Owning a home is an enormous responsibility. Along with the financial part of homeownership, you’ll need to prepare for some home upkeep projects. Let’s take a look at what should be on your home maintenance checklist.
Why Home Maintenance Is Essential
Your road to homeownership in Eugene was most likely a little stressful. It’s tempting to want to relax and sink into enjoying your new digs when you get the keys to your new front door. While we’re all for falling in love with your home, don’t neglect to perform routine home maintenance.
Think of caring for your house like you would a dental cleaning. Very few people want to schedule a trip to the dentist for expensive dental work, so they add six-month cleanings to their to-do lists. In much the same way, completing regular home maintenance tasks will prevent costly repair bills down the line.
Home Maintenance Checklist
The surest way to avoid costly home repairs is through regular upkeep. Happily, many maintenance tasks fall into the DIY category. Sticking to a standard home maintenance checklist timeline is a terrific way to keep your home in tip-top condition.
Here are five simple projects that belong in your DIY home maintenance schedule.
No.1- Check the Smoke Detectors
According to the National Fire Protection Association, tens of thousands of houses catch fire in the United States each year. Don’t jeopardize the safety of your home and loved ones. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change out the batteries at least twice a year.
No.2- Replace the Furnace Filter
Investing in furnace maintenance is a smart way to prepare for winter’s freezing temperatures. Please make an effort to replace dirty filters before they impair your furnace’s ability to keep the house warm. The house will stay cozy on chilly days, and you’ll save money through lower utility bills.
No.3- Clean the Garbage Disposal
Does your kitchen reek of nasty garbage disposal odors? There’s no denying that garbage disposal makes cleaning up after meals much more manageable. However, all the food particles that make their way through the appliance can create quite a hefty stench.
Read this article for advice on cleaning even the dirtiest garbage disposal unit.
No.4- Replace Bathtub Grout
Bathtub grout is both a joy and a pain. On the plus side, sturdy grout helps prevent leaks, mold, and mildew from getting a foothold in the bathroom. On the negative side, maintaining healthy grout does take long-term scrubbing effort.
Along with regular scrubbing, you should expect to replace deteriorated grout every once in a while. Fortunately, installing new grout is a doable DIY effort with the right grouting and a grout gun. Bob Vila leads you through the regrouting process here.
No.5- Seal Leaky Windows and Doors
Do you notice a breeze when you walk near a closed window or door? If so, it’s a smart idea to close up the leaky areas to minimize your home’s energy consumption. Indeed, applying caulk and weather stripping material to combat air leaks is a terrific way to save money on utilities as well as improving the overall health of your home.
Your house will benefit if you use our home maintenance checklist tips. However, some prevention tasks are safer to leave to a professional. We cover those types of projects next.
When Do You Need a Professional for Home Maintenance?
Although many home maintenance tasks are relatively simple, DIY projects, some jobs require a professional. A sensible rule of thumb is to call a pro if you could endanger your life or the safety of your home by attempting a homemade fix.
Examples of projects requiring a professional’s expertise include anything that involves electricity, plumbing, and roofing. Additionally, consider relying on a professional for tasks that require permits and significant construction.
It’s not always easy to find an outstanding contractor that fits your timetable and budget. We suggest you use your social network for help in finding one in your area. Once you have a few contractor leads, remember to check references and to ask for proof of licensing and insurance before signing any contracts.
Last Thoughts
Owning your first house requires consistent effort if you want a safe and comfortable home. Regular home maintenance will reward you by preventing huge repair problems in the future. Creating a workable home maintenance checklist makes it easy to stay on top of upkeep.
If you are ready for a home maintenance checklist, contact us at Strategic Mortgage Solutions in Eugene, Oregon. We’ll help you find a home loan that meets your lifestyle and budget.