- March 29, 2024
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Home ownership is the American dream. You can build equity and save for your future all while making your living space a personalized oasis from the stress of the outside world. While potentially profitable and pleasurable, owning a home isn’t without its responsibilities and costs.
Your home is a like a living breathing organism. You need to take care of it in order for it to stay healthy and avoid costly surprises like wood rot, roof repairs or worse. Similar to going to your doctor for regular check ups, checking in on the condition of your home and performing preventative care maintenance can save you major money and protect your investment for the long run, whether your intent is to flip, move up into something larger or pass your home on to your family.
With the warmer months upon us here in Florida, I thought it appropriate to share a checklist of items to add to your quarterly calendar courtesy of Lowes and Better Homes and Gardens to help you stay one step ahead of the handyman.
See below for suggestions on what to do when and sleep better at night knowing you are caring for the most important investment you’ll ever make the right way.
Spring Home Maintenance
Exterior:
Clean gutters and downspouts
Inspect roof and chimney for damage
Touch up paint
Interior:
Test smoke detectors
Dust blinds vacuum curtains
Clean out kitchen and bathroom cabinets, checking for water intrusion and or mildew
Summer Home Maintenance
Exterior:
Prune trees and shrubs
Remove lint from dryer exhaust vent with long flexible brush
Service air conditioner and clean coils as needed
Interior:
Change or clean a/c filters
Clean ductwork as needed
Flush water heater
Clean kitchen appliances including fridge coils and water filter replacement for fridge as needed
Fall Home Maintenance
Exterior:
Clean gutters and downspouts (again, yay!)
Rake leaves and use as mulch
Check doors and any areas of your homes exterior for wood rot, repair and treat as needed
Interior:
Check windows and doors for weather stripping and weather tightness
Treat for insects as needed
Check all toilets and sinks for functionality and water tightness of seals
Winter Home Maintenance
Exterior:
Check locks and hardware, replace or repair as needed
Pressure wash driveways or exterior surfaces
Inspect garage door for any issues, clean out garage
Interior:
Check for frayed wires or cords
Dust tops of cabinets appliances and high shelves or pieces of furniture
Clean carpets if any
Clean grout in tiled areas
While this is certainly not a complete list of all possible items of maintenance for any home, it’s a good start. The main principle here is to get used to walking the interior and exterior of your home in order to spot small problems before they grow larger as well as remembering to care for the systems in your home. With a watchful eye and a bit of elbow grease now and then you’re sure to have a healthy home and a secure investment.