Homeowner
Guide

As with all big investments, you want to protect it and ensure it stays in great shape for years to come and a home is no different. On top of that there are plenty of new maintenance tasks and regular upkeep you will need to take care of once you become a homeowner that you may have never done before. This helpful guide covers the essential tips and tricks every homeowner should know from seasonal upkeep to safety.

Core Maintenance

It is important to conduct regular maintenance and upkeep on your home to ensure small issues don’t become a bigger problem down the road. A helpful tip is to keep a list of maintenance and upkeep tasks divided by frequency for example regular (monthly) maintenance, seasonal maintenance, and annual maintenance. Some examples of different maintenance would be:

Regular Monthly Maintenance

  • Test any safety devices such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they remain functional.
  • Take a quick look under sinks and behind toilets for any potential drips.
  • Ensure all vents and fans are cleared of dust and obstructions.
  • Test any GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, garages, etc.

Annual Maintenance

  • HVAC inspection
  • Roof inspection
  • Electrical inspection
  • Plumbing inspection

Seasonal Maintenance

Spring
  • Check windows, walls, fences, etc. for any damage sustained during the winter months.
  • Check your home foundation inside and out for any potential cracks or leaks that may have developed during winter.
  • Deep clean your home inside and out to wash off the winter silt and sand.
  • Inspect your home’s grading to ensure melting snow and rainwater will drain away from your home.
  • Service A/C units as needed to ensure they’re functional for when the warmer weather hits.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts of any debris.
Summer
  • Check conditions of exteriors such as siding, window and door frames, railings, etc. and repaint as needed.
  • Clean windows and screens
    Trim trees, shrubs, and other plants away from the home.
  • Check seals around windows and doors for any cracks to keep your A/C from working too hard.
Fall
  • Clean gutters of debris such as leaves and twigs before winter to promote drainage.
  • Inspect heating systems.
  • Have your fireplace and furnace inspected before use.
  • Store any outdoor furniture away.
Winter
  • Check windows and doors to ensure they are remaining properly sealed to prevent heat escape.
  • Keep any vents or exhausts clear of snow and ice buildup.
  • Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow.
  • Salt surfaces such as stairs, walkways, driveways, paths, etc. to prevent ice build up.
  • Pay attention to snow and ice buildup on the roof of your home to prevent damage from excess weight

Keeping Your Home Clean

Homes require regular cleaning to keep everything looking beautiful and extend the life of your home. Different areas of your home require different types of cleaning and some may need it more than others. A helpful tip is to have a quick checklist of each room’s cleaning needs and work on a different room or two each time you clean to keep things from building up. Some common areas to start would be:

Bathrooms
  • Use vinegar on faucets and other metal surfaces to remove hard water stains
  • Remove items from countertops and shelves then wipe down and dry surfaces.
  • Using either a mist of cleaner or water wipe with a microfiber cloth and dry for no streaks.
  • Use an old toothbrush for any hard to reach areas.
  • Vacuum or sweep first to pick up any loose dust and debris followed by a mop with cleaner or a vinegar and water solution.
  • Rinse drains with a baking soda and vinegar mix to prevent minor blockages and help keep pipes clear.
Living Room
  • Dust starting from the high areas and working your way down
  • Cleaning as you go will prevent a mess from building up
  • Wipe down surfaces such as coffee tables or shelves
  • Clean any delicate surfaces such as windows or TV screens gently with microfiber clothes.
Kitchen
  • Wipe down interiors of appliances such as microwaves, fridges, and ovens to prevent buildup.
  • Sweep and mop floors.
  • Tackle kitchen sink drains.

Security & Safety

Your home contains your entire life from your belongings to your family and having that secured and safe is your number one priority. While not a constant focus in your day to day having the proper preparation can give you the peace of mind that you’re prepared should anything happen. Some basic home security and safety preparations to make are:

  • Install smart doorbells or doorbell cameras
  • Have an emergency escape plan and familiarize yourself with exit routes from each room
  • Keep a supply of water bottles, flashlights, and spare supplies for power outages or emergencies.
  • Label water shutoffs and breaker panel
  • Keep a first aid kit handy
  • Ensure a working fire extinguisher on each level of the home in an accessible area.

Enjoy Your New Home

Home ownership is a learning process with many helpful tricks learned along the way from lived experience. Proactively checking the conditions of components such as exteriors, pipes, foundation, etc. you can help stay on top of any issues before they get out of hand becoming bigger and more expensive than they otherwise would be. Additionally, proper cleaning and care ensures your home continues to look as beautiful as the day you bought it.

Enjoy your new home, you’ve earned it.