Top 9 Home Maintenance Tips
Properly looking after your home by performing preventative maintenance is one of the most important things when it comes to keeping it in excellent condition.
If you’re thinking about what you need to do, how much it costs, and more, you’ve come to the right place.
It pays off long-term if you look after your home and continue to keep it well-maintained.
With that in mind, here are my top nine home maintenance tips to keep your home in the best possible condition for many years to come.
Cleaning the Gutters
Cleaning the gutters is one of the best things you can do when it comes to preventing water damage, avoiding pests, and most of all, maintaining the longevity of your roof.
I recommend cleaning your gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Also, if you have enough time, make sure to check your gutters after a heavy rainstorm as this can be one of the biggest reasons for a clogged gutter.
Although it’s not one of the most fun jobs to have to do, the average homeowner pays about $150 to have their gutters and downspouts professionally cleaned.
Water Heater Maintenance
The water heater may not be the most glamorous thing in your home, but it is extremely important.
By looking after your water heater properly, it will be much more efficient, and you can use it for much longer.
But how often should it be maintained? Well, this depends mainly on the type of heater and what the manufacturer recommends. In general, it’s recommended to maintain it once a year.
But you’re probably thinking, what does ‘maintenance’ include? From testing the pressure relief valve to inspecting the anode rod and flushing the tank, there are a fair few tasks you need to understand when maintaining it.
Whether you watch a youtube video to get info or use a professional (costs range from $100 - $200), as long as it’s done routinely, you don’t have to worry about expensive replacements.
Recaulking Windows, Bathrooms & Kitchens
Recaulking windows, bathrooms, and kitchens might not be the most fun activity to do in your free time, but it needs to be done if you want to avoid water damage and air leaks.
But what is caulking, and why do I need to do it? Well, over time, the caulk in your windows, bathrooms, and kitchens will slowly dry out, leaving cracks and gaps that allow air and water to seep into your home.
By recaulking, you can seal these gaps tightly shut, stopping your beautiful home from getting water damage.
It’s always a good idea to routinely check these areas to see if they need recaulking and then do it once you start to see the cracks. It is quite cheap to do it yourself – it only costs about 0.10 - 0.30 cents per linear foot. All you need is a steady hand and a tube of caulk, and you’re good to start!
However, if you want a professional to get it done, it will cost around $1.50 to $4.50 per linear foot.
Seal the Granite Countertops
If you have a granite countertop, you’ll need to seal them. A granite countertop sealer is a protective layer on the surface of granite, helping keep the granite looking stunning and stopping stains.
By getting a good granite countertop sealer, you can keep it looking magnificent for a long time.
Make sure to seal the countertops about once a year to protect them from stains and damage. A countertop sealer spray bottle will only set you back by about $20, and after a quick spray, you can go back to using it once more without worrying about it getting damaged.
HVAC servicing
Having your HVAC system serviced is a must.
Unfortunately, this one is quite hard to do yourself, so I recommend you contact a local HVAC servicing company to check it out and do some necessary repairs on it if need be.
You should try and have it serviced once a year. On average, the servicing fees can range anywhere from $150 - $200.
In short, the cost is worth it. No one wants to get to summer and realise the ventilation system doesn’t work.
Change your HVAC filters regularly
This one is similar to the one before but equally as important. Regularly changing your HVAC filters is a must.
Many people don’t change their filters much, as they often get expensive ones and don’t replace them. However, regularly replacing the filters is more important than the quality of the filters. So, if you’re strapped for cash, use a cheaper filter and replace it regularly.
If you don’t replace them, your HVAC system will work harder as a result, and the dust accumulated there will make it more difficult to push air out, providing you with less efficient airflow.
Cleaning Dryer Vents
If there’s only one home maintenance tip you are going to put into action today, it should be this one.
If you don’t properly clean your dryer vents, your dryer will be nowhere near as efficient, and most of all, there’s a big risk that your dryer will set fire. Generally, I recommend that you clean your dryer vents every 18 to 24 months to be on the safe side.
If it’s accessible, it should be reasonably easy to do yourself, but if you need a professional, this can cost around $100 to $200 depending on how difficult it is to clean.
Finally, if you notice a strange burning smell or an excessive amount of lint on the outside of the vent, you should have it cleaned immediately to reduce the risk of fires.
Service your Smoke Alarms
Another extremely important task to remember is to service your smoke alarms. One great advantage of this one is that it is extremely easy to do. You don’t need to worry about getting professionals in for this one! Just press the test button on the smoke alarm, and if it works, then everything’s fine. It’s recommended to test them out once a month.
If you are unable to reach your smoke alarm, a general handyman can do the job.
Generally, smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years. If your smoke alarms have gone past that date, it should only cost around $15 to get one replaced.
Preventing pests
Pests are a nuisance everywhere in the world. To ensure your home doesn’t get a pest infestation, there are a few things you need to do.
First of all, find out what sort of pests are common in your area. You will find that a lot of homeowners will do pest treatments about once a year, but this generally depends on the type of pest and the infestation that occurs.
A one-time pest treatment for outbreaks will cost about $100 to $300, but you can get it cheaper if you have a regular maintenance plan with your local pest control company.
All in all, this tip shouldn’t be forgotten. Pests can damage your property and make your life miserable. No one wants that!
Try Out These Preventative Maintenance Tips Today!
Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. You don’t want it going into disrepair. By taking on board these nine home maintenance tips, you will be able to keep it properly maintained and looking as great as the day you bought it.
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