If It Moves, It Needs Maintenance

For homeowners, the home inspection process raise a lot of questions: What condition is the home in? What does that mean? How much will that cost?

While each home is unique, we apply a standard, thorough approach to ensure each home inspection is conducted as meticulously as possible to give home owners peace of mind for one of the largest purchase decisions they will make in a lifetime. However, the work to keep a home running does not stop when the inspection is complete. I always like to say, “If it moves, it needs maintenance,” and that applies to nearly everything in a home from the ground up, to the roof down.

In order to help your home look, feel, and operate at its peak potential, here’s my recommended home maintenance schedule. Not only do I encourage homebuyers and owners to utilize this, but I apply this schedule to my own home. While complications will arise here and there, this checklist can help you stay on top of the TLC your home needs regularly to save time, money, and heartache down the line.

Quarterly Home Maintenance Checklist

• Check HVAC Air filters and change, if necessary.
• Service the HVAC the condensate drain system.
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Have the home inspected and treated for pests.
• Check the batteries in all flashlights and lamps, in case you need them in an emergency.
• Clean the dryer lint screens.** This task should be performed regularly, even weekly.
• Check for dripping faucets and leaking toilet flappers.
• Check vent hood filters.

Semi-Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

• Have the HVAC system serviced, ideally early in the spring and in the fall.
• Check gutters and the drainage around the home, especially after large spring storms.
• Inspect and maintain all lawn maintenance equipment for the spring and summer months.

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist

• Have the water heater(s) serviced annually. You don’t want to caught without hot water!
• Inspect the roof (safely if you can do this yourself, or hire a pro!) annually or after a storm.
• Test GFCI devices and AFCI devices.
• Clean the refrigerator coils.
• Check and replace all water filtration devices as needed per manufacturer.
• Check door and window seals annually.
• Test and adjust the garage door opener and reverse sensors annually.
• Inspect and repair as needed the exterior walls for repairs.
• Inspect and clean as needed the kitchen appliances.

While not exhaustive, this schedule should get you into a steady routine of offering your home the love and maintenance it needs to function at its best. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more home maintenance and inspection tips!