early and fix them before they become severe issues. Repairs can be expensive, but they are far cheaper than a roof replacement. If you don’t do the repairs, then you’ll end up replacing your roof much earlier than you otherwise would.
2. Know Your Plumbing Needs
You need to know how the plumbing works in your home. If you have a septic system, this is especially true. You’re responsible for your entire system, so you need to make sure that it is working correctly and getting cleared when necessary. Most septic systems should be cleaned every three to five years. If you don’t do so, it could cause damage to your system that will be very expensive to fix. Even if you have city plumbing, you need to make sure that the plumbing within your home is working correctly. This will prevent issues with mold or water damage.
3. Do an Energy Audit
An energy audit can help you find places in your home where you’re wasting energy. They will point out problem areas and provide ways for you to fix them. This may include new insulation and products, but it could also be reminders about how your actions impact your energy bill. For instance, 70% of US electricity usage in homes is through electronics that are turned off. If you unplug them, you’ll save money. Make a point of checking for plugged-in electronics regularly to help you save electricity.
4. Watch for Water Damage
Water damage can wreak havoc on your home. Not only can it leave stains, but it can weaken the structure of your home and provide an ideal environment for mold growth. Mold can make your family sick, so you want to do everything in your power to prevent it from growing in the first place. If you know the areas of your home that are more prone to water damage, check them regularly. That way, you can clean up any flooding and mitigate problems early.
5. Don’t Forget Outside
As you do your home maintenance, you don’t want to neglect your yard and the house’s exterior. Not only will a clean house and yard increase your curb appeal, but it will keep your home healthy as well. You won’t need to worry about damage to your home or potential hazards in your yard if you clean it regularly. Your outdoor tasks will vary depending on what kind of house and yard you have. However, adding them to your maintenance checklist will ensure that your home’s exterior stays in good shape.
Home maintenance is an essential part of being a homeowner. If you neglect it, you’re causing serious harm to your home. As you consider your maintenance tasks and begin setting up your schedule, make sure that you keep all of these necessities in mind.
