When you become a homeowner, you should be aware of the key home maintenance tasks required to keep your house running efficiently. Your home is likely to be your biggest investment, so it pays to look after it as it can all impact on your home’s curb appeal! Carrying out regular maintenance will improve the value of your property, save you money, and help create a healthier living environment for you and your family. With this in mind, here are five tips to keep your home in top condition:
1. Check your plumbing systems regularly
You should visually inspect your plumbing systems regularly to check for warning signs like leaks or corrosion. If you find any issues with your pipes or drains, or notice water stains on your ceilings, then take action straight away. Failing to identify and resolve plumbing issues can lead to extensive water damage and major repairs costing thousands of dollars. It is possible to fix some common plumbing issues yourself if you have the necessary skills. However, it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber if you experience any serious issues like a burst pipe. Experts recommend having your plumbing system inspected by a professional plumber at least once every two years. A plumber will be able to identify any warning signs or potential hazards and resolve them before they have the chance to turn into something more serious.
2. Test your smoke detectors once a month
You must test your smoke detectors regularly to ensure that they are working efficiently. A smoke detector is installed in your property to keep you and your family safe by alerting you in the event of a fire. A functioning smoke alarm is vital in every household and could mean the difference between life and death. According to U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) – “Three out of five deaths from home fires occur in properties without functioning smoke detectors.” For that reason, you must test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure that they’re working correctly. The USFA recommends that you should test your smoke detectors at least once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Many smoke detectors have a test button that you can press to check the alarm. If no alarm sounds, then replace the batteries immediately. Remember that you should never put part-used batteries in your smoke detectors. Fortunately, you can easily carry out battery testing at home using a quality battery tester. That way, you will never be caught out without functioning batteries when you need them.
3. Inspect your home exteriors during spring
Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home’s exterior and get your property ready for the hot summer months. Walk around the exterior of your property and look for signs of damage such as cracks, peeling paint, and missing bricks/tiles. These things may seem minor, but they can have a hugely negative impact on your home’s curb appeal and lead to more serious long-term issues over time. For that reason, it’s advisable to maintain your home’s exterior and repair any damage as soon as possible. Fortunately, many of these issues can be repaired easily and quickly using silicone or caulk. If you notice any serious issues with your home’s exterior, such as problems with your roofing or structural damage, then it’s best to consult with a building expert and have any repairs carried out by a trained professional.
4. Have your heating system serviced annually
Having your heating system services annual is extremely important. Paying for a service may seem expensive, but it’s worth it considering the extensive damage to health and property that can occur if a heating system is not maintained. Experts at Bankrate.com state that the average cost of replacing a heating system is $4,250, while major repairs often cost up to $1,200. A qualified technician will be able to identify any potential hazards, check for carbon monoxide leaks, and ensure that your heating system is running in the most efficient way possible. This should help save you money in the long-run as you will be able to avoid costly repairs and reduce your monthly energy bills.
5. Protect your home against termites
Terminates are a serious threat to wooden homes and can cause extensive damage costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars to resolve. You must, therefore, protect your home from termites by reducing moisture levels and wood-to-soil contact, and using preventative termite treatments, especially in dark areas of your home like the basement or attic. You can also hire a termite specialist to inspect your home annually and look for any signs of a termite infestation.
