Proper Home Maintenance: It’s Impact & Importance

Routine maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving the longevity of a home's vital components. It involves ongoing tasks and upkeep to prevent wear and tear. In contrast, large capital improvements are significant investments aimed at enhancing or upgrading specific aspects of the home. While capital improvements can add value and comfort to your property, routine maintenance is the foundation that ensures these improvements continue to function optimally over time. By diligently attending to routine maintenance, you can extend the life of your home's most important elements. Everyone is feeling the squeeze right now with increased costs of labor and materials. If you want to keep more of your hard earned money, we suggest you make it a priority to be consistent with routine maintenance! In this blog post, we've provided you with some tips on what to check and how to take care of your home to prevent costly repairs. (Bonus: You can save the key points below and save them as a checklist for your home maintenance) routine.

1. Roof
   A roof is one of the most vital parts of a home. It protects your home not just from the rain but also from a lot of elements. Aesthetically, it enhances its curb appeal. Cleaning gutters, removing debris, sealing cracks and fixing damaged shingles can extend the lifespan of your roof and potentially avoid the need for a costly replacement. If your roof is old, damaged, or leaking, consider making the call to your insurance representive to understand the implications of making a claim to have to it replaced. If you have any plans to sell your home in the near future, this is definitely something buyers will request in today’s real estate environment. A new roof can improve your home's energy efficiency, reduce your energy bills, and also increase its value.

2. Foundation

   Foundation issues such as cracks, settling, or shifting can cause serious damage to your home's structure and also affect its resale value. Regular foundation inspections and repairs can prevent these issues from becoming worse. Keep an eye on any cracks to observe movement over time. Maintain proper drainage around your home by ensuring that the soil slopes away from the foundation and that downspouts are directing water away from the house. Make sure to inspect your foundation periodically and get any issues fixed immediately.

3. Plumbing

   Plumbing issues such as leaky pipes, clogged drains, and water heater problems can cause serious damage to your home. Regular plumbing maintenance can prevent these issues from occurring. Make sure to check for any leaks or drips in your plumbing system and get them fixed immediately. Most mainline professionals recommend the sewer line is cleaned every two years to ensure proper flow out of your home. Cleaning and clearing bathroom and sink drains regularly in addition to having your water heater serviced annually are a few other considerations to save you down the line (pun intended). By simply being mindful of what goes down the drain, you could avoid future major plumbing issues.

4. HVAC Systems

   Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are essential for keeping your home comfortable throughout the year. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system, such as cleaning or replacing filters is the most important thing a homeowner can do on thier own. Having the systems checked 1-2x a year by a licensed professional is recommended to ensure all moving parts stay lubricated, no leaks are present and the internal components are cleaned will keep things working for longer. Have the ductwork inspected and cleaned can help prevent breakdowns, improve its efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system.

5. Exterior Maintenance

   The exterior of your home is equally important as the interior. Regular exterior maintenance can prevent damage to your home's structure and also enhance its curb appeal. Make sure to inspect the roof, gutters, windows, doors, and siding for any signs of damage from intrusive vines or wear and tear from the elements. Regularly inspect and maintain the siding, paint, and sealants to protect against moisture intrusion, rot, and damage. Repair or replace them as needed, and also clean the exterior surfaces of your home regularly.

6. Electrical System

   Another important aspect of home maintenance is upgrading your electrical system. Old and outdated electrical systems can be dangerous and lead to electrical fires. So, make sure to upgrade your electrical system periodically, and ensure that all outlets, switches, and electrical appliances are in good working condition. Regularly check electrical outlets, panels, and wiring for any signs of damage or burning to have it addressed. Avoid overloading circuits and consider consulting a professional if you have an older home or suspect electrical issues.

7. Pest Control

   One of the most important aspects of home maintenance is pest control. Pests such as rodents, termites, and cockroaches can cause serious damage to your home and also pose health risks to your family members. Make sure to inspect your home for any signs of pest infestations on a regular basis, sealing entry points, and maintaining cleanliness to deter pests. You can either use DIY methods or seek help from a professional pest control service.

By following these tips and being proactive about home maintenance, you can save a lot of money in costly repairs and also protect your investment. So set your inspection reminders on a regular cadence to put you in the best position to be proactive and avoiding emergency repairs. Making time for this will ensure that your asset remains a safe, comfortable, and valuable place for you and your family for years to come.