8 Best Tips for Keeping Your Home in Excellent Condition
May 31, 2023
6 min read
A well-kept living space is not only visually appealing, but it can also help to extend the lifespan of your belongings. This lets you avoid unexpected repairs or replacements, and ultimately save money in the long run.
That's why we've put together this handy list of tips to help you keep your home in tip-top shape all year round.
8 Home Maintenance Methods to Keep In Mind
Many people know that their house is one of their most expensive investments, so taking care of it is non-negotiable. However, it's easy to let little things fall through the cracks with everything else going on in life. But ignoring minor maintenance issues can result in more complicated problems down the road and an unhealthy home environment.
Homeownership is expensive, and monthly bills can be hard to predict. You might plan for your mortgage, but unforeseen repairs like a leaky roof could hurt your budget.
To avoid unnecessary spending and complications in the future, we’ve gathered some of the essential home maintenance methods that will save you from further stress. This include:
1. Search for Indications of Foundation Issues
If you own or are attempting to sell a home, then you know that the value of your house is important. The features of your home, like the foundation, have an impact on both the property and its worth.
As the temperatures heat up, be sure to do a full inspection of your home's exterior foundation. According to experts, cracks in your foundation can decrease its value by 10 to 15%. By taking care of these problems as you see them, you'll save money on more significant repairs down the road.
2. Clear Out Gutters
A gutter is a necessary component of any well-functioning roof. It collects rainwater and directs it away from your home or business, preventing water damage to the structure.
However, gutters can easily become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. When this happens, water can no longer flow freely, and overflowing gutters can cause complications. That's why it's so important to keep your gutter clean!
3. Clean Your Air Conditioning Unit
Your air conditioning unit toils away to keep your house cool all summer. For it to function properly, your AC unit needs good airflow. The air filter must be unsoiled so gases can move about the unit without restraint. A filthy air filter not only lessens the efficiency of your AC but also can make the appliance overwork and break down early. And who wants that?
Not only is it essential to have a clean air filter, but you must also frequently wipe down the coils of your AC unit. These coils are in charge of bringing heat from inside your home to the outdoors. If they become caked with dirt and grime, they won't function as intended, and your home will feel stuffy and unclean. If dust accumulates on the coil, ice will start building up and cause real damage to your machine.
4. Check the Chimney Out
If you have a fireplace, you know the joys of relaxing in front of a roaring fire on a cold winter's night. But you may not know that if you don't keep your chimney clean, you could be putting your home and your family at risk.
One of the most important reasons to keep your chimney clean is to prevent fires. When creosote buildup gets too thick, it can ignite, causing a dangerous and potentially deadly chimney fire.
Another reason to keep your chimney clean is for the sake of your health. All those pollutants that go up the chimney can eventually make their way back into your home if the chimney isn't cleaned and ventilated. This can cause respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and other health issues. In extreme cases, it can even lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Regrout the Bathtub and Bathroom Walls
A relaxing bath at the end of a long day is one of life’s simple pleasures. But when you step into your bathroom and see moldy grout or cracked tiles, that relaxing feeling quickly goes away. Not only is an outdated bathroom an eyesore, but it can also be dangerous.
Mold thrives in bathrooms because they are typically warm and humid environments. When mold begins to grow in your bathtub or shower, it can quickly spread to other areas of your bathroom, like the sink, toilet, and floors. Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also be hazardous to your health.
Another reason to regrout your bathtub and walls is to prevent water damage. Tile and grout are porous materials, which means they can absorb water. Over time, this absorbed water can cause the tile or grout to crack or crumble. If water seeps behind the tiles on your bathroom walls, it could cause serious structural damage to your home.
6. Reinforce the Roof
Your roof is one of your home's most vital parts since it guards you and your family against the environment and makes sure your home is insulated and comfortable. That’s why keeping it functioning well by regularly cleaning it is essential.
A well-maintained roof can last for decades, but a neglected roof will show signs of wear and tear after just a few years. In some cases, this can be expensive to fix and may require replacement.
7. Call Pest Control
Pests are more than just a nuisance; they can also be dangerous. Pests like rats and mice can carry diseases that are harmful to humans. Cockroaches can contaminate food and spread bacteria. Termites can even cause structural damage to your home. That's why it's important to call pest control as soon as you notice pests in your home.
We’ve listed some of the best pest control companies this year:
- Aptive Environment
- Arrow Exterminators
- Bulwark Exterminating
- Terminix
- Truly Nolen
No one wants pests in their home. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also carry diseases and contaminate food. If you have pests in your home, it's important to call pest control as soon as possible.
8. Fix Dead Electrical Outlets
Every year, make it a habit to check the outlets in your house. If any of them are dead, it's best to call a professional electrician instead of attempting to fix it yourself. Trying to repair electrical wiring on your own can be extremely dangerous if you don't have experience or training.
When one outlet isn't working, more outlets in your home probably have the same issue. If a circuit breaker trips often, it might indicate greater problems like faulty wiring. By overlooking these clues, you could end up facing costly repairs later on.
Additionally, now would be an ideal time to see if any of your receptacles near plumbing fixtures have a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFC.)
Make Your House Clean and Safe Today
Maintaining your home is vital for many reasons. It can save you money by preventing major problems from developing, and it can help you get more money for your home if you decide to sell it in the future.
To protect your investment and ensure that your home meets your needs, maintain it regularly. These tasks can be simple if you turn some of them into habits.
Also, don't forget that you can always get professional help too. Make your house clean and safe today!
