Home maintenance items that cost less than 25$ each

From my trusted home inspector.

Dear Lane 
 
The first step in proper home maintenance is to make sure small problems do not turn into big headaches.  Below is some valuable information for any homeowner and especially anyone selling a home right now.
 
The following maintenance items can typically be performed by the homeowner for less than $25 each, but will save far more than that down the road. Home maintenance should not be a mystery, and if homeowners follow a simple maintenance checklist on a regular basis, they can keep their home in working order for many years to come.

1)  Clean the gutters. A clear passageway for rain runoff improves roof drainage and helps avoid expensive water damage to the house and its structures.

 

2)  Extend or install downspouts or splash blocks. This helps divert water away from the house to avoid basement leaks, flooding and soil erosion.

 

3)  Caulk exterior trim, windows and doors. Water finds its way into many crevices. Keep it out by sealing up small spaces.  

 

4)  Apply deck preservative regularly. Avoid premature wear and tear by protecting the wood from the elements.

 

5)  Trim trees near house and roof.  Falling branches and wind-blown limbs can damage the roof and siding and be an invitation for wood destroying insects.

 

6)  Seal roof flashings or replace missing roof shingles.  This simple weekend project helps avoid the little roof leaks that, over time can create expensive damage to the roof and underlying elements. 

 

7)  Regrout the bathroom/bathtub tile.  This prevents water seepage behind the tile which can lead to costly problems down the road. 

 

8)  Clean or replace your kitchen exhaust fan. A grease buildup will tax the fan and increases the potential for a fire.

 

9)  Clean out your clothes dryer vent. Clogged reduce the efficiency of the system and is considered a fire hazard.

 

10)  Keep an eye out for termite tubes or carpenter ants. A regular, visual check of your home's structure will give you a chance to treat the infestation before and reduce the potential for costly structural damage.

 

11)  Regularly change your furnace and air conditioning filter. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and will reduce the useful life of the appliance. 

 

12)  Fill in low spots at foundation with soil. Addressing these gaps will help prevent basement leaks and flooding down the road.

 

13)  Move stored firewood away from the foundation to reduce the potential of wood destroying insect infestation.

 

14)  Clean sluggish drains to reduce potential of leakage, pipe damage or overflow.

 

15)  Check toilet for cracks in bowl or tank cover and verify the toilet is properly secured to the floor. 

 

16)  Clean debris from exterior A/C unit.  Unlike most systems in your home your Central A/C system is generally housed on the exterior of the home.  Keep free of debris at all times so the system is properly vented...

 

17)  Check for proper venting in attic and soffits.

 

18)  Make sure all exterior drains are free and clear of debris and are draining properly.  Water that does not drain properly can cause seepage into lower level or basement.

 

19) Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters; special outlets designed to reduce the potential for electrical shock.  

 

20)  Seal asphalt driveways to reduce water related deterioration.

 

21)  Test Auto retract feature of garage doors to ensure they stop/reverse immediately if something blocks their movement.

 

22)   Remove vegetation growing along the foundation.  Overgrown vegetation is an invitation to rodents, insects and moisture.  In addition large roots can cause pressure on the foundation.

 

23)  Flush out water heater through the drain valve to flush out sediment and allow gas or oil water heater to operate more efficiently and safely.

 

24)  Check interior and exterior stairs for any possible tripping hazards.  Also make sure all handrails are properly secured.

 

25)  Apply deck preservative to wood decks to reduce potential rot and deterioration.

 
A little regular attention every year can help increase the enjoyment of your home, reduce the potential for major repairs and protect the value of your home.  . Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com .  Or call us at 804-745-4588.

         

Lane A. Midgett

Associate Broker, ABR®, e-PRO®

Stay in touch with me

Subscribe to my feed    

    All content copyright © 2010 Lane Midgett and 1776 Real Estate Group