Maintaining your home can help you save money on down-the-line repairs and prevent small problems from spiraling out of control. Last month, I shared monthly and quarterly tips for you to consider. Now, I want to look at what homeowners should do biannually, annually, and every five years or more to properly maintain their property. Keep reading for part two of your home maintenance checklist!
Home Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Biannually
As we touched on in our last post, it’s important that you change your air filters every 30 to 90 days (depending on the type of filter you use). Additionally, you should get your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system fully serviced twice per year.
You should also look for leaky or cracked faucets. Check the faucet spout and base as well as under the sink for water or moisture outside of the pipes. Even the smallest leak can boost your water bill without you noticing! While you’re in the kitchen and bathrooms, inspect the grout and caulk to see if touch-ups are needed to prevent future water damage.
Next, head to your attic and/or basement. Look for cracks in the walls, insulation issues, leaks, or pest problems.
Lastly, it’s important to clean out your gutters and downspouts every six months. If they’re clogged, it can lead to damage to your home’s siding and/or structure.
Annually
Each year, I recommend checking in with your realtor to see if codes, including structural, electrical and plumbing, have changed. This simple step will help ensure that your property is up-to-date if you decide to sell.
Additionally, if you have an older home, it’s important to have an electrician review your electrical system and make sure it’s working correctly.
Did you know that lint build-up from your dryer is a major fire hazard? Plus, it decreases your dryer’s effectiveness. Clean your lint screen after each load and do a more thorough cleaning of the lint trap and dryer vent once a year.
Now, let’s move outside! Given the storms and strong winds that we often see in Central Florida, you should trim your tree branches at least once per year. You should also hire a professional to check for termites and wood damage. If you catch them before they’ve spread, you can avoid a major infestation. They may also suggest some preventive measures you can take to prevent future issues.
Five Years and Beyond
You should repaint your home exterior every five years. An easy way to tell if you’re due for a touch-up: Rub your stucco; if white dust shows up on your hand, it’s time!
And finally, note that many of your appliances will need to be replaced after 5 to 10 years. The life expectancy varies based on usage, weather, installation, maintenance, and quality. Take a look at my list below for a more detailed overview.
The Average Lifespan of Materials and Appliances in Central Florida
It’s no secret that the heat and humidity in Central Florida takes a toll on building materials and home appliances! Let’s take a quick look at the average lifespan of items in your home.
Air conditioner (central): 5 to 12 years
Aluminum windows: 10 to 15 years
Asphalt driveway: 10 to 15 years
Carpet: 8 to 10 years
Caulking (interior): 5 to 8 years
Caulking (exterior):1 to 3 years
Ceiling fan: 5 to 10 years
Deck planks: 10 years
Dehumidifiers: 8 years
Furnace: 15 to 25 years
Paint (interior): 8 to 12 years
Paint (exterior): 5 years
Roofing adhesives/cements: 8+ years
Sealants: 5 years
Stains: 2 to 6 years
Let The Urban Dog Group help you with your real estate needs. Contact Christine Elias at caerealestate@gmail.com.