8 Most Important Home Maintenance Tasks Homeowners Shouldn’t Forget

Owning your own home comes with its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. While you have the final say in renovations and you can build equity in your home, you’ll also be the one bearing the brunt of maintenance headaches. Unfortunately, not only can maintenance costs be pricey, but they also require a significant time commitment on your behalf. But it’s better to keep up with your home’s maintenance than let it fall into disrepair which will only lead to a more shocking bill down the road.

Check out these important exterior and interior home maintenance tasks you definitely don’t want to forget about.

#1

Cleaning Your Gutters

Your gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year as well as after any major storms. Gutters that are clogged can’t direct water away from your home. The water that builds up could cause serious damage to your home or roof.

#2

Keeping Your Trees Healthy

If you have a lot of trees in your yard, it’s a good idea to regularly check on them. If a tree is diseased, rotting, or otherwise unhealthy, then there’s a risk that it could fall on your home and cause damage. If you live in Florida, then unhealthy trees are even more of a risk because the strong winds of a hurricane could knock the trees over.

#3

Looking for Peeling Paint

At least once a year, you should thoroughly inspect your home for problems with the paint, both inside and out. Peeling paint isn’t just an aesthetic problem, it’s also a sign of water damage. It’s also a good idea to check the paint around your house after a lot of rain. Peeling paint on the outside of a house can indicate a problem with the gutters. If the paint is peeling on the inside of your house, then that could mean there’s a water leak.

#4

Checking Your Water Pressure

If your water pressure is too low, it can be difficult to perform tasks like taking a shower or washing the dishes. If your water pressure is too high, however, it could damage your appliances and pipes. It’s best to check the water pressure a few times every year to make sure it’s within a safe range (usually 40 to 60 psi).

#5

Inspecting Your HVAC Unit

If you enjoy having your home at a comfortable temperature all year round, you’ll want to make sure that your HVAC unit is in good working condition. Change your filters at least once a month, especially if you’ve got pets. Dust, particles, and animal fur can get sucked into the HVAC unit, clogging the filter over time. A clogged filter reduces airflow which increases your energy bill and causes issues with your HVAC unit across your entire home. If you notice that your HVAC unit is dripping or if it isn’t working, you should call in a professional for an inspection.

#6

Unclogging Drains and Pipes

Small clogs can easily turn into larger ones. If you notice water draining slowly, it’s important to unclog that drain as soon as possible so that the clog doesn’t get worse. Clogged pipes could cause leaks or water to back up into your home.

#7

Calling the Exterminator

Some insect treatments need to be done regularly to prevent infestations. Don’t wait on these. It can be more expensive to get rid of bugs later than it is to just prevent them from coming into your house in the first place. If you do see insects, especially termites, inside your home, then it’s important to call in an exterminator for a special treatment to get rid of them before they can cause damage to your home.

#8

Draining the Water from the Hot Water Heater

You should partially drain your water heater at least every six months. You should do it more frequently if you live in an area with hard water. This is because sediment from the water can build up in the water heater and cause low water pressure, as well as eventually damage the water heater.

Home Maintenance FAQs

What are the most important home maintenance tasks?

The two most important home maintenance tasks you should put at the top of your priority list are cleaning your gutters and keeping up with pest control.

Clean gutters work correctly to protect your home from damage. Gutters that are clogged can lead to foundation damage, siding damage, and leaks as water is unable to drain correctly.

Allowing pest problems to escalate can lead to major havoc in your home. This can turn into a much larger project to get the creepy crawlies out of your home and can cost a pretty penny. Through preventative maintenance, you can keep pests under control before they become a concern.

What are the most common repair jobs done on a home?

Roof, plumbing, and HVAC are the most commonly requested areas that need repair in a home. And it makes sense given how much strain is put on these areas of the home. Other common repair jobs include deck repair and siding repair but this will depend on the home as not all homes have decks or siding.

How do I maintain the outside of my house?

Your home’s exterior is made up of many pieces and parts from the lawn to the gutters and the driveway to the siding. Major tasks to keep up with include cleaning your gutters, pressure washing your siding, and having your roof regularly inspected.