From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk.
In no time at all, small problems can lead to extensive and expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, those minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent (or more) of their appraised value.
The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and actually increase the value of your home by one percent annually!
Use the following checklist as a guide to maintaining your home and lawn throughout the year. It's applicable for all climates, so please share it with friends and family members who you think could benefit, no matter where their home is located.
After a long, cold winter, many of us look forward to a fresh start in the spring. Wash away the winter grime, open the windows, and prepare your home for warmer weather and backyard barbecues.
Inside
❏
Conduct Annual Spring Cleaning
❏
Shut Down Heating System
❏
Tune Up A/C
❏
Check Plumbing
❏
Inspect Smoke Alarm and Carbon
Monoxide Detectors
Outside
❏
Inspect Perimeter of Home
❏
Clean Home’s Exterior
❏ Clean Gutters and Downspouts
❏
Seed or Sod Lawn
❏
Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide
❏
Plant Flowers
❏
Mulch Beds
❏
Fertilize Lawn
❏
Tune Up Lawn Mower
❏
Inspect Sprinkler System
❏
Check the Deck
❏
Prepare Pool
Summer is generally the time to relax and enjoy your home, but a little time devoted to maintenance will help ensure it looks great and runs efficiently throughout the season.
Inside
❏
Adjust Ceiling Fans
❏
Clean A/C Filters
❏
Clear Dryer Vent
❏
Check Weather Stripping
Outside
❏
Mow Lawn Regularly
❏
Water Early in the Morning
❏
Weed Weekly
❏
Exterminate Pests
Fall ushers in another busy season of home maintenance as you prepare your home for the winter weather ahead.
Inside
❏
Have Heater Serviced
❏
Shut Down A/C for the Winter
❏ Inspect Chimney Fire safety experts recommend that you have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned periodically. Complete this task before you start using your fireplace or furnace.
❏
Seal Windows and Doors
❏
Check Smoke Alarm and Carbon
Monoxide Detectors
Outside
❏ Plant Fall Flowers, Grass and Shrubs Fall is a great time to plant perennials, trees, shrubs, cool-season vegetables and bulbs that will bloom in the spring. It’s also a good time to reseed or sod your lawn.
❏
Rake or Mow Leaves
❏
Apply Fall Fertilizer
❏
Inspect Gutters and Roof
❏
Shut Down Sprinkler System
❏
Close Pool
Winter (most of these aren't relevant in Florida)
While it can be tempting to ignore home maintenance issues in the winter, snow and freezing temperatures can do major damage if left untreated. Follow these steps to ensure your house survives the winter months.
Inside
❏
Maintain Heating System
❏
Tune Up Generator
❏
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Outside
❏
Drain and Shut Off Outdoor
Faucets
❏
Remove Window Screens
❏
Service Snowblower
❏
Stock Up on Ice Melt
❏
Watch Out for Ice Dams
❏
Check for Snow Buildup on
Trees
While this checklist should not be considered a complete list of your home’s maintenance needs, it can serve as a general seasonal guide. Systems, structures and fixtures will need to be repaired and replaced from time-to-time, as well. The good news is, the investment you make in maintaining your home now will pay off dividends over time.
Keep a record of all your maintenance, repairs and upgrades for future reference, along with receipts. Not only will it help jog your memory, it can make a big impact on buyers when it comes time to sell your home … and potentially result in a higher selling price.
Are you looking for help with home maintenance or repairs? We have an extensive network of trusted contractors and service providers and are happy to provide referrals! Call or email us, and we can connect you with one of our preferred vendors.
(772)807-9699
Email: andrea@myfloridaloan.com
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