What to Include in Your Handy Homeowner’s Maintenance Checklist

Homes are like living, breathing animals. They require constant care. Without it, the house will deteriorate and literally die a slow death. That’s why it’s important you not only purchase materials, systems, and appliances for your home that come with substantial warranties, but that you maintain a rigid repair schedule for everything from the roof down to the foundation.

You should also think twice about what type of construction products you use when it comes to the longevity and overall health of your home. For instance, a metal roof will always last longer than standard asphalt shingles which can crack in the hot sun and suffer from the mold during back-to-back rainy seasons.

Says a representative of Piedmont Roofing, a Loudoun roofing contractor in Virginia, A standing seam metal roof not only provides beauty but also proves longevity. If your asphalt roof is deteriorating before your eyes, you should contact a reputable roofer who specializes in standing-seam metal roofing for a consult.     

But aside from roofing, what other things should you include in your handy homeowner’s maintenance checklist? According to a recent report, when you purchase a home, you can be extremely aware of the numbers, such as the mortgage rate, the down payment, closing costs and associated fees, and more.

Homeowner’s Maintenance Checklist

One thing you might not be all that aware of however is the costs that come about once the sale is done. This is the money you will be spending on maintenance and repairs. Say the experts, a good “rule of thumb” is to put away between one and three percent of your home’s overall cost every year to cover the cost of repairs.   

If you’re thinking about renovation or if your new home is decades old, you need to put away about $3,000 per year for every $100,000 you’ve spent on the home’s purchase. While this might seem like a lot of money to put aside for maintenance, you need to consider the sudden surprises that can come your way like burst pipes, broken boilers, leaky roofs, broken windows, and so much more.

This is why it pays not only to set aside maintenance/repair money but to also create a handy homeowners maintenance checklist.  

Creating a Monthly Checklist

When it comes to maintaining a healthy home, you need to realize that small problems will eventually turn into big problems. Big problems can run you lots of money that you might not have in the bank.

Keep in mind that performing just a few easy monthly maintenance tasks can prevent you from having to deal with costly repairs in the long run.

If there’s good news in all this, it’s that the chores are largely DIY-friendly, and can be performed using basic household tools. They also don’t cost a lot other than your time and sweat equity.

Here’s a reliable checklist of what you should be doing every month:

Make a Check on HVAC Filters

Air filters come in two forms: reusable and disposable. The latter must be replaced on a regular basis. Every month you should replace or clean the filters when they get dirty which can take anywhere from a month to several months.

Inspect Your Roof

As mentioned earlier, a roof is an important aspect of your home’s structure. It protects you and your belongings from the elements. That’s why it’s crucial that you regularly inspect your roof for any signs of damage such as missing shingles, leaks, or cracks.

If you spot any issues, make sure to contact a professional roofer for repairs. Visit the homepage for The Roof Doctor to learn more about how professional roofers can help you maintain a healthy and long-lasting roof for your home. It might seem like a small task, but it can save you from costly repairs in the future.

Leaks Around Sinks and Toilets

You should be on the lookout for leaks around all your sinks and toilets. If you see signs of water leakage that means you should be concerned. Further investigation is required.

Say the home repair experts, even a small leak can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars per year in plumbing repairs. That’s why it’s important to nip this one in the bud on a monthly basis.

Caulking and Grout Inspection   

You should make a grout and caulking inspection on a monthly basis. Make sure to touch up any cracks or voids in the showers and tubs since these can worsen over time. It also keeps them looking good while avoiding water seepage which can damage walls.

Make a Check on Kitchen Vent/Range Hood Filters

It’s important to replace or at least clean the vent/range hood filters on a monthly basis. If you cook a lot, you should check on them once per week since this is not only a cleaning issue but a fire safety issue.

Make a Test on Smoke and Carbon-Monoxide Detectors

Consumer Reports suggest that you should change the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide filters every six months. You can make a habit of doing this every time you change your clocks to conform with Daylight Savings Time.   

Make a General Inspection Around the Home’s Exterior

At least once a month, take a walk around your home. Check on the foundation below and the gutters and roof above. If you see any problems arising, you might attempt to repair them yourself or call in a reputable professional.