Does fixing up your home sometimes seem overwhelming? There is always something on a homeowner’s to-do list. Don’t wait too long to get certain items completed. Here are home maintenance chores to keep up with so you don’t face large repair bills later.
Plumbing Leaks
One leaky faucet might not seem like a big deal. However, fixing leaks in your plumbing system will save you money on your water bill. Furthermore, plumbing leaks can cause water damage and mold in your home, which are unhealthy and expensive to remedy. Take the time to identify all leaks and repair them immediately.
Bathroom and Kitchen Caulking
The caulking in your kitchen and bathroom will deteriorate over time. Without a proper seal, water can seep into crevices and cause mold. This is especially true in damp areas around your sinks, tubs, and showers
Wood rot is another potential problem when caulking is inadequate. Re-caulking is a simple job that most homeowners can complete themselves.
Home Maintenance Chores for the Roof and Gutters
Make it a common practice to inspect all roof openings, such as:
- Skylights
- Exhaust flues
- Around the chimney
These areas are susceptible to leaks that can cause severe water damage. Look for dark spots on roof beams and joists in your attic.
Gutters will become clogged over time. It is important for homeowners to clean out their gutters at least twice a year to prevent water damage to their foundation and siding.
Inspect Outdoor Decking
One of the most overlooked home maintenance chores is the cleaning and sealing of outdoor decks. Your decks take a beating from the weather. You can buy a few gallons of sealant and protect these areas over the course of a weekend. You will notice that the decking fades, warps, and splinters when it’s not been sealed.
Exterior Siding and Paint
Your siding protects your home against water damage. Look for cracked or peeling paint and repaint as needed to keep the siding in good condition. Spot painting is usually a DIY project, but repainting the entire home is one of those home maintenance chores best completed by a painting professional.
Home Maintenance Chores for the Foundation
Go around the home and inspect your foundation for fissures and cracks. It’s normal for concrete to experience small cracks as it cures, but those small cracks will usually become bigger over time.
There are inexpensive products available to seal small foundation cracks and fissures. Don’t try to fix large bulges or recurring cracks yourself, however. These are likely caused by underlying structural issues that should be examined by a professional home inspector.
Performing the above home maintenance chores will go a long way towards avoiding unnecessary repair bills in the future.
Northern Florida Home Inspections provides home inspections to all of North Florida. Contact us to schedule an inspection.