Owning a home comes with the responsibility of maintaining it. In the excitement of purchasing your first home or your next home, future maintenance is often not at the forefront of your mind. It is recommended that you anticipate and prepare for maintenance costs equal to 1% of your home’s purchase price each year. I believe this is especially true during the first year of ownership, as you catch up on deferred maintenance from the previous owner and make your new home your own. This is not a complete list, but here are some maintenance items that should be done regularly:
Change your filters! This could include filters for your HVAC system, water treatment system, refrigerator water dispenser, and stove hood vent. Keeping these filters clean will help these systems run as they should and prolong their lives.
Check for leaks. Take a quick look at the faucets, drains, and toilets throughout your home. Catching a leak early can save you from significant repair costs down the road if a leak goes unnoticed.
Clean your dryer exhaust vent. This should be done once a year. Lint buildup can cause your dryer to dry clothes less effectively and can also create a fire hazard. Your bathroom vents should also be cleaned. Both dryer and bathroom vents should vent to the outside of the home, not into the attic, to avoid excess moisture and possible mold growth in the attic.
Drain your water heater once a year. Water heaters can build up sediment in the bottom, and regularly flushing it out can increase its longevity.
Check the roof. Remove all leaves, pine needles, and other debris from the roof and gutters. If needed, treat the roof for moss. While you are up there, check the flashing and seals around any roof vents, other roof penetrations, and the chimney. Look for damaged or missing shingles. If you have a metal roof, check the screws. Screws can often become loose as the metal expands and contracts with heat and cold.
If your home has an on-site sewage system, pump your septic tank. It is recommended that a septic tank be pumped every three to five years. Annually, the effluent filter should be cleaned, and the distribution box should be inspected and cleaned. If your system has a pump, it should also be inspected. Failure to maintain a septic system can result in premature failure and costly repairs.
A well-maintained home will save you money in the long run and help you get top dollar when you decide to sell.