Protecting Your Asset

Owning a home, without a doubt, is a tremendous responsibility. Part of protecting this investment is proper maintenance.   The truth is, the number of repairs needed can be reduced if regular maintenance is conducted. Regular, preventive maintenance can pay off in huge dividends.  In many cases even reduce utility costs.  The most significant payoff is resale value.  We all want our home to maintain its value throughout the years.

Regularly inspect your home – inside and outside. Use a checklist to help you familiarize yourself with the condition of your house and its state of repair. Doing minor, routine maintenance helps to prolong the life of the home and may prevent the need for major repairs. An inspection also helps you plan and save for major improvements.  Maintenance checks include checking interior and exterior faucets and pipes for leaks. Check hot water heater for rust and leaks. Lubricate hinges and apply wood protectorate. Make sure weep holes are free of dirt and clear. Make sure air filters are changed regularly. Check and clean grout. Inspect wiring and ducts. Make sure there is proper drainage around the foundation and landscape. Water should drain away from the house.  Check for signs of roaches, termites, and rodents. Clean gutters and downspouts.  If gutters are full of debris, water can back up against the house and damage roofing and siding. Make sure shingles are in good condition.  Check attic for signs of roof leaks or at least scan it closely with binoculars.  If you need to, hire a handyman to repair a few shingles if it is not the entire roof. Check and clean chimney.

Look for signs of peeling paint.  Look for leaks around window sills. If there are gaps between siding, windows, or door frames that are more than the width of a nickel, exterior caulk needs to be reapplied. Clean kitchen range hood screens.  Clean dryer vents and exhaust fans. Clean air conditioner coils.  Check washing machine hose connections. Check toilet shut-off valve. Check traps under sinks. You can hire a technician will inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure the system is clean and in good repair, and that it can achieve its manufacturer-rated efficiency.  Also have the technician check for carbon monoxide leaks.

For many the purchase of a home is the biggest and most significant investment of their life.  Take care of it and make sure you are always protecting your asset.

Source: “QUIZ” 15 Fall and Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Home. 01 Sept. 2011. Web. 04 Nov. 2012. “Maintenance of Your Home.” – Home Maintenance, Home Repair, Housing Construction. Web. 04 Nov. 2012.

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