We cannot all be masters at various DIY projects, nonetheless, all houses need to go through the occasional maintenance and repairs. If not, some of the problems that could be solved with a few dollars might turn into thousands of dollars in repairs, which is especially true if your foundation, roof, or water system gets damaged.
This is why you might now be wondering – what are some maintenance tasks and repairs that I need to complete every year? Fortunately for all individuals searching for an answer to this question, you’ll be able to find it in the article below. Let’s take a closer look at some of the things you should do:
1. Fix The Dripping Faucets
Although a lot of people get used to dripping faucets, they don’t actually realize that leaving them like that can easily cause your monthly water bills to go up. It is not difficult to fix dripping faucets, however, you should not forget to turn off the water before you start dismantling everything. A drippy faucet could be fixed by getting a new O-ring, while a compression faucet might require you to buy a new rubber washer that will successfully seal the valve.
2. The Furnace Filter Needs to Be Replaced Regularly
One of the easiest methods for maximizing the efficiency of your furnace is to ensure that you change its filter every 2 months. Naturally, you’ll need to purchase a filter that is suitable for your furnace model. Once you do, you can turn it off, remove the service panel, and then replace the old filter with a new one. Keep in mind, each model is different, which is why you should read and understand the manual first before opening the panel.
3. Hardwood Floors Need Attention as Well
Hardwood floors are one of the most appealing things about any home, and if you want to keep them in good condition, you’ll need to take proper care of them. Hence, you should only use cleaning products that are manufactured for hardwood since other products might actually damage it. Do not forget to use an attachment that will prevent you from scratching the surface, and that will take care of all the dirt and dust between the board.
4. Clean Those Gutters!
Not cleaning your gutters can cause damage to your foundation, basement, and roof, which is why you must ensure that you maintain them at least two or three times a year. You’ll need a scoop, garden hose, and a ladder for completing the process, however, if you are ladder-averse, you might want to opt for hiring an expert that will help you. You can check this website out to learn more about gutter maintenance, repairs, and cleaning.
5. Are You Sick of Dirty Grout Joints?
It can be quite annoying when the space between your tiles – also known as grout joins – get dirty. And, if this is something that has been bothering you, you should know that it will take you 20 minutes to completely clean them. You should mix water and vinegar and soak the tiles for approximately 10 minutes. After that, you should use a soft brush for cleaning the grouts and then dry the tiles with a cloth. You should avoid using bleach, wax, or hard brushes since it can damage your tiles.
6. Fill All The Gaps And Cracks
If you noticed cracks and gaps around your windows and/or doors, you might want to fill them out as soon as you can. If not, it might become a breeding ground for insects and pests, which is something you’ll definitely want to avoid. Hence, you should purchase a caulk gun and start working on all the gaps – both indoor and outdoor ones. This won’t only prevent pests from entering your home, but, it will make your house more energy-efficient, meaning that it will be more Eco-friendly.
7. Prune Your Shrubs, Trees, And Bushes Regularly
Maintaining your shrubs, bushes, and trees should be one of the most important landscaping tasks for any homeowner. It is actually quite simple and you’ll only need several tools such as a pruner, lopers, and a saw for large branches. Pruning the trees can also help you with keeping your gutters clean, which means that you’ll lower the chances of it getting clogged. Once you gather your equipment, start with all the dead branches, and then move on to shaping the plants as you want.
8. Always Inspect Your Fireplace
Did you know that one of the most common causes of house fires is a malfunctioning fireplace? This is why you must schedule an annual chimney and fireplace inspection before winter arrives. Naturally, you should maintain it by always removing ash and cleaning the firebox, however, when it comes to inspecting the chimney and the structure of your fireplace, it is best that you always hire a professional.
9. Maintain Your Sump Pump
One thing that all people overlook is their sump pump and if you want to keep our functional, you must maintain it at least two or three times a year. So, you’ll need to turn off the power and unplug it. Next, you should remove the device from the pit and carry it to your backyard. Clean it with your gardening hose and if there is any debris, clean it out. Lastly, drain any remaining water from the pit and then return the pump when it completely dries.
10. Clean The Fridge Coils
Have you ever moved your fridge just to be shocked by the amount of dirt on the coils? Yup, when they are clogged from dust and hair, it won’t properly release heat, which means that your fridge will try to work harder, hence, consuming more energy. In order to prolong the lifespan of your fridge and save money on your electricity bills, you should utilize a soft brush and vacuum for cleaning the coils.
Conclusion
Regularly maintaining your home will prevent some serious problems from occurring, which basically means that you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars on fixing those issues. And, if you choose to follow some or all tips mentioned in the article above, you’ll be able to make all the maintenance and repair tasks easier, less time-consuming, and more importantly, less stressful.
Hence, now that you know what you should do and when you need to do it, you might not want to waste any more of your time. Instead, go back to the beginning of this list, go through it once again, and then determine which things you’ll do first in order to keep your home functional.