Home maintenance is an essential part of homeownership. The little things like clogged gutters, chipped paint and dirty filters can turn into bigger problems down the road, like rot, mold and burst pipes. Many wonder, “Is home warranty worth it?” Many homeowners who do invest in warranties have found that maintaining their home is crucial and if repairs and replacements are required, they feel good that they don’t have to worry about the cost.
The best way to stay on top of these tasks is to follow a home maintenance checklist. Here are some helpful tips for first-time homeowners to get you started.
- Clean Your Gutters
Gutters help to channel water off your roof and away from the foundation of your house. However, clogged gutters can cause water damage to your walls and roof.
It is important to clean your gutters at least twice a year in the spring and fall. It’s also recommended to inspect them after heavy rains. A well-maintained gutter will prevent expensive water damage.
- Test Your Sump Pump
A sump pump helps prevent flooded basements by pumping water out and away from your home. It’s essential to test your sump pump regularly to make sure it’s working as it should.
First, check that the sump pump is plugged in. There should be two separate plugs, one for the float switch and another for the motor. Unplug both, then plug the motor plug back in.
- Replace Your Smoke Detectors
You should replace smoke detectors, whether hardwired or wireless, every 10 years. Some smoke detectors chirp when they’re reaching their end of life, but you can also tell it’s time to replace them by looking for the manufacture date.
A functioning smoke detector can help prevent fires from causing major damage to your home. It’s important to replace them and test them monthly.
- Check Your Roof
A well-functioning roof can help to prevent basement and foundation leaks. Look for signs of roof damage, especially if you live in a climate that gets snow or rain.
Also look for granule loss (texture) on shingles that can indicate they’re getting old and are at risk of damage from storms. This can lead to major problems later on. This is something to address with a roofer.
- Clean Your Windows
If you want to enjoy the warm sunlight shining through spotless windows, clean them regularly. Pollen, sap from trees and bird droppings can make windows dirtier. Winds can also kick up debris or leave streaks.
Use a squeegee to remove water and create a streak-free finish. Dry windows with a cloth or rag that won’t leave lint behind. You can even dry and buff windows with crumpled newspaper for a sparkling finish.
- Check Your Gutters Again
Gutters channel water away from your home to prevent it from seeping into the foundation and causing floods in basements. It’s recommended that you check and clean your gutters seasonally.
Left unattended, clogged gutters can cause structural damage to your house and create conditions for mold growth. This is a problem that can be costly and dangerous. Besides, it’s just plain gross.
- Clean Your Windows Again
Clean windows help improve indoor air quality by removing dust, dirt, and pollutants. This is particularly important in areas where there’s high insect activity and frequent rainstorms.
Make sure to also clean window screens. To get your windows truly sparkling clean, take the time to thoroughly scrub and rinse each one. It’s best to do this when it’s not too hot or humid outside.
- Check Your Gutters Again
Clogged gutters can cause water damage inside your home. It’s important to clean them frequently, especially if you live in an area with a lot of trees.
When gutters are full of debris, they become heavy and can pull away from your house. This can cause damage to the fascia, shingles and foundation of your house. Also, clogged gutters can attract critters and vermin to your property.
- Check Your Gutters Again
If you see water pooling on or near your home, it could mean your gutters are clogged and aren’t funneling rainwater away from the house. Use a garden hose to flush the gutters and check for proper flow.
Clogged gutters can cause serious problems. It’s important to check them regularly and perform cleaning tasks as needed. Preventing these issues is much better than dealing with the damage that can happen when you neglect them.
- Check Your Gutters Again
Gutters help prevent water damage to your foundation, crawlspace, siding and house itself. They also channel water away from your home and keep clogs from
forming.
Check your gutters and downspouts for clogs regularly, especially after it rains. Pooling water around your property is a sure sign of a clogged gutter. Also, watch out for squirrels and chipmunks clogging your gutter with their nest-making materials!