How to Schedule Your Yearly Home Maintenance

A yearly home maintenance schedule may look daunting at first, but homeowners need to look past the work to the eventual benefits.

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How to Schedule Your Yearly Home Maintenance

Posted by Gary Ashton on Monday, October 7th, 2019 at 10:09am.

What Home Maintenance Should You Do Every SeasonHome maintenance isn't something that Clarksville homeowners can only remember to do once a year or even once a season. A property of any size will need routine care for it to retain its value, which is why scheduling these tasks are really non-negotiable. As difficult as it can be to find time for everything on this list, homeowners won't regret their efforts. The more time invested in a property, the more pride the owner will feel—even if it feels like drudgery at first. Use this list to jumpstart the process.

Standard Advice

When it comes to standard home maintenance tips, some people may think that the most important things involve basic DIY skills (e.g., replacing the fuses, tightening a railing, etc.). But the real skill is the art of knowing the property inside and out. This means that if there's a small damp spot in the darkest corner of the basement, the homeowner can't claim ignorance to its existence because they were inspecting that corner every month. Scheduling routine home inspections for both the structure and the ground is the best possible prevnetion a homeowner can practice.

If a homeowner wants to be especially thorough, taking photographs of the major sections of the property will provide visual proof of progressive issues, such as cracks in the ceiling or stubborn mildew in the bathroom. (Homeowners who may need to call upon a handyman for help will be able to better explain the problem if they can show the changes in the area via photos.)

Basic Prevention

As the owner tours the home, they should keep a close eye on the following:

  • Blockages: The sink, tub, and shower heads are prone to buildup, so wipe down any deposits and note if the drains are working slower than they used to.
  • Filters: Even a mild buildup of dust and dirt on a filter can be dangerous for utility costs. Change filters whenever possible to ensure energy efficiency and improve air quality.
  • Electrical cords: Look at all electrical cords to see if they're intact. Cord damage can be a sign of the ravages of time, but it could also point to a rodent problem.

Now is also a good time to check the smoke alarms, circuits, and vents. Homeowners can also consider upgrading their technology to smart home devices. These gadgets make it possible to receive updates at the first sign of trouble. For example, water sensors can tell a homeowner if there's damage in difficult-to-reach areas (e.g., crawlspaces, etc.) and smoke alarms can immediately alert the homeowner if the battery is beginning to die.

Winter Tasks

The beginning of the year can bring some of the worst possible weather for the home, which is why experts recommend focusing on system maintenance. If the heat or lights go off during a blizzard, the results can be catastrophic. While many of the outdoor tasks may be out the question, homeowners can insulate their pipes, clean their vents, and watch for water damage. If the home has an attic, homeowners should check for direct leaks throughout the season during storms. Water seeping in through the basement will pose a different problem than a large hole in the roof.

Spring Tasks

Springtime is the season to let the home breathe again. The sun is one of the most powerful disinfectants in the world, so start clearing out the clutter that prevents the rays from reaching its destination. Wipe all the dust and grime that's built up on the window screens, climb to the roof to see if it's been damaged over winter, and eliminate any excess debris from the gutters. Now might be a good time to have a professional look at the plumbing as well.

Autumn Tasks

Considering the storms of spring, the heat of summer, and the brutal cold of winter, autumn is typically the right time to dive into the bulk of home maintenance. Here are just a few tasks that should likely make the list:

  • Caulk the windows
  • Aerate the lawn
  • Prepare roof for the coming snow/hail/rain
  • Inspect and service the heating system
  • Inspect and clean the garage or tool shed

Summer

Insects, rats, and mice are much like humans in that they want to get out of the heat too. Clearing out the clutter in both the yard and the home can be a good way to discourage pests, as can keeping an eye out for any stagnant water. If the home has a deck, early summer is a good time to replace any rotting boards and to powerwash the whole structure.

While it's easy to skip many of these tasks (or ignore them entirely), the best homeowners are the ones that start addressing these problems early and often. Maintenance won't become second nature until the homeowner has built strong routines from the very beginning. Those who want to keep their resale value intact and avoid more expensive problems down the line should consider creating a calendar they know they'll stick to.

 

Gary Ashton

The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage

The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!

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