What's the secret behind a well-preserved, efficient, and valuable home?
Regular, organized maintenance.
If you own a home, you know the myriad tasks required to keep it looking its best and functioning as it should—tasks ranging from simple cleaning to complex repairs and upgrades.
So, where do you start?
An annual home-maintenance checklist can be your best friend.
The importance of regular home maintenance
Regular maintenance not only keeps your home attractive; it also helps you avoid costly repair expenses. Consider it an ongoing investment in preserving your home's value and your wellness and comfort.
What should be on your annual home-maintenance checklist?
Annual home-maintenance tasks can be broken down into categories based on the area they impact:
System maintenance: Regularly check HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Change HVAC filters.
- Have the heating and air conditioning system serviced.
- Ensure smoke detectors are functioning.
Interior maintenance: Perform a thorough annual inspection of your home’s interior. Look for signs of wear and tear, water damage, and other issues. Check the floor for loose tiles or squeaky boards. Test the doors and windows to make sure they open and close smoothly and lock as they should.
Exterior maintenance: From roof to foundation, your home’s exterior bears the brunt of weather-related wear and tear. So, it’s a good idea to
- inspect the roof annually for damage or leaks;
- clean the gutters to prevent water damage;
- check exterior paint and siding for peeling or cracks; and
- prune trees and shrubs and ensure lawn health.
A Clarence, New York, family lived in a custom-built home for more than a decade without conducting annual maintenance, not realizing its importance until their neglected HVAC system broke down in the midst of a summer heat wave. Repairs were extensive and cost a lot. And they may well have been avoided with an annual HVAC check, which can catch small issues before they become costly problems.
The role of professionals in home maintenance
While you yourself can do some of the tasks on your maintenance checklist, others require the expertise of professionals. This is especially true for systems checks and structural inspections. Professionals can provide accurate diagnosis and repair, enhancing the lifespan of home systems.
Conclusion
Keeping up with annual home maintenance tasks might seem daunting, but it’s worthwhile. It's not just about preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home; it's about preserving its function and value, too.
At Natale Builders, we understand the importance of a well-maintained home. We don't just build beautiful, custom homes in the Buffalo area; we help our clients maintain the value and longevity of their dream homes.
