Conducting maintenance on your home can be overwhelming, but it is very important nonetheless. You may find yourself asking, "Where do I even start?", "Do I need to hire someone?", "What should I be looking out for?", "How do I know which parts of my home need maintenance?" Don't worry! Doing maintenance on your home doesn't have to be stressful. With a little bit of planning and prioritization, it can be fun too!
You should start planning your maintenance tasks as soon as you move in so that you can start off on the right foot. There are some main points that should be on your mind when you are thinking about where to start first: Safety, health, energy efficiency, water intrusion, and comfort. The good thing is, your inspection report should list all of the issues that you need to address! But let's go over the main things you should be looking for. But remember! Refer to your inspection report for issues you should prioritize first!
-Safety
Your home should always be free of any hazards, so let's start there.
Check for any sharp objects like nails that are exposed and can easily cause an injury.
Check for any fall or trip hazards like loose stairs or handrails, large drop-offs, or large openings or divots that should be filled in.
Check for any exposed wiring or electrical equipment that may be a shock hazard.
Check all decks and balconies for loose hardware or supports.
-Health
Be on the lookout for any health hazards so that you can keep yourself and your family healthy.
Check for lead-based paints and/or lead piping.
Get a mold inspection if it was not included in your move-in inspection.
Make sure you have both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed in each bedroom and living area. You can buy dual types that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.
-Energy efficiency
This is a good one because the more efficient your home is, the more money you save on energy bills!
Check for any dripping faucets, running toilets, or any other water source that is using water when it shouldn't be.
Make sure the insulation in your attic is at least at the same level as your ceiling joists. Generally, the more insulation, the better. Insulation helps keep the cold air in and the hot air out!
Check all your door seals to ensure there is no air escaping when the doors are closed. Reseal if needed.
Think about investing in smart devices that can turn off your electrical devices and HVAC when they are not in use.
High-quality windows can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
-Water intrusion
This is an important one. Anywhere in the home where there is water intrusion can turn into a serious problem. It may not look like it at first, but over time, it can damage the structure and reliability of your home and possibly expose you to health risks like mold if not addressed.
Check for any swollen wooden parts of the home structure or water stains that are located near water sources like in the bathrooms, kitchen, and exterior doors. If you see any, it could be a sign that water is getting in where it shouldn't be.
Check all areas that have caulking and re-caulk if you notice deterioration or peeling.
Look on the exterior parts of the home to see if you notice any signs of water damage that you can address. Take a close look at areas where water runoff from the roof can fall and splash onto exposed wooden material.
-Last but not least, comfort!
This one is dependent on the homeowner and varies from person to person. Start thinking about how you can make living in your home easier and more comfortable.
Maybe get some shelves installed in the garage to keep your paint and chemicals in a safe place.
Maybe start looking at options for adding a pergola or other type of structure on the back patio to provide some shade when you want to relax outside in your new home!
Invest in some shades or blinds to keep the sunlight out or let it in for your cats to bathe in.
As you can see, maintaining your new home can be a lot, but it is important in order to save money and live comfortably! These are just a few pointers and ideas to keep in mind! Comment below if you have any questions or ideas on how you came up with your maintenance plan. See you next time!
Comments