For many, a house is the most important investment they make in life. With that being the case, proper home maintenance is essential.
It is important for homeowners to care about the property they have invested in. Preventive maintenance is better than waiting for bad things to happen. Simply, be proactive in maintain your home.
It is suggested that you hire professionals for your house maintenance to examine the premises from time to time. Preventive maintenance for your home will help you avoid repairs, reduce energy consumption, time wasted, and it will extend the life of the house.
It is not difficult to carry out regular inspection and maintenance on your property. Many of the jobs can be done on your own without the help of an experienced handyman or contractor. Professional home inspectors will be needed in cases when you are selling your home or need obvious repairs.
Here are a few key areas to inspect regularly:
Roofing
The roof should be examined for wear, damage, and missing shingles. Electrical cables should be insulated if they pass over the roof. Tree branches should be cut if they are protruding on the home’s roof. Supports and equipment for television antennas and satellite dishes should be inspected closely.
Gutters and downspouts
Gutters and downspouts should be monitored for blockage, leaking, and rusting. The downspout should also be checked. A broken down gutter or downspout can lead to massive amounts of moisture in the soil and a host of other problems.
Walls
Walls should be inspected for cracking and separating. Wooden walls should be examined for loose or damaged boards.
Foundation
The foundation basement walls should be closely inspected for cracks, bowing, leaking, and sinking. Obvious damage should be looked at by a Canton foundation repair contractor.
Doors and windows
Doors and windows should be checked for cracks and weaknesses that allow air from the outside to pass through. Poor windows and doors can lead to increased energy consumption and costly bills.
Chimney
The chimney should be investigated for broken bricks and loose mortar joins. If the chimney is metal, it should be inspected for rust and the rain cap should be looked at.
Electrical
The electrical connections within the house should be inspected by a skilled electrician. The main panel should be checked to ensure that the fuses are in place and proper ratings of the fuses are used. Earth cables should be inspected if they are grounded. Loose cables should be connected to the correct terminals.
Heating and cooling
An HVAC technician can assist in checking the cooling/heating system of the home to ensure furnaces and air conditioning units are working properly. All heating or cooling equipment should be examined for damages or leakage.
Plumbing
A plumber can save you money and stress by inspect the pipes for leakages. The drainage system of the house should be checked to avoid blockages. Toilets, faucets, and fixtures should also be monitored regularly.
While some maintenance requires the assistance of a skilled professional, you may feel comfortable with other responsibilities. If ever you don’t feel comfortable or confident doing so, seek the assistance of a local contractor.