The ongoing maintenance of a home is a significant contributor to holding or increasing its value. Homeowners should plan a solid preventive maintenance schedule, so problems can be fixed before they become more costly and damaging.
There are many other benefits for current and potential homeowners when they incorporate preventive maintenance into their annual planning. Preventive maintenance:
- Avoids expensive emergency repairs: Contractor fees rise in proportion to the urgency and the hour of the service call.
- Saves money and aggravation: Repairs planned for completion during off-peak times are less expensive and stressful.
- Minimizes homeowner insurance premiums: Correcting deficiencies before they represent an insurance claim will keep premiums reasonable.
- Eliminates costly consequential damage: When major home components, like a roof, fail, the damage to home interiors and furnishings can be substantial.
Homes in good condition sell at higher prices than neglected counterparts.
Create a Maintenance Checklist
Every house is different, but there are some common elements every homeowner can include on a regular maintenance list:
- Check the grading and drainage around the foundation
- Seal driveway and walkway cracks
- Check fencing and gates
- Check and trim trees near the house
- Check for deteriorating/damaged siding
- Check for loose, damaged, or missing roofing and flashings
- Clean all gutters and leaders
- Check weather-stripping and seals on all windows and doors
- Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing
- Check condition of the water heater
- Check ventilation openings for nests, blockage
For a downloadable preventative checklist, click here.
While this list is not comprehensive, it’s a good start to identifying some potential trouble spots in any home!
