Home Maintenance

By properly maintaining your home you will be rewarded while you live there as well as when you prepare to sell. Identifying minor problems as they arise and correcting them can prevent major problems, with additional expense, from occurring. A well maintained home generally will sell quicker and for a higher price.

Even though the items mentioned on this page may not include every item that may need to be checked, this should be a good starting point. I have separated the items into categories to assist you.

Interior

Bathrooms – Check the caulking around the shower, bathtub, sinks and toilet base. Check for cracked or missing grout between tiles.

Ceilings – Check the ceilings under all bathrooms. Evidence of a leak should show up here. By also checking the ceilings on the top level of your home you may determine if any roof leaks are present.

Smoke Alarms – Check your smoke alarms per the manufacturer´s instructions. It is also important to change the battery. A good rule to follow is to change the battery twice a year when you are resetting the clocks for the time change.

Windows and Doors – Check around windows and doors for any evidence of moisture that may be present after a rain shower.

Shut-off Valves – Know where the shut-off valves for water and gas are located in your home. Should a problem arise it is best to where these two valves are.

Exterior

Basement or Crawl Space – Check the basement or crawl space for moisture or dampness.

Decks and Patios – Check to make sure that stairs and railings are secure. If you have a wood deck keep it properly cleaned and sealed. By sealing the deck you should provide for a much longer service life.

Doors and Windows – Check for any deteriorated caulking or glazing compound, weather-stripping or broken/cracked window panes.

Foundation – Check the foundation and flooring for any cracks or deterioration.

Roof and Gutters – Check for any missing or damage shingles. Check the interior of the roof for any leaks. Check around any venting area where the vent goes out through the roof. Check the gutters and downspouts to make sure that they are clean and divert water away from the house. If needed add an extension to the downspout. Flexible extensions are available at most home improvement stores.

Trees and Shrubs – Check for any limbs that overhang the house. If they are close enough wind may brush them against the roof and damage your shingles. Check for any shrubbery that may be growing too close to the house. It is best to keep the shrubs trimmed away from the home, by doing so you allow for additional ventilation which will help the exterior dry out after a rain shower.

Major Systems

Heating and Cooling – Replace or clean (if reusable) the filter for your HVAC system every three months or per manufacturer´s instructions. Keep the area around the system clean and remove all clutter. Have the system serviced annually by a professional.

Electrical – Check all lamp cords and plugs for any damage. If your home has ground fault circuit interrupters trip them monthly to insure that they are working properly. Know where you main service panel is located and how to shut-off power to the entire home if needed.

Plumbing – Check for any leaks under the sinks in the kitchen or bathrooms. Check all faucets, hose bibs, water heater and the main supply line for any leaks. If you home is on a septic system have it checked by a qualified technician and then follow the technicians recommendation for future maintenance.
 
I hope that you find that these suggestions are helpful to you.