Proper and on-going maintenance is essential to retaining and growing the value of your home.  Preventative home maintenance, can help you prevent more costly repairs down the road. For example, by keeping your roof free of debris and mold growth you can extend the life of your roof. Some other items that should be on your checklist may include trimming trees and bushes away from your foundation and making sure there is no wood-soil contact around the perimeter of your home. These conditions invite unwanted house pests like termites and carpenter ants. Treatments for wood destroying insects can be costly, but nipping the infestation early on could save thousands on potential structural damage the insects can cause if gone untreated. Homeowners should spend between 1 to 3% of the value of your home on annual home maintenance and repairs. To help you keep on track with your home maintenance needs we’ve developed this checklist. Whether you are in the process of buying a new home or a vintage home, take a minute to use this tool to develop your own personal Preventative Home Maintenance Checklist. Armed with this checklist, you will be ready to properly maintain your home and reduce the annual home maintenance and repair costs.

• Check that fire extinguisher(s) are fully charged. Re-charge if necessary.
• Examine heating/cooling air filters and replace or clean as necessary.
• Inspect and clean humidifiers and electronic air cleaners.
• If the house has hot water heating, bleed radiator valves.
• Clean gutters and downspouts. Ensure that downspouts are secure, and that the discharge of the downspouts is appropriate. Remove debris from window wells.
• Carefully inspect the condition of shower enclosures. Repair or replace deteriorated grout and caulk. Ensure that water is not escaping the enclosure during showering. Check below all plumbing fixtures for evidence of leakage.
• Repair or replace leaking faucets or shower heads.
• Secure loose toilets, or repair flush mechanisms that become troublesome.
• Replace smoke detector batteries.
• Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
• Have chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure that rain caps and vermin screens are secure.
• Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to ensure that they are not sticky.
• If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank. Have the water quality tested. If the property has a septic system, have the tank inspected (and pumped as needed).
• If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects (termites, carpenter ants, etc.), have the home inspected by a licensed specialist. Preventive treatments may be recommended in some cases.