Regular maintenance is important in keeping a safe home environment. Household problems won’t turn into bigger things when you perform routine repairs and maintenance. From pest infestations to water leaks, these common issues can be quickly addressed before they cause too much damage.
The average home has nine repairs or DIY jobs that need immediate attention. If you feel guilty about putting off all that routine maintenance for your home, you are not alone. Approximately, 45 percent of Americans don’t tend to do home repairs right away. In fact, only 10 percent of American homeowners are on top of their home maintenance tasks.
You can turn your guilt into action by doing these basic home maintenance jobs to keep your property in tiptop condition:
Keep Carpets and Floors Vacuumed
A lot of dirt and allergens quickly seep through your flooring and carpet’s fibers. It is recommended to vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week to remove all the dust, pet dander, and other contaminants. When vacuuming, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and run several passes from different directions. Doing so will ensure that all the dust and debris hidden beneath will be trapped and collected.
Fix Your Dead or Broken Doorbell
Don’t welcome your guests with a doorbell that doesn’t function well. Repairing doorbells is a straightforward and inexpensive task that you can tackle. Check the doorbell button, bell unit itself, and wires for any malfunctions and issues. You should also inspect the doorbell for any dust, smoke, or grease that is obstructing the mechanism. Clean and sanitize the parts or upgrade to a wireless doorbell if you prefer.
Change the Direction of Your Ceiling Fan
To ensure energy efficiency, you should change how your ceiling fan spins at least twice a year during the summer and winter. Running a ceiling fan properly helps put less strain on your AC or heating unit. In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down. On the other hand, your fan direction during the winter should be clockwise to allow the circulation of warm air around the room.
Regrout or Recaulk Your Bathroom Fixtures
No matter what material you use to seal gaps and joints, be sure to touch up any voids or cracks in tubs, showers, and other bathroom fixtures. Regrouting and recaulking will help restore your bathroom’s value and remove any signs of wear and tear. The grout should be cleaned every year while your bathroom’s caulk will last about 5 years.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
Your gutter system isn’t there for no reason at all. It collects rainwater and diverts it away from the roof and foundation. Without the gutters, rainwater would drench your siding and damage your property. To prevent drainage issues from happening, gutter maintenance should take place at least twice a year. All debris, leaves, and twigs must be cleaned and cleared away to avoid clogs. Routine gutter maintenance and repairs can save you major cash in the future.
Inspect Your Deck and Porch
Given they are exposed to the elements all year round, outdoor living spaces will have wear and tear over time. A simple deck and porch maintenance will prevent expensive repairs and protect your investment. Wash the deck, remove debris from between the deck boards, and fix any protruding nails that may cause injury. You are also recommended to apply a coat of stain or sealant for a good-looking deck that you will enjoy for many years to come.
Test Your Sump Pump
Checking and maintaining your sump pump should be done twice a year. With the proper maintenance, your sump pump can do its job in preventing floods and condensation build-up. Testing your sump pump involves removing debris, restarting the pump, and ensuring the energy source works properly. You may install an automatic leak detector to nip any issues with your sump pump.
Maintain Your Roof System
Early detection of roof problems can save you thousands of dollars on costly repairs and replacements. Check the roof for any loose shingles, cracks, curling, and missing flashing. Routine maintenance is the key to a long-lasting roof system. You can briefly inspect your roof and leave the repairs to a qualified contractor.
Touch Up Interior and Exterior Paint
The colors of your interior and exterior will determine your home’s value. To improve your property’s curb appeal, you need to fix scuff marks on the walls. You can remove them by touching up wall paint once a year. Repainting walls can surely keep moisture and wood rot
at bay. Small touch-ups can be done even if you don’t have the skills and expertise.
Clean Your HVAC System
As a homeowner, you need to keep your air filtration system clean by changing out the air filters. You can clean or replace air filters when they get dirty or clogged. When your filters are not cleaned, there will be tiny dirt and dust circulating in the house. Keeping your HVAC unit clean can prolong the life of the system and help it work more efficiently. Regularly cleaning them will maintain higher air quality so that you can have a healthier home.
Reach Out to Your Home Maintenance Experts
Handyman Pittsburgh & Co. is here for all your home maintenance needs. You don’t have to do your household chores and repairs all day because we are ready to assist you! Keeping up with these tasks will prevent expensive repairs and ensure your home is safe and secure. Schedule an appointment today!