A bad home inspection is among the top reasons for real estate sales to fall through in the U.S.
Luckily, there are simple home maintenance tasks to keep your property in shape.
I’m going to tell you how to maintain your home. So, you can avoid nasty surprises when you come to sell and unexpected disasters if you’re staying put.
Monthly Checklist
Following these simple home maintenance tips and checks. They could save you a lot of time and effort later on.
Filters
Checking filters is a quick and simple job to do.
If you have an HVAC system, humidifier, or a vent in your kitchen, make sure the filters don’t need replacing and check for anywhere air can leak out.
Filters need replacing once they get dirty. Sometimes this only takes a month, sometimes several.
If your HVAC unit has seen better days, consider investing in some foil tape. It’s pricey but does a much better job than standard or duct tape.
Also, don’t forget to ensure any air vents are not obstructed.
Leaks and Drips
A dripping faucet can be a simple fix with just the turn of a wrench.
Leaking pipes from toilets or sinks are usually where a seal has degraded. Ignoring water where it shouldn’t be can cause a lot of damage over time and wastes water.
Speaking of seals, check any grout and caulking around your tubs, sinks, and showers. Any gaps should be filled to avoid water damage.
While you’re in the bathroom, give your showerhead a good clean too. Soaking overnight in baking soda and vinegar is a good trick.
Alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are there for a good reason. Check they’re working and change the batteries if need be.
Disposals and Dishwashers
If there’s a weird smell in your kitchen, it could be coming from clogged up pipes in your garbage disposal or dishwasher.
Baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to clear out the sludge.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks
There are important things to do throughout the year to keep your home together. They don’t need to be done so often.
Summer/Spring Checklist
The summer is a great time to tackle maintenance in your yard, so get outside and complete this simple checklist!
Trees and Shrubs
Trimming back trees and shrubs before the storms of the winter months will prevent damage from broken branches, and look tidier too.
Woodwork
A lick of paint or stain on your fence, deck, windows, or doors will protect them from the elements during fall.
Carpets
Summer is a great time to clean your carpets after walking mud and snow through the house in the fall. The hot weather will also help them dry!
Driveway
A good maintenance checklist for your driveway is to weed, clean, resand, and repair any cracks.
Fall Checklist
It’s easy to shut yourself away when the days get shorter and the weather is cold, but this is an important time for home maintenance.
Chimneys
If you have an open fireplace, don’t forget to check your chimney every year before you start setting fires.
A build-up of dust and soot could lead to a fire. You might not need to do it every year, but make sure your chimney is cleaned out regularly.
Drafts
This is an easy one you can do from indoors. Check the gaps between doors, windows, and frames and along the edges of your floor.
If you find a gap and can feel a draft, block it up with some caulk or weatherstrips.
Vents and AC Units
Don’t forget to cover outdoor air-conditioning units and close vents to your basement.
You don’t want cold air or melting snow seeping in, and ice could damage the air-conditioning housing.
Pipes and Sprinklers
Make sure any exterior exposed pipes are covered in winter months and consider getting someone to “blow out” your sprinkler system.
If water freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to crack, leading to costly repairs.
Yard
Have a walk around your property and check for damage to the roof or exterior walls. If you spot a problem, consider getting a professional to check it out.
Keep gutters and your lawn clear of leaves and debris to avoid blockages and leaks.
The Importance of a Home Inspection
The cost of a home inspection is relatively low, and the benefits far outweigh the costs.
A home inspector can find problems that you may not see, like damp or electrical problems.
It can give you peace of mind that your home, or a property you are purchasing, is safe. You can also be reassured there are no hidden expenses.
If there are any potential problems, you can catch them early, and fix them before they become costly.
Potential problems can include:
- Pests
- Structural integrity
- Roofs
- Foundations
Getting a Better Real Estate Deal
A home inspection can help both a seller or a buyer get a better deal.
As a seller, a good home inspection means there is less reason for you to lower your sale price.
As a buyer, if a home inspection flags potential problems, it gives you good reason to renegotiate.
Things to look out for when viewing a property, which may come up in a home inspection are:
- Large cracks
- Damage to the roof
- Exposed wires or broken switches
- Damp patches from leaks
So what’s stopping you from getting a home inspection?
A home inspection will show you all the areas you’re home maintenance schedule might be lacking. If you live in the North East Ohio Area, the cost of a home inspection with CLASS is just $350, and you can schedule an appointment online in 4 easy steps.