Create A Home Maintenance Schedule

North Twin Builders knows that your home is your sanctuary, somewhere you feel safe and something you take pride in. Whether it is a new custom home or long standing cabin, a home maintenance schedule can extend the lifespan, help you save money, and ensure the safety of your family!

Why Do I Need A Home Maintenance Schedule?

Picture this – you are settling down for a nice winter evening at home after a hard day’s work and, out of the blue, you feel a drop of water hit your forehead. You look up and see a small drip coming through the ceiling. Belatedly, you realize you should have inspected the roof before all this Northwoods snow settled in. You sigh, put a pot under the drip, and resolve to call a roofer once the snow melts. However, before you know it, the ‘small drip’ has spread throughout the room. Now you are facing a major roof replacement project that will cost thousands, and that’s without serious damage to electric wiring or mold issues.

Performing routine home maintenance can prevent a costly issue from popping up at the most inconvenient time. Thorough inspections can reveal potential problem areas that can be solved with minor repairs, often that a home owner can perform themselves. Even small projects that require calling in a professional are more cost effective if taken care of in a timely manner.

Performing seasonal maintenance tasks can also help you extend the lifespan of all the appliances in your house, as well as helping you save money on utility bills. And when you live in an area that winter weather lasts more than a season, you can’t argue with the importance of keeping that pesky heating bill down. More importantly, neglecting home maintenance can result in injuries along with unforeseen expenses. Fires starting due to neglected clothes dryers cause $75 million dollars in damages a year, countless injuries, and even death. All of which could have easily been prevented!

When Do I Need a Home Maintenance Schedule?

The answer is now and always! Even a new home requires general upkeep. This is even more important if your home was built a couple decades ago. Buying or building a home is a costly investment, and one that should be protected.

The middle of a long and extremely cold Northern Wisconsin winter may not be the right time to perform all of the tasks that need attention, but it is perfect for planning ahead. Take advantage of the weather and spend some time developing a maintenance schedule that will fit into your busy life.

How Do I Make A Home Maintenance Schedule?

Make a list of the items that need to be taken care, decide when each should be accomplished and figure out a system to make sure you follow through. The majority of maintenance only needs to be performed once a year, and spring and summer are a great time for these things but others need to be done once a month or several times a year.

To help you get started, read through the following list for some tasks that should be included in your maintenance schedule. Every home is unique, so any complete list should be personalized.

The building:

• Perform an inspection of your roof and attic space. Check for leak sources or visible wear. Clean off debris and trim branches that can cause damage. Pay special attention to your chimney. Schedule a chimney cleaning.
• Clean, inspect and repair gutters.
• Walk around the outside of your home, watching for chipped paint or breaks in stone foundation.
• Check decks or patios for loose boards. Clean and re-stain as needed.
• Perform air leakage tests on doors and windows visually or with the aid of incense. Replace weather stripping or caulk as needed.
• Inspect window screens for damage that will allow pests access. Repair or replace as needed.

Although a home owner can perform most maintenance tasks on their own, there can be a need or benefit to calling in a professional for inspections, repairs or remodeling. In the above listed tasks, for example, a roof inspection should be completed on occasion by a professional with the right equipment and technical knowledge.

The appliances and major systems:

• Check all HVAC filters monthly and replace as needed.
• Ensure that all heating vents are clean and unobstructed.
• Call a professional annually to fully clean and service heating systems.
• Inspect water heater – check that the temperature is no higher than needed. Watch for any dripping. Flush out completely once a year.
• Vacuum and clean refrigerator coils (you can save $100 a year by ensuring your fridge is running at its best).
• Check and clean dryer vent and all exhaust vents.
• Inspect fire extinguishers monthly for adequate pressure and visible wear.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors several times a year, and replace batteries twice a year.

Get Started Today:

• Regularly check for icicles that can damage home.
• Inspect tubs and showers – re-caulk as needed. Remove shower head and clean sediment.
• Check grout in bathrooms and kitchens to prolong tile life.
• Test all water valves – turn off and back on to check for problems and extend life.
• Inspect indoor water pipes for drips. Check all nozzles and drains for proper functioning.
• Defrost all freezers to get rid of buildup and increase performance.
• Deep clean oven and range hoods.
• Visually inspect basement for signs of mold or other problems.

How Do I Stick To A Home Maintenance Schedule?

Try writing out a schedule on a calendar and placing in a spot you will see frequently. If you are a spreadsheet lover, set it up on your computer divided out by task, time you would like to accomplish, and when you last performed the task. You can include notes on any issues you found and a plan for follow-up.

Luckily for today’s busy home owners, there are apps available to help you. Check out the BrightNest app, which covers home maintenance and organization. The HomeSavvy app allows you to customize your maintenance schedule and set alerts, as well as gives you DIY tips. Or try MyHouse, where you can customize a task list and set reminders.

Develop your home maintenance schedule, figure out what system works best for you, and follow through! And then –

Congratulate Yourself On Being a Responsible Home Owner!

For more helpful tips and DIY advice, check back with the North Twin Builders blog frequently!