Creating a Home Maintenance Checklist 

Your home is likely the most valuable asset you own. Surprisingly, many people do not give this asset the attention it deserves. They ignore maintenance and basic care, allowing it to slowly deteriorate around them.

Usually, this isn’t on purpose. Many homeowners simply don’t think about maintenance in a meaningful way. Do not allow yourself to become one of them.

Instead, create a home maintenance checklist. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. We’re here to help. Go through this list twice a year and your home will stay in near perfect condition.

Start With Your Home’s Exterior

It’s best to begin on the outside. Do a simple walk around of the house. Examine the foundation. You want to look for cracks and any signs of the foundation shifting.

Foundation repairs can be notoriously expensive, so it is best to find any damage early before it becomes worse. Once you’re done with the foundation, move on to the siding.

Look for any cracked or loose boards. Damaged siding lets the elements in, which can lead to serious structural damage. Any damaged siding should be replaced as soon as possible.

Pay Attention to Water Management

It may surprise you to learn that water poses one of the biggest risks to a home. You should look inside your gutters and make sure that they are clear of leaves or other debris.

If they are clogged, they will overflow. You should also make sure that downspouts are in good repair and direct all water away from the foundation of your home.

Additionally, you should look for any standing water around your home after rainstorms. If there is any present, it is not draining correctly.

Finally, keep an eye out for any water damage around windows, doors, and walls. This indicates improper sealing that should be redone immediately.

Don’t Overlook the Roof

Your roof is arguably the most important part of your house. It acts as a shield and protects literally every other part of your home and everything inside of it.

To make sure it stays in working order, you should look for:

● Missing, cracked, or curling shingles

● Damaged flashing

● Sagging roof sections

● Granules collecting in gutters

● Water stains on ceilings or attic surfaces

All of these are signs of damage that could become severe if left unattended. However, roof repair is not really a DIY project.

You should hire a professional residential roofing company to make any repairs for you. This will ensure that repairs are done right and that your home is safe.

Maintain Essential Home Systems

Once you’re done with the exterior, it’s time to move inside. Go through all of your home’s essential systems. This means changing filters in your HVAC system and scheduling its routine servicing.

You should also check all smoke detectors and CO2 detectors and ensure that they are in working order. Finally, check your water heater for leaks or signs of corrosion.

If your water heater ruptures, you’re looking at serious money to repair the resulting water damage. In fact, according to Forbes, a flooded basement can cost up to $50,000 to repair.

Keep a Maintenance Log

It is important that you keep a maintenance log.

This log should include:

● A record of completed maintenance tasks.

● Receipts for professional repairs and inspections.

● The age and service history of major appliances and systems.

● Reminders for recurring maintenance items.

This log will become invaluable later on. For example, if your water heater fails, you may find in your files that it is still under warranty.

Know When to Call a Professional

One of the most important things when it comes to home maintenance is knowing your limits. Yes, DIY repairs can save you money, but only when done correctly.

If you are inexperienced or don’t have the right skills, attempting a repair yourself can easily end up costing much more than a professional repair. Not to mention, it can be dangerous.

Be honest with yourself and call in a professional’s help for any large or serious maintenance projects.