The Home Maintenance Cheat Sheet – Tips to Keep Your Home in Top Shape
Owning a home is one of the biggest investments you'll ever make, and like any investment, it needs regular care to stay in great condition. A little preventative maintenance can save you thousands in repair costs and keep small issues from turning into major disasters. As your favorite home inspector, I’ve seen what happens when homes are neglected—and trust me, it’s not pretty. So, let’s go over some key maintenance tips that will keep your home in tip-top shape year-round!
1. Change Your HVAC Filters (Seriously, Just Do It)
A clogged air filter makes your HVAC system work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing energy bills. Worse, it can lead to system failure. Change your filters every 1-3 months, depending on your system and household conditions (pets, allergies, etc.). Your lungs and your wallet will thank you. My rule of thumb: check it once a month and change it at least once a quarter.
2. Mind the Gutters
Gutters are great when they are functioning as intended, but clogged gutters lead to water damage, foundation issues, and even pest infestations. Clean them out at least twice a year—once in the spring and again in the fall. While you're at it, check for any leaks or sagging sections that need repair.
3. Inspect Your Roof Before It Inspects Your Wallet
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Check for missing, curling, or damaged shingles twice a year and after major storms. As a good rule of thumb, I have a roofer out to my house every year to perform a maintenance check. I know it seems excessive, but the real reason? I hate the drywall and paint repairs that come from a leak!
4. Know Your Water Shutoff Valve
A burst pipe can cause thousands in damage within minutes. Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shutoff valve is and how to turn it off in an emergency. Bonus points if you test it once a year to make sure it actually works.
5. Drain and Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment buildup in your tanked water heater reduces efficiency and can shorten its lifespan. Drain and flush it once a year to keep it running smoothly. Tankless water heater? Don't think you’re off the hook for maintenance. Annual descaling is important to keep mineral deposits from building up over time. If you’ve never done this before, check your manufacturer’s instructions—or better yet, have a plumber do it the first time while you watch and learn.
6. Seal Those Cracks and Gaps
Gaps around windows and doors let in drafts, raising your energy bills and making your HVAC work overtime. A few tubes of caulk or weatherstripping can save you a ton on heating and cooling costs. Bonus: it also helps keep bugs out!
7. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
This one’s a life-or-death kind of thing. Test smoke and CO detectors monthly, replace batteries twice a year, and swap out old detectors every 10 years. Also, make sure you have enough detectors—one in each bedroom and at least one on every floor. Fun fact: we had the fire department out to our house the week before Christmas because the CO detectors were going off. The outcome? An embarrassed home inspector who didn’t replace her units in a timely fashion and all of my Christmas cookies given away to the firefighters for coming out at 4:00 a.m. Be better than me!
8. Clean Your Dryer Vent (Not Just the Lint Trap)
A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard. Clean the vent hose and exhaust duct at least once a year to keep your dryer running efficiently and your home safe.
9. Maintain Your Foundation
Your home's foundation is crucial, yet many homeowners overlook it. Keep an eye out for cracks and make sure water drains away from your house. Poor drainage can lead to costly foundation issues. (See above for cleaning out your gutters!)
10. Service Your HVAC System Regularly
Your HVAC equipment needs routine checkups. Scheduling professional inspections once, or better yet, twice a year can help catch small problems before they become big, expensive ones.
Final Thoughts
A little maintenance goes a long way in protecting your investment and keeping your home comfortable and safe. Stay on top of these tasks, and you’ll avoid many of the costly surprises that homeowners dread. If you ever need a professional opinion, you know who to call!
Until next time, keep your home maintained and your inspection stress-free.
- Your Fave Female Inspector