No matter how old your home is, there are some set tasks that every homeowner needs to complete. Yearly checks can stop you from needing to pay out large amounts of money on repairs. Older homes may need more intensive checklists, but in general, all homes are built similarly and need the same TLC.
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Gutters
Your gutters perform an essential function, and if they are clogged and filled with debris, they can cause damage to the outside of your home pretty quickly. Clogged and dirty gutters, fascia, and soffits can lead to rotting and leaks. They don’t just look unsightly; these can be a disaster waiting to happen unless they are checked and maintained.
Clogs
Even the smallest clog in your pipe work can lead to a disaster. Smaller clogs are the start of big ones; as debris gets flushed away or goes down the drain, it will attach itself to the smaller clog.
Clogs cause smells, but they also cause water not to be able to pass through and lead to leaks. Check under cabinets and sinks for any leaks – and for those who don’t use a sink stopper, this is even more important.
An anti-clog sink stopper/strainer is one of the best prevention methods for food and other items making their way down the drain.
Using a solution designed to remove clogs is a great start, but it is worth calling a plumber for anything more extensive.
Flickering
Over the years, bulbs will fail, but if you notice that it happens more often in one place, then it is time to call your local electricians. When lights flicker or there are issues with shorting, that is something that needs to be taken care of by a professional.
For older homes, the entire electrical system might need an overhaul, but this is less likely for new ones. You might also find that you really need more sockets instead of more extension cables.
AC & HVAC
Perhaps two of the hardest working things in the home are the AC and the HVAC – which means they are both prone to clogging up and not working as they should. To get the best from these, they need to be working at their most efficient.
What that looks like is regular maintenance and repairs when required. When you have a house full of people and pets, your filters really need to be changed once a month.
When the units aren’t working efficiently, they become more expensive to run, and you won’t get the benefit.
Windows and Doors
Doing an inspection of the sealant around your windows and doors will help you catch any gaps that might be letting out your warm air. All caulk and sealants will get old eventually, somewhere between the 2 and 5-year mark – checking regularly will help you spot it sooner and repair or replace it in a timely fashion.
In the mood to get as much done as possible? Here are some more areas to look at: Top 7 Home Maintenance Tasks You Need To Take Care Of.
