What to Know About Home Maintenance

Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes

When you transition from renting to owning a property, there are some important tasks to incorporate into your routine. Performing maintenance is a mandatory part of homeownership, but some first-time homebuyers are unprepared. Let’s break down what home maintenance is and what sort of tasks to expect.

What is Home Maintenance?

Maintenance is the process of inspecting, servicing, repairing, or replacing various parts of your property to preserve its value. Specifically, it’s about performing tasks that keep your home safe, secure, and looking great.

Maintenance can include:

• Regular/routine
• Preventative
• Seasonal
• Corrective
• Cosmetic

How Much Should You Expect to Spend on Home Maintenance?

Experts suggest that a home maintenance fund should be roughly 1-4% of your home’s value. According to Zillow’s Home Values Index, the average home value is $369,000. Based on expert suggestions, an owner should allocate a little over $3,500 for their maintenance and repairs fund.

Should You Create a Home Maintenance Plan?

Scheduling or creating a checklist of the tasks you need to perform can help ensure consistent upkeep. Additionally, a schedule can help proactively address your home’s wear and tear, helping you avoid larger problems in the long run.

Monthly Maintenance

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Clean filters, including your HVAC, furnace, and kitchen range hoods
• Check for leaks by toilets and sinks
• Unclog drains

Seasonal Maintenance

Autumn

• Inspect and winterize your HVAC system
• Clean gutters of leaves or replace them if necessary
• Check your roof and windows for drafts
• Inspect trees on your property for dying or damaged limbs

Winter

• Disconnect outside faucets and drain water
• Clean and service your chimney
• Reverse ceiling fans
• Clean your sump pump

Spring

• Evaluate your property’s grade
• Inspect your home’s exterior for siding or foundation cracks
• Prune shrubs, trees, and other vegetation around your home and patio
• Air out outdoor furniture and check for pests

Summer

• Inspect your roof and siding for sun damage
• Make sure awnings and shades are free of holes
• Keep your pool clean and properly chemically balanced
• Clean and replace HVAC filters

Yearly Maintenance

• Drain and clean out your hot water heater
• Clear your dryer’s exhaust and ensure the vent is operational
• Clean bathrooms’ exhaust fan grills
• Look for signs of pests
• Have your roof inspected
• Deep clean your home
• Change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries

Keeping Your Home Maintained

Homeownership is a commitment to your property and neighborhood. To keep it at its best, be sure to incorporate regular upkeep and maintenance into your ownership routine. Some tasks can be done by yourself, but others should be handled by professionals—much like the home finance process. Ready to work with a company of professionals that puts your needs first? Contact us!