Your house may be newly owned, but that doesn’t mean the property is brand new. In fact, most home purchases do not involve a brand new property. Inheriting a home that has been home to more than one family means that there are plenty of issues to inspect.
It helps to know how to best tend to your home. Check out a quick look at a few general home maintenance tips that could help you turn your house into a much more comfortable place to live.
Check the roof
You don’t want to foot the bill for the damages that could be done by a leaky roof. Check your roof every few years for dangerous wear and tear.
Take note of any discoloration in the shingles. Replace the shingles that simply aren’t doing their job anymore, and pay close attention to the areas around skylights and chimneys.
Clean and maintain gutters and downspouts
It’s important to maintain the integrity and function of your home’s gutters and downspouts. The gutter system around your home works to remove excess water from the base of the house.
If water is allowed to pool along the foundation of your home, you will eventually experience cracking and leaks. Make sure your gutters get cleaned out once or twice a year, and fix any damaged downspouts.
Waterproof basement areas
Keeping the basement area of your home dry is a priority. Moisture in your basement will make for a dank and dangerous environment.
Too much moisture will result in the growth of mildew or mold. You and your family could develop problems with allergies or asthma when you allow these conditions to develop. Instead, work to keep your basement dry.
If you think your basement could use an overhaul, hire a waterproofing contractor to come in and do the job right. You’ll sleep soundly at night knowing your home is free of excess moisture.
Clean refrigerator coils
It’s helpful to take a broom or duster to the back of your refrigerator every once in a while. The coils will build up a layer of dust otherwise. Excess dust on your fridge coils can cause your refrigerator to work harder, and ill maintenance will shorten the life of the appliance.
Clean out dryer vents
Your laundry room needs your attention as well. Your dryer vent can turn into a serious fire hazard if you fail to clean it every year or two. The lint in the hose leading outside builds up over time, and you have to manually clean the hose.
Change the air filters
To keep your HVAC system working well, it’s important to keep the air filters inside of your home free from obstructions. Change internal air filters in your home at least once per month to give your HVAC unit the best operating conditions possible.
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