Owning a home is a lot of work as there are often things that need to be maintained or fixed. When you keep up with regular maintenance, you will save time and money in the future. The following is a list of simple home maintenance chores that you shouldn’t ignore.
Clean Gutters and Inspect the Roof
Gutters prevent rain from flowing off the roof and soaking into the ground against the foundation. If not cleaned regularly, clogged gutters can cause flooding in the crawl space or basement. Clean out the gutters at least twice per year to help rainwater flow freely through the downspouts. Make sure that the downspouts are directing water far away from the foundation of your house.
You should also inspect your roof. Look for any loose or rotted shingles or other problems that might lead to leaks and water damage inside your home. Pay special attention to the areas around chimneys, skylights, and exhaust vent pipes. If you do find a problem, call a licensed professional for repairs.
Inspect and Fix Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing maintenance should always be high on your list of home maintenance chores. Do you have a leaky faucet or rusty pipes? A leaky faucet is not only wasteful but will increase your water bill. Most leaks are minor and can be easily fixed by the homeowner.
Also, look for pipes that are rusty or possibly damaged. These pipes are at higher risk for bursting and causing major water damage. If you do find damaged pipes, it’s best to call a licensed plumber.
Home Maintenance Chores for Exterior Siding
Your house’s siding protects your home from water. Inspect the siding and look for any damage, rot, cracks, or holes. Even minor damage can cause big problems if not promptly fixed.
Depending on the type of siding you have, it might be time to replace it. Replacing your home’s siding is expensive, however, if the siding isn’t protecting the structure underneath, future repairs could be costly.
Kitchen and Bathroom Caulking
Caulk prevents water from leaking from your sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. If the caulk is cracked or failing, water can get into other areas of the kitchen or bathroom and cause mold. Mold is a serious problem that can damage your home and affect your family’s health.
Depending on how much mold you have and the damage that’s occurred, remediation and repairs can be very expensive. Caulk is cheap and applying it around the kitchen or bathroom is an easy task most homeowners can do themselves.
Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Does your house always feel drafty? If it does, there are likely air leaks around doors and windows. Drafts impact the energy efficiency of your house, leading to higher power bills because the air conditioner or furnace is running harder than it should to maintain a comfortable temperature. Add weatherstripping around doors and windows and caulk cracks.
Don’t Put Off Basic Home Maintenance Chores
Perform the above preventative maintenance to save money over the long term. You can make it even easier by spreading out these tasks over the course of the year. And if you’re ever in doubt, call in a professional to help you keep your house well-maintained.
Prudent Home Inspections provides inspection services for houses in the DC Metro area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.