A Monthly Tip To Keep Your Home In Top Shape All Year
Welcoming a New Year brings a new you, and new home improvement tasks to tackle! Luckily our friends at American Home Shield have gifted you with 12 New Year’s resolutions to help you and your home improve this year.
As anyone who owns a home will tell you, maintaining a house is a full-time job. However, with some planning and organization, you can keep your home in prime shape without too much stress or trouble. The best part? Staying on top of these maintenance items may help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Keep this monthly list of resolutions handy so you can tackle your home maintenance in the new year and beyond. For more ideas connect with your local Bennion Deville Homes real estate professional.
January
Conduct a safety check: Start your year off by making sure you and your family members will be safe in the event of an emergency. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries as necessary. You should also make sure you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and that it is in proper working order.
February
Spruce up outdoor spaces: Spring in the desert is the perfect time for enjoying the great outdoors. Make sure your outdoor space is ready by pressure washing any outdoor patio areas to remove debris and check on the state of your outdoor furniture. Make the safety of your guests a priority by checking the space for any potential hazards and correct them.
March
Check seals on windows and doors: Cracks around your doors and windows can cause heat and cool air to escape your house, decreasing your home’s efficiency and leading to higher utility bills. Inspect the areas around your windows and doors for cracks and add weather stripping as needed. It is a good idea to tackle this project before the extreme heat of the summer hits. If you need to replace your windows, be sure you get energy-efficient ones.
April
Power wash the exterior: Spring is the perfect time for power washing and deep cleaning the exterior of your home. Be sure to wash the siding and the windows to help your house look as good as new.
May
Give your roof a once-over: Your roof is subject to wear and tear just like any other part of your house. Check the areas around the eaves and gutters for leaks and water damage. A roof leak can often lead to larger issues, including mold, elsewhere in your home. You should also check for any loose or missing shingles or tiles and replace them as necessary. This will help prevent further damage from storms or extreme weather.
June
Service your A/C unit: Nobody wants to be stuck in the sweltering heat, so make sure your home’s A/C unit is ready for another summer in the desert. Contact a professional HVAC company to service your unit and ensure that it can cool your home adequately and efficiently. By paying a little up front, you will avoid repair costs and higher electric bills as the result of poor performance. Consider scheduling an additional appointment later in the year to check your heater before firing up your furnace for the winter.
July
Check for leaks: The heat of the summer months can be a great time to tackle indoor home maintenance. Water leaks often go undetected, creating extensive, costly damage. Take time to inspect the areas around your shower, tub and toilet for leaks and re-caulk them as needed. You should also check faucets to be sure they are not dripping or leaking, which can add up on your water bill. Tighten or replace the washers to repair leaks.
August
Check for insect activity: Many insects are at their most active during and just after the summer months. Keep an eye out for specific pests, such as termites, that may pose a threat to your home. Termites eat and burrow through wood, which can result in structural damage to your house. Other pests such as roaches, fire ants, and scorpions can be a nuisance around your home and in your yard as well. Consider a pest control plan and regular inspections to keep these unwelcomed guests away.
September
Get your fireplace ready: Be prepared when cool weather arrives in the fall. If your home has a fireplace, late summer or early autumn is the perfect time to give it an inspection. You can schedule a professional fireplace inspection and chimney cleaning to ensure everything is in proper working order before firing it up for the first time during the cooler months. Other fireplace maintenance tips include removing ashes, making sure the flue damper opens and closes easily, and removing unsightly smoke and soot stains.
October
Inspect siding and paint: Once the extreme heat of the summer months is behind us, take advantage and touch up any damage to the exterior of your home. Check for chipped or peeling paint and cracks. If needed, add some new caulk to repair damage. This is also a good time to look for signs of foundation damage, such as cracks or gaps between bricks. Not only will these checks ensure your home is structurally sound, but they’ll also boost your curb appeal.
November
Prepare your landscaping and check gutters: Unlike other parts of the U.S.A., the cooler months are prime time to get outside and get your landscaping in order so everything looks prim and proper for high season. If you have grass, you should have recently overseeded or will be putting down your winter seed this month. It’s also a good time to check your sprinkler systems to make sure they are in proper working order and leak-free. You should also collect debris and trim bushes away from your house as these can act as a pathway for insects or small animals. While you’re outside, it’s also worth the time to make sure your gutters are clear for any upcoming, much-needed winter storms.
December
Service your furnace: Hopefully when you had your A/C unit serviced earlier in the year, you set an appointment to have a professional HVAC company come back to check on your furnace for the winter, too. If not, this is a great time to have someone come out and make sure everything is in good order before you use it more often in the cooler desert months.
Rest Easy
There is a degree of uncertainty that comes with owning a home. By performing regular home maintenance throughout the year, you can help avoid expensive repairs and sleepless nights. If you want to rest easy, consider a home warranty from American Home Shield. A home warranty is an annual service contract that covers the repair or replacement of important appliance and system components that break down over time. Connect with your local Bennion Deville Homes real estate professional for more information.
Sources:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/259-home-maintenance-checklist/
https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/home-maintenance-checklist/
https://www.thespruce.com/seasonal-home-maintenance-checklist-4157725
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55572864/list/your-winter-home-maintenance-checklist
Bennion Deville Homes assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.
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