Homeowner Maintenance Tips: Keeping Your Home in Top Shape
Regular maintenance is the key to preventing larger, more costly issues down the road. Create a maintenance schedule that includes tasks like checking your HVAC system, cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, servicing your appliances, cleaning the dryer vent, testing smoke detectors, checking for plumbing leaks, etc. By setting reminders for these tasks, you'll be less likely to forget them to ensure your home remains in good, safe condition.
Keep Records
Keep detailed records of all maintenance and repairs. This documentation can be valuable when selling your home or for warranty claims. It's also helpful for tracking the lifespan of appliances and systems in your home, allowing you to budget for future replacements.
When you one day are putting your home on the market, the buyer will probably hire a home inspector to inspect the property. In this blog I focus on the three things that I experience most buyers are worried about and that almost always comes up in a home inspection.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. Inspect it annually for signs of damage or wear and tear, such as loose shingles, cracks, or leaks. Address any issues promptly to prevent water damage to your interior. Cleaning gutters and downspouts regularly can also help prevent water from seeping into your home. Water stains on the interior ceilings is something I see all the time and it makes buyers question why it’s there, has the leak been fixed or are they potentially dealing with a bigger issue. If you can’t or don’t want to do this yourself, hire a trusted roofing company that offers roof repairs to inspect your roof. Many local yard companies or handymen will offer gutter cleaning services. Check your local Facebook group or Nextdoor for tips from your neighbors.
Maintain Your HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a vital role in keeping your home comfortable. Change air filters regularly, typically every 1-3 months, depending on the type of filter and usage. Have your HVAC system professionally serviced at least once or twice a year to ensure it's running efficiently, and make sure to keep the reports. After replacing a roof, having to replace all or part of the HVAC system is one of the biggest concerns buyers have. A reason for that is, unless the units are marked with a recent inspection date or the seller has an HVAC inspection report, the inspector will always recommend “to have the HVAC system serviced and cleaned before closing”.
Check Plumbing and Fixtures
Regularly inspect your plumbing for leaks or water damage. Evidence of previous water leaks are another common thing I often see when showing homes. Again, buyers will question whether the leak has been fixed or if they are potentially dealing with a bigger, latent issue. Fix any leaks immediately to prevent costly repairs and water damage. Also, check the seals and connections in your bathroom and kitchen fixtures to ensure they are functioning correctly. A tip is to run water in sinks and shower/tubs while inspecting drains and plumbing in the basement or crawl space. Another source for concerns with buyers is sewer lines and septic tanks. I always recommend my clients to have a sewer line or septic tank inspection done. A sewer line inspection usually runs under $200 but a septic tank inspection can cost a buyer $600-$700 so not only is that a substantial investment for the buyer before they have even bought the house, but it can also be a major surprise and cost for the seller to repair on short notice. If you have Birmingham water I recommend looking into the water line insurance they offer.
Conclusion
Proper homeowner maintenance is essential for preserving the value of your home and ensuring it remains a safe and comfortable place to live. By following these tips and creating a regular maintenance schedule, you can take pride in your home and protect your investment for years to come and reap the fruits when it comes time to sell. Remember that a well-maintained home is not only a source of pride but also a wise financial decision!
