You’ve dreamt of this day for months, perhaps even years. Your mind is racing with ideas of how to transform the space into something that feels like home for you, your family, and your guests.
But unanticipated things always pop up when moving into a new house. One of the biggest challenges is when the need for thorough home maintenance arises. This is especially true when you’re transitioning from renting to owning a house. Learning household maintenance is essential to keep your home functioning.
Home maintenance is essential to protect your investment and keep your home in tip-top shape. But before you start painting or moving furniture around, it’s important to make sure the home is ready to move into.
There are plenty of home maintenance tips and tricks new homeowners should know before moving in. Keep reading!
1. Schedule A Basic Annual Maintenance
As a new homeowner, staying on top of home maintenance is important to ensure that your home remains in good condition. Scheduling an annual basic maintenance check is an important step to ensuring the longevity of your home. This should include things like checking for any broken appliances and inspecting and cleaning the air conditioning and ventilation systems.
It is also important to troubleshoot any recurring problems you may have experienced with your home. This can include things like plumbing leaks and anything else that needs to be inspected, assessed, or fixed. New homeowners should make sure they keep up with their home maintenance to avoid costly repairs down the road. Tweedy Plumbing is an excellent resource to make sure your home remains healthy and operating properly.
Regularly inspecting your home’s exterior can also help you identify any issues before they become more serious. Taking the time to proactively maintain your home will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
2. Check Your Smoke Alarm Batteries
One important task is to periodically check the batteries of all smoke alarms in the home. A smoke alarm is a crucial safety device detector and should be checked at least once a month. Failing to maintain the smoke alarms properly can result in a fire going undetected, putting the family and home in danger.
Taking care to check the batteries, and changing them as needed, is a simple yet incredibly important step. New homeowners should also be aware that some locations mandate the installation of certain types and/or amounts of smoke detectors. Check local codes to be sure all are in compliance. Taking necessary precautions can keep homes and the families that live there safe and secure.
3. Clean Your Gutters
Gutter maintenance is not the most glamorous of duties. However, it’s important for the regular upkeep of your home- especially as a new homeowner. Begin by scooping out any leaves, branches, dirt, or other debris that is clogging the gutters. Half-filled gutters cannot effectively channel rainwater away from your roof and the foundation of your home.
Inspect the gutters and downspouts for rust or other damage. If any damages are spotted, repair them as soon as possible. After the gutters are repaired, inspect them once more and caulk the seams and corners. If your home is surrounded by trees, it is important to inspect the gutters every few months and clear away any debris forming.
Be sure to clear any clogs or blockages and ensure that water is draining away from your house instead of pooling up around the foundation. With these simple yet effective home maintenance guides, you can ensure your gutters are running optimally.
4. Power-Washing Your Siding/Driveway
As a new homeowner, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance to protect your investment. One way to do this is by periodic power washing your siding and driveway. Power washing quickly and efficiently wash away dirt, mold, mildew, and other dirt and debris that can accumulate over time.
Spraying the siding or driveway with a hose and a household detergent to loosen any stubborn dirt and grime. This is followed by using a pressure washer setting of no more than 1500 psi and a 40-degree nozzle to really clean deep while avoiding damage to the siding or driveway. Once cleaned, applying a mildew-inhibitor and mildew-resistant sealant can help protect your siding and driveway from the future buildup of dirt and grime.
Regular power washing can help prolong the life of your siding and driveway, so be sure to add it to your home maintenance list.
5. Trimming Trees And Shrubs
New homeowners should be aware of the best practices to maintain their homes and its exterior. When it comes to trees and shrubs, proper maintenance is essential for a well-kept yard. Trimming trees and shrubs regularly will help them stay healthy and prevent damage from pests or diseases. It’s important to use the appropriate type of trimming tool for each type of tree and shrub.
Avoid cutting with hedge clippers or shears if the tree is larger than the blades can handle. Instead, use a ladder and pruning saw. When removing branches, make sure to cut outside the branch collar, which is the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk.
Using this technique will help seal the wound left behind and prevent disease. Always be careful when trimming around power lines, and use the appropriate safety equipment. When finished, take the time to clean up clippings, twigs, and branches to further protect your trees and shrubs. Following these tips will help ensure your yard looks sharp!
Establish An Effective Cleaning Routine
Congratulations on becoming a new homeowner! Home maintenance is an important part of protecting the value and preserving your home. Beginning a regular and effective cleaning routine is a great way to ensure your home remains in tip-top condition. Though the task may seem daunting at first, with patience and perseverance, you can make it a manageable and even enjoyable task. Start now and add value to your home maintenance routine!
Interested in learning more? Then be sure to explore our blog for all of the answers to your question!
