Even home inspectors have a "to-fix" list, and believe me, mine never seems to get any shorter. Maintaining a home is a never-ending cycle, and just like you, I have to carve out time to take care of the little (and not-so-little) things before they turn into bigger problems. Some projects I tackle myself, and some I happily hand off to the pros. Here’s what’s on my personal paid-for service list this year:
1. HVAC Maintenance Contract
I harp on this one a lot because, next to your roof, your heating and air equipment is the most expensive component in your home. My HVAC maintenance plan covers biannual inspections and service, which means fewer surprises and more peace of mind when the seasons change. Routine maintenance is the cheapest insurance you can buy for your heating and cooling systems.
2. Sealing and Staining the Deck
With constant foot traffic and heavy sun exposure, my deck and steps take a beating every year. I made the mistake early on of not buying the best product, so I’m now locked into annual pressure washing, sanding, and staining. While I've tackled this myself in the past, I've found that my painter does it way faster and way better than I can. This is a project I'm more than happy to hire out!
3. Septic Tank Cleaning
Every few years, it's necessary—and this is my year. I’m scheduling a septic pump-out and inspection to prevent backups and prolong the life of the system. Trust me, you don't want to find out the hard way that your tank is overdue!
4. Carpet Cleaning
Between kids, pets, and daily life, my carpets have seen better days. They don't look dirty, but I know a vacuum can only do so much. I’m embarrassed to say we are way overdue for a deep clean—like, nine years overdue. Did you know most carpet manufacturers recommend a professional cleaning every 12–18 months?! A deep professional cleaning refreshes the whole house and extends the life of the flooring.
5. Power Washing the Exterior
I'm scheduling a full power wash of my siding, porches, and driveway to blast away built-up grime, pollen, and mildew. This is another project I’ve tackled on my own, and while I like pulling out the pressure washer for smaller projects, my equipment just doesn’t cut it for the full height of the home. It’s one of the quickest ways to boost curb appeal, and there’s nothing more satisfying than coming home to a shiny house and vibrant white trim.
6. Water Heater Descaling
Hard water buildup reduces the efficiency of a water heater. This year, I’m having my tankless water heater professionally descaled to keep it operating efficiently and extend its lifespan. We've done this a few times, and it’s crazy how much better our water flow and pressure is after it’s been completed.
7. Pest Control Service
I love enjoying my freshly pressure-washed home, but over the last few years, spider webs and bugs have quickly dirtied the exterior. I might be the only one, but it really feels like they’re getting worse! For the first time ever, I’ve signed up for regular pest control service to proactively manage the never-ending mounds of fire ants, spiders around the exterior, and other unwelcome guests—including my least favorite: mice.
Final Thoughts
Home maintenance isn’t glamorous, but staying ahead of the little things makes a huge difference in your home’s comfort, safety, and value. If you haven’t built your service checklist yet this year, maybe this will inspire you to tackle a few things before they sneak up on you!
Until next time, keep your home maintained and your inspection stress-free.
- Your Fave Female Inspector