This month on the Welcome Home blog, we look at basic home maintenance tasks that are easy to do and can save you thousands of dollars over the long term.
So you’ve moved into your own home, the boxes are all
unpacked (for the most part, right?) and you’ve finally got some time to
explore the ‘bones’ of your investment. Great! Here are some basic maintenance
tasks that are easy to do and can save you big money down the road:
- Replace furnace and air conditioner filters
monthly. Have heating systems professionally inspected and tuned at least every
two years. - Inspect the caulk around bathtubs and showers.
Caulk prevents moisture from seeping into walls and floors, so replace when
needed. - Inspect wall surfaces and ceilings for damp
spots, mildew, discoloration or bulges caused by leaks and condensation. Early
detection can be the difference between a minor repair and a major expense. - Clean gutters and downspouts. Keep rainwater
away from the foundation with downspout extensions. - Check the roof and have missing, loose or
damaged shingles replaced. - Remove seedlings and small trees growing near your
foundation and in sidewalks. Remove vines clinging to the side of the home. - Trim trees and shrubs, especially those touching
the home’s exterior. - Know where your main interior water-shut-off
valve is and test it every year. - When winter approaches, shut off the valves to
exterior faucets and drain any hoses.
New homeowners also should revisit their home inspection report. Does it call out any easy fixes or inexpensive repairs? Taking care of them now means they won’t be an issue moving forward. And if the report indicates the potential for any more expensive projects within the next few years, start planning now how you’ll set money aside to pay for the repairs.