Everything inside and outside of a home needs to be maintained to keep the home looking great and to help minimize the potential for major issues. Yet, there are some elements of a home that homeowners tend to forget about until something does happen. Keep this checklist handy and review it periodically to make sure none of these elements are forgotten about and left until a disaster occurs.
The Roof and Gutters
The home’s roof and gutters are easy to forget about until there’s a leak, but keeping an eye on them can help prevent many issues. Gutters should be cleaned out at least twice a year to prevent clogs and the roof should be inspected at least once per year to catch any issues before they get worse. Companies like Tittle Brothers Construction can perform inspections and handle any necessary repairs.
The Landscaping
At least twice a year, walk through the yard to check for damage to trees or shrubs that may be dying. Remove any branches that have fallen as needed and keep leaves raked to discourage pests. If there is any damage noted on trees in the yard, have them checked by an arborist to see if the tree is at risk of falling.
HVAC System
The heating and air conditioning system should be inspected yearly to ensure it’s continuing to operate properly. Cleaning the coils outside and checking to make sure there are no leaks can help minimize the potential for something to happen. Make sure the filters are also replaced as needed to minimize wear and tear on the system.
Plumbing System
While large leaks are easy to notice, smaller leaks may go undetected for a period of time. At least once a year, inspect any part of the plumbing system that can be seen to make sure there aren’t any small or slow leaks. Though they might not seem like much, slow or small leaks can wastewater and can encourage the growth of mold.
The Siding
At least seasonally, check the siding to make sure there is no damage. Damaged siding can allow pests to get inside of the home. The siding should also be cleaned as needed. Dirty siding not only looks bad, but it can cause damage to the siding over time. Check the type of siding to see how it can be cleaned or hire a professional to clean it as needed.
The Water Heater
The water heater should be drained once a year to remove sediment that can build up at the bottom. Beyond that, check the water heater to see if it has any leaks and to make sure it’s still working properly. If the water doesn’t remain hot as long anymore, have a professional inspect it to see if it needs to be repaired or replaced.
Washer and Dryer
Check the washing machine’s plumbing to make sure there aren’t any leaks at least once per year. The lint catch on the dryer should be cleaned out every time a load is done. At least once per year, remove the exhaust and clean out any lint that has accumulated or had a professional handle it to prevent buildup, follow this house cleaning checklist for each area of your home.
Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Detectors
Test smoke and carbon dioxide detectors at least twice per year to ensure they’re functioning. Replace batteries before testing if they are not hard-wired into the home. This ensures they will work properly if they’re ever needed.
There’s a lot to keep track of inside a home, but these are some of the elements that can create the most problems if they aren’t properly maintained. Follow this list to make sure everything in your home is kept in top shape.