Owning a home comes along with a long list of responsibilities, but keeping up with annual maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your property. A little effort and attention to detail once a year can save you significant amount of money in the long run , we will explore 18 essential maintenance task that you should perform annually to avoid expensive repairs and keep your home in excellent condition.
Inspect the gutters
First on the block is inspect gutters and clean the gutters, playing crucial role and directing rainwater away from your homes foundation clogged gutters can cause water overflow leading to foundation damage, roof leaks, and mold growth. Once a year, clean your gutters and downspouts to remove any leaves or debris. Also check Chek for signs of damage or sagging and repair them as necessary.
The roof
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. Conduct an annual roof inspection to check for missing or damaged shingles, leaks or signs of. Addressing minor issues can prevent more extensive damage and costly roof repairs in the future.
Fix windows and doors
Overtime, cracks and gaps can develop around windows and doors, allowing for giraffes and moisture to enter the home. Inspect and caulk and weatherstripping around the windows and doors, and replace damaged or worn material. This will not only help improve your energy efficiency, but also prevent water damage and mold growth.
Safety should always be a top priority in your home. Tess all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors annually to ensure that they are functioning correctly. Replacing the batteries as needed and checking for expiration dates on each device. These detectors are vital to alerting you for potential dangers, and keeping your family safe.
Regular maintenance for HVAC
Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system works hard to keep your home comfortable year-round. Schedule an annual appointment with a professional, the clean and inspect your HVAC system. Regular maintenance can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your furnace and AC unit and improve the energy efficiency.
Hot water and plumbing
Settlement buildup in your water heater can reduce the efficiency and lead the costly repairs or even replacement. Once a year, flush your water heater to remove sediment and improvements performance. This simple task can help prolong the life of your water heater and ensure it runs smoothly.
Check your homes, plumbing system for leaks, drips or signs of corrosion. Pay close attention to the exposed pipes in your basement, crawlspace, or under the sink. Any issues promptly to prevent water damage and reduce the risk of repairs.
Clogged dryer vent, not only reduces the efficiency of your dryer, but also opposes the fire hazard. Cleaning your dryer vent annually to remove lint buildup and improve airflow is beneficial. This can extend the life of your dryer, reduce and prevent fire risks.
Inspecting for pests
Can cause significant damage to your home if left unchecked. Conduct an annual inspection for any signs of pests such as rodents, termites, and ants. Look for two marks or droppings or structural damage. If you find evidence of an infestation, contact a pest control service in Michigan to address these issues promptly.
Outdoor living requires regular maintenance to stay in good conditions. Inspect your deck or patio for annual signs of damage such as loose boards, cracks, or rock. Clean the surface and apply at fresh coat of sealant or stain to protect the wood and enhance the appearance.
Taking care of trees
Overgrown trees and shrubs can damage the homes exterior, your roof and siding. Trim any branches that are close to the house or powerlines to prevent potential damage during storms. Proper pruning also promotes healthy growth and enhances your homes curb appeal.
A salad foundation is crucial for your home structural integrity. Check for cracks or signs of shifting in your foundation once a year. Small cracks can be filled with caulk or concrete filler, but larger issues may require professional attention. Early detection of foundation problems prevent extensive costly repairs.
Fixing driveways
Driveways and walkways and deteriorate overtime due to the weather exposure and heavy moves. Seal any cracks and apply fresh coat of sealant to asphalt or concrete surfaces annually. This prevents further damage and extends the life expand of your outdoor surfaces. If you have a gravel driveway, we can help you also.
Cleaning the chimney
If you have a fireplace, it is essential clean and inspected annually to ensure safe operation. Remove any ash or soot buildup and check for signs of damages or blockages in the chimney. Higher professional chimney sweep if needed to inspect your chimney for potential hazards.
Sump pump help prevent basement flooding by removing excess water from your home foundation. Test your pump annually to ensure it is working correctly. Pour water into the pump to see if the pump activates and removes the water efficiently. A functioning sump pump is crucial to protecting your basement from any water damage.
Outdoor lighting is essential for safety and security around your home test exterior annually to make sure that they are working correctly. Replace any bulbs that are burnt out and clean the fixtures to improve visibility and enhance your homes exterior.
Garage door maintenance
Your garage door is a significant part of your home and requires regular maintenance. Inspect the door and components such as the springs, cables, and rollers. For any signs of where end damage. Lubricate moving parts and clean tracks to ensure smooth operation and prevent potential breakdowns.
This last one is not a physical task. It is also very prudent of homeowners to review their homeowners insurance policy annually. Ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings, especially if you’ve made significant improvements or purchases in the past year. This helps protect you financially in case of unforeseen events. You might also want to read our 10 waste of time upgrades.