As a Home Stager to often I see homeowners, who are now sellers, scrambling to cram all home repairs and updates into a short time frame. It is better to keep on top of things then letting them pile up to the last minute. Below I have compiled a list of regular maintenance that should be done in your home. This will help homeowners keep the aesthetic value to their homes and create less time, energy and money wasted when wanting to sell.
HOME OWNERS "GO TO" MAINTENANCE LIST (AESTHETICALLY)
Interior
Paint 3-5 years (especially if there are children or pets)
Carpet 8-10 years
Wallpaper - keep it Neutral, especially if you know you will be moving sooner than later.
Decorating-Try to stick with pieces that are timeless and not a complete fad (definition: something that is embraced very enthusiastically for a short time, especially by many people)-good rule, just because they sell it, doesn't mean we have to buy it.
Kitchen (tough spot)-although there are alot of outdated kitchens (I've remodeled a few of them), just keeping up with changing the knobs every few years can reap benefits. Regularly cleaning the cabinets can also give a quick face-lift.
Vinyl (laminate)Flooring 8-10 years (I know the warranty says 25 yrs to a lifetime)It probably won't disintegrate, but you know it certainly will not look nice for that long, never mind style.
Tile Grout- 1st have it sealed after the tile is laid, 2nd professionally or DYI clean it with grout cleaner or good old bleach. This should have it looking better. You could also scrape up the old and re-grout. Most tile looks nice years and years after it was installed, especially when it was installed professionally. Its the grout that makes the tile look run down.
Exterior
LEAVES!-Rake em'! I know its not fun, but the longer the pile sits the bigger and heavier it gets. Believe me I have seen quite a few yards that have at least 2-3 years of leaf build up.
Lawn maintenance-Fertilize, lime, whatever you can do that will help keep the growth. Obviously there are areas that just won't grow grass. Rely on local plants and ground-cover that will thrive in your area.
Mulch/Wood chips Yearly
Windows (Wood) 5 years-repaint, scrape the chipped paint. Wood windows are a wonderfully aesthetic feature, keep them looking nice.
Windows (Vinyl) every 6 month cleaning inside and out-Of course unless there is broken glass, vinyl windows should last years and years. Clean the windows out side and replace screens with holes.
Power Washing 1 - 2 years-One of the easiest and least expensive things to do. You can have a power-washer come and professionally do your deck, windows, and siding for as little as $150. Or buy one for a little more than that and store it properly.
Wood Decking (Painting/Staining) 3-5 years
AND the list could go on and on, but I will stop here. That will give most honey's a TO DO list for a at least this spring. By the way-I do follow the rules at my own house.
If you have something constructive to add to the list-ADD ON!
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