As the owner of a newly built home, you aren’t worried about major repairs such as re-roofing your entire house. Many new homeowners think they shouldn’t have to worry about their home for a decade or so. However, new homeowners should take the right steps to maintain their home from the start. This will help identify issues when they are still minor and the repair is small and inexpensive. It will also delay the need for major repairs for many years. Consider the following Spring maintenance homeowner tips.
Examine Closely
It is good to get into the habit of taking a close look at the interior and exterior of your home each spring. This will provide you a baseline of what the house looks like in good condition so you notice when something isn’t quite right. Include the following in your inspection:
- Check the roof and look at the shingles. Verify none are broken or missing and replace any that are.
- Check the integrity of the gutter system to verify water is directed away from your foundation.
- Clear any clogs and fix any leaks.
- Inspect the trim and insulation water heater. Check for corrosion or cracks.
Perform Annual Maintenance
Certain maintenance tasks should be done annually to keep everything running properly. This will extend the life of your appliances. Consider doing the following this Spring:
- Change the filters in your furnace and any air purifiers you have so they continue to operate efficiently.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the water heater for annual maintenance. You may need to drain a few gallons of water.
- Clean the interior and exterior of all of your major appliances.
Fire Prevention
It is always worthwhile to spend a few minutes taking steps to prevent a fire from occurring. Take the time for the following tasks this Spring:
- Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Consider running a fire drill with your family.
- Inspect fire extinguishers to make sure they are not expired and are ready for use.
- Clean and inspect the dryer vents to remove excess lint.
- Check outlets and extension cords for issues such as frayed cords.
By implementing the above Spring maintenance steps each year, your home will stay new longer. You will also delay major expenses, such as a new roof or new appliances.