Home maintenance

Home maintenance is extremely important to the value and life of your home. Spotting a problem and correcting it early might make a difference in an expensive repair and the enjoyment of your home.

Perhaps you are thinking about selling your home or maybe you have just purchased your dream home. In both cases you are most likely concerned with the current condition and how to best maintain your home to bring it back into good condition, or keep it that way.

The following list includes items you should check on a regular basis as preventive maintenance.  Spending a weekend afternoon checking out these items will save you time and money in the long run. Then when you are ready to sell your home, you can do so with the confidence that the major mechanical items are in good working condition.

• Look for wood rot and/or termite infestation. You may wish to hire a professional to do an annual termite inspection. Often these companies offer bonds or warranties covering treatment and repair.
• Keep an eye on the slope or grading of your yard and drive. Is water penetrating or standing at the foundation during heavy rains?
• Inspect your windows and doors looking for cracked or broken glass and affective weather stripping.
• Make sure your windows are functioning properly. Lubricate the window hardware and check the locking mechanisms.
• You should inspect your roof on a yearly basis and after severe weather. Look for damaged, pitted or loose shingles. Hire a professional roofer to inspect the shingles, flashing and decking.
• Make sure your gutters are flowing freely and not clogged with leaves and debris.
• Check exterior of home, fascias, soffits and siding for wood rot and chipped or peeling paint.
• Keep an eye on the grouting around your shower, bath tubs and sinks. Loose tiles and damaged grouting can be an indication of water penetration.
• Make sure all electrical cords used in the home are undamaged and showing no signs of wear. Replace as needed.
• Frequent blowing of fuses or breakers indicates a need to call an electrician as soon as possible to inspect.
• Change your air filters as needed. This is something most anyone can do on a regular basis.
• Keep the area around your furnace and a/c area free of dust and dirt.
• Repair leaking faucets and outside hose connections.
• Hire a professional to inspect drain piping, water heaters and septic systems.

These questions will help you in choosing the right company to dig deeper into the condition of your home. Make sure the inspector from the company you choose is someone you feel comfortable with to explain the results of the inspection report in terms easily understood.

Getting a home inspection and being satisfied with the results can mean the difference between your dream home and a nightmare.

Contact me at 407-304-0255 to receive additional information about the home inspection process.