Regular upkeep can help extend the life of your home’s components and save you thousands of dollars over time. The following preventative measures are relatively inexpensive and usually only need to be addressed once or twice a year. Many of them are simple enough that you may want to do them yourself, but a handyman is only a phone call away if you need some help.
Roof: Fall and spring are good times to conduct routine maintenance on the roof, including the replacement of missing/damaged shingles or tiles and checking for signs of blistering or damage that can lead to leaks. Clear all debris from the roof and gutters.
Siding: clean your home’s exterior with a garden hose sprayer and mild detergent or a power washer after winter passes. Tighten loose trim and add caulk to areas with cracks to keep the elements from intruding and causing further damage to the structure.
Decks: Wash and treat wood with paint or a weatherproofing product to prevent cracking and get it in prime condition for outdoor entertaining.
Basement: Watch for signs of moisture intrusion and find the source of any leaks that can lead to serious mold or fungus problems if left unaddressed.
Kitchen/Baths: Replace damaged caulking around tubs, showers, sinks and toilets to avoid water-related damage to walls, floors and cabinets.
Dryer: Remove accumulated lint from the exhaust duct at the back of the dryer, and use a long-handled brush to clear the vent that leads outside. Blockages not only impact performance, they can also be fire hazards.
Refrigerator: To keep your refrigerator working well, clean dirt and lint from its condenser coils once or twice a year. Access the coils on the back of the unit or behind the front grill, and use a vacuum attachment or coil brush to clear the debris. Failing to remove the build-up can stress the condenser and cause expensive, permanent damage to the unit.
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