Your home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make. And, as anyone who has ever had to deal with a leaky roof or an overflowing toilet knows all too well, it doesn’t take much for things to go wrong. So what can you do to help keep your investment in good shape? The answer might be simpler than you think: follow an annual home maintenance checklist.
Sure, setting aside time to clean out the gutters or change the air filters might not be the most exciting way to spend a Saturday afternoon. But by following a simple routine every year, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home in excellent condition. Here are 11 tips to help you get started!
1. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home from water damage. But if they’re full of leaves and debris, they won’t be able to do their job properly. So take some time each year to clean them out. You can do this yourself with a ladder and a pair of gloves or hire a professional.
2. Inspect Your Roof
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is regularly inspecting your roof. A roof in good condition will protect your home from the elements and help prevent water damage. You should inspect your roof at least once a year to look for damage, such as missing shingles or leaks. If you find any damage, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
3. Clean Your Chimney
If you have a fireplace, it’s important to clean your chimney at least once a year. This will help prevent fires and also keep your home free of any unpleasant odors. You can hire a professional to do this, or you can do it yourself with a chimney brush.
4. Change Your Furnace Filter
One of the simplest things you can do to maintain your furnace is regularly changing the filter. Depending on the type of filter you have, you should change it every one to three months. This will help keep your furnace running smoothly and prevent any costly repairs.
5. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
To help keep your family safe, it’s important to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. You should test them monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year. It’s also a good idea to keep spare batteries on hand in case of an emergency.
6. Get the Tiles Cleaned
Your grout and tiles can get pretty dirty over time. And if they’re not cleaned on a regular basis, they can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To keep your grout and tiles looking their best, hire a professional tile and grout cleaning service at least once a year.
7. Inspect Your Windows and Doors
Your windows and doors are another important line of defense against the elements. So take some time each year to check them for any damage, such as cracks or leaks. If you find any damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
8. Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can be a fire hazard. So it’s important to clean it out on a regular basis. You can do this yourself with a vacuum and a brush attachment or hire a professional.
9. Test Your Sump Pump
If you have a sump pump, it’s important to test it on a regular basis to make sure it’s working properly. Simply fill the sump pit with water and turn on the pump to do this. The water should be pumped out within a few minutes. You may need to have your sump pump repaired or replaced if it doesn’t.
10. Inspect Your Foundation
Your foundation is one of the most important parts of your home. So it’s essential to inspect it regularly for any cracks or damage. If you find any damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
11. Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Your HVAC system is one of the most important parts of your home. So it’s essential to have it serviced regularly. This will help keep it running smoothly and prevent any costly repairs.
The annual home maintenance checklist can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your house excellent. By following a simple routine every year, you’ll be able to spot any problems before they become more expensive. So what are some of the things on your list?
