Ama Adeniyi – 470-926-3833 – Atlanta, GA.
Home Maintenance Tasks
As a homeowner, making sure your house is always in top shape isn’t an easy task. After all, keeping up with regular maintenance tasks such as painting, decluttering the basement and replacing filters can add up to become time-consuming and even costly projects. But investing the effort into taking care of your property will bring many benefits both now and in the long run.
In this blog post, I’ll share the top home maintenance tips that you should follow if you want to ensure your home stays safe and beautiful for years to come. From essential plumbing repair information to quick cleaning habits – it’s never been easier or more budget-friendly to keep up with proper, home repairs and maintenance practices!
Home Maintenance Checklist Below
The Yard = Curb Appeal
Mow your Lawn Regularly
Mowing your lawn on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your home’s curb appeal. Not only will it make your home look more attractive, but it will also help to keep your lawn healthy. Be sure to mow in a pattern that will avoid leaving tire marks on your lawn.
Service The Lawn Mower
If you have a lawn mower, it is important to service it on a regular basis. This includes changing the oil, sharpening the blades, and cleaning the air filter. By servicing your lawn mower regularly, you will extend its life and ensure that it continues to operate at its best.
Edge your Lawn
Edging your lawn is another simple way to improve its appearance. You can use a variety of tools to edge your lawn, such as a string trimmer or edging tool. Be sure to go slowly and take care not to damage your lawn while you are working.
Fertilize your Lawn
Fertilizing your lawn is important for maintaining its health and preventing weeds from taking over. There are a variety of different fertilizers available, so be sure to choose one that is right for the type of grass you have. Apply the fertilizer according to the directions on the package.
Water your Lawn Regularly
Watering your lawn on a regular basis is essential for keeping it healthy. Depending on the type of grass you have, you may need to water it more or less frequently. Be sure to check the weather forecast before watering so that you don’t end up wasting water.
Aerate your Lawn
Aerating your lawn helps to improve its drainage and prevent compaction. You can aerate your lawn yourself using an aeration tool, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Aerating is typically done once or twice a year, but you may need to do it more often if you have heavy foot traffic on your lawn.
Build Raised Beds In your Garden
Raised beds are a great way to improve your gardening game with very little effort. Not only do they make it easier to plant and tend to your crops, but they also help to improve drainage and prevent soil compaction. To build a raised bed, simply choose a spot in your yard that gets plenty of sun and build a frame out of wood or stone. Then fill the frame with high-quality soil and you’re ready to start planting!
Remove Weeds From your Lawn
Weeds can quickly take over a lawn if they are not removed promptly. The best way to remove weeds is to pull them by hand, but you can also use a weed killer if necessary. Be sure to read the directions on the weed killer carefully before using it so that you don’t damage your grass in the process.
Remove Dead Plants and Weeds
Dead plants and dead branches can attract pests and rodents, so it’s important to remove them from your property on a regular basis. You can do this by pulling them up by the roots, cutting them down at the base or just picking up the branches.
Clear Fall Leaves and Debris From Your Yard
As fall approaches, it is important to clear leaves and debris from your yard. This will prevent them from accumulating and becoming a fire hazard. It is also important to rake up any acorns or nuts that have fallen from trees early fall, as these can attract rodents such as squirrels and rats.
Use A Pressure Washer
If you have any outdoor areas that need cleaning, such as decks, patios, or driveways, one of the best ways to do so is with a pressure washer. Pressure washers can save you a lot of time and effort when cleaning these areas, and they can also help to extend the life of your deck or patio by removing dirt and debris that can cause wear and tear.
Keep Your Gutters In Top Condition
Gutter maintenance is important for two reasons. First, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and leak into your home, leading to water damage. Second, gutters can cause ice dams to form in the winter, which can lead to roof damage. To avoid these problems, be sure to clean your gutters regularly and repair any leaks or damage as soon as possible.
Clean Your Range’s Hood Filter
Your range’s hood filter should be cleaned every few months to prevent grease and dirt build-up. A dirty filter can not only cause your range to work less efficiently, but it can also be a fire hazard.
Dust Your Entire House
Dust accumulates quickly, so it’s important to dust your entire house on a regular basis. Dusting not only helps to keep the living space in your home clean, but it also helps to remove allergens from the air.
Check To See That The Doorbell Works – If Not, Replace It
When it comes to maintaining the safety and security of your home or office, small details can make a big difference. A working doorbell may seem like a minor detail, but it’s actually an important part of your security system. If your bell isn’t functioning properly, it could prevent guests or deliveries from reaching you in a timely manner, leaving them stranded outside.
Inspect your Smoke Detectors and Replace the Batteries If Necessary
Smoke detectors are an important part of any home safety plan. Be sure to inspect your smoke alarm regularly and replace the batteries as necessary.
Check Your Water Bill To Track Water Consumption
If you want to save money on your water bill, it’s important to track your water consumption. You can do this by checking your bill regularly and looking for any spikes in usage. If you notice that your water consumption has increased, there may be a leak in your home. Fixing leaks is a simple and effective way to reduce your water bill.
Regularly Get Your HVAC Professionally Serviced
Your HVAC and heating system is one of the most important components of your home, so it’s important to keep it in good working order. One way to do this is to have it professionally serviced on a regular basis as this will keep it in tip top shape. This will help to ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently and will help to prolong its lifespan.
Check Roof Surface For Damages
One of the most important home maintenance tips is to regularly check your roof for damage. Damages to your roof can lead to a variety of problems, including leaks, drafts, and even structural damage. If you notice any damage to your roof, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible by a professional.
Make Sure Your Fire Extinguisher Is Working Properly
Another important home maintenance tip is to make sure your fire extinguisher is working. Fire extinguishers are an essential part of any home safety plan, and it’s important to ensure that yours is in good working order. You should check the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher monthly, and make sure that it’s properly charged.
Regularly Clean Refrigerator Coils
Cleaning your refrigerator coils is another important home maintenance task that should be done on a regular basis. Dirty coils can cause your fridge to work harder, which can lead to higher energy bills. To clean your coils, simply unplug your fridge and remove the refrigerator’s coils from the back. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust or dirt from the coils, and then replace them back onto the fridge.
Clean Out Exhaust Fans To Prevent Mold
Mold can grow quickly in damp, dark areas like exhaust fans. To prevent mold from growing, be sure to clean out your exhaust fans on a regular basis. You can do this by removing the cover and using a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any dust or debris.
Remove Lint and Build Up From Your Dryer Vent
Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vents over time, which can lead to a fire hazard. To prevent this, be sure to clean your dryer vents on a regular basis. You can do this by disconnecting the vent from the dryer and using cleaning solution or using a brush or vacuum attachment to remove any lint or debris.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly
Keeping your garbage disposal running smoothly doesn’t have to be a daunting task. One simple step you can take is to avoid putting hard-to-grind items like bones or coffee grounds down the disposal. Instead, opt for softer items like fruits or vegetables. Trust me, your disposal will appreciate it. In addition, be sure to run cold water for 30 seconds before and after using the disposal to help flush out any remaining debris. By following these easy tips, you’ll help to prolong the life of your garbage disposal and ensure it functions properly for years to come.
Change The Direction Of Your Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the direction of the ceiling fan blades. During the winter, you should run your ceiling fans in the clockwise direction. This will push warm air down from the ceiling, making your home more comfortable. In the summer, you should run your ceiling fans in the counterclockwise direction. This will create a cooling breeze in your home. And just a side note, since your up there, dusting off the light fixture will be an easy task.
Test Your Sump Pump To Avoid Flooding
If your home has a sump pump, it’s important to test it regularly to ensure it is working properly. To test your sump pump, fill the pit with water and make sure the pump turns on and starts pumping water out of the pit. If your pump doesn’t turn on, you may need to replace the float switch. If your sump pump doesn’t seem to be pumping excess water back out fast enough, you may need to clean or replace the discharge hose.
Flush Out Your Water Heater
One of the most important maintenance tasks for any home is flushing out the water heater. Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can build up in the tank, which can lead to a variety of problems, including decreased energy efficiency and increased wear and tear on the unit. To flush out your water heater, simply attach a hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the unit and open the valve to allow the water to flow out. Once the hot water side has finished draining, close the valve and turn on the cold water supply to refill the tank.
Fix Scuff Marks On Interior Walls With A Little Paint
If you have scuff marks on your walls from furniture or shoes, you can easily fix them with a little bit of paint. Simply touch up the area with a paintbrush or roller using paint that matches your wall color. Once the touch up paint is dry, you’ll never even know the scuff marks were there!
Install A Storm Door
Storm doors are a great way to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer while also saving on energy costs. Storm doors work by creating an additional barrier between your home and the outside elements, which helps to keep heat in during winter and cool air in during summer. Most storm doors can be installed in just a few hours using basic tools, so it’s a project that even novice DIYers can tackle with ease.
Wash the Windows
Cleaning your home windows may seem like a trivial task, but it is an essential part of home maintenance that should not be overlooked. Not only does it enhance the appearance of your home, but it also plays an important role in the overall health and safety of your living environment. Dirty or stained windows can obstruct the natural light that flows into your home, making it gloomy and dull. Additionally, dirty windows attract allergens and pollutants which may trigger respiratory problems and aggravate allergies. By making a habit of cleaning your home windows regularly, you can maintain a healthy and safe living space for you and your family.
Deep Clean Your Carpet
Another important tip is to deep clean your carpets on a regular basis. Carpets can quickly become stained and matted, making them difficult to clean and requiring special care. Deep cleaning your carpet will remove all the dirt, dust, and debris that has built up over time, leaving them looking and feeling like new.
Turn Off the Water Main
One of the most important basic home maintenance tips is to know how to turn off your home’s water main. In the event of a plumbing leak or burst pipe, you’ll want to be able to quickly shut off the water to prevent extensive water damage. Locate your home’s water main and familiarize yourself with the shut-off valve so that you can quickly turn it off in an emergency.
In conclusion, taking care of your home is one of the most important investments you can make. Taking proactive steps to maintain your house will save you from unnecessary expenses in the long run and help protect the resale value of your property. The key is to remain consistent with your upkeep schedule and act fast when needed.
For any further questions or tips about home maintenance, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Taking good care of your assets is always worth the effort!
