Are you a new homeowner feeling overwhelmed with all the home maintenance tasks you must take on? Congratulations on your purchase at Naperville!
In Naperville, housing expenses are 144% higher than the national average, so taking the necessary steps to protect and maintain your home is essential.
Homeownership requires a lot of responsibility to ensure your property stays in good condition. With the right tips and tricks, maintaining your home doesn’t have to feel like too much of a burden. In this article, we’ll discuss our top five home maintenance tips for first-time homeowners so you can keep your house looking spick and span for years to come. So, sit back, read through our advice, and get ready to embark on the wonderful journey of owning your own home!
Check exterior components
Taking a close look at the exterior components of your house is an essential part of home maintenance and improvement. Inspecting your roof, siding, windows, and doors can help you spot any potential issues before they become more serious problems. Any signs of deterioration should be addressed right away.
For instance, regular roof repairs are essential. Roof repair costs can range from $150 to $400 for minor repairs and up to $7,000 for major repairs. If your roof is missing shingles or has cracked caulk, you can get those problems fixed quickly. Doing so will protect your home and save you money in the long run by preventing damage from getting worse.
Search for an expert; look up Naperville roofing company near me on Google. You will find experts with the right experience and expertise to handle repairs like these. A professional roofer can help you find the best solution for your roof, whether it’s a minor repair or a complete replacement.
Pre-cleaning
Before you begin cleaning your home, the initial step is to do an initial pre-cleaning inspection. It is a speedy method to identify any likely hazards or threats that might happen in the house. Search for signs of excessive moisture, mold growth, infestations of bugs, as well as any other issues such as cracks in walls or floors. A detailed home inspection will assist you in fostering a plan to determine potential issues.
Make a cleaning checklist to monitor all the tasks you need to do. It will assist you in breaking down the responsibility into manageable steps to stay coordinated and on top of your house maintenance.
Change the locks
This is one of the most cost-effective projects you can do, and it won’t take much time or effort. Many people forget to change the locks when they buy a new house. However, this simple task should be done as soon as possible. It may seem unnecessary but think of it as insurance. If previous owners or tenants still have copies of the keys, you want to ensure your home is safe.
However, if you are a landlord, you must ensure the locks are systematically changed between tenants. It will not only keep your property secure but can also save you from any legal issues in case of break-ins and other criminal activity.
Drain the hot water heater
The water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home, and it’s easy to forget about or neglect. Over time, sediment and other debris can build up in the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency and potentially causing problems with extreme temperatures. To keep your water heater running as efficiently as possible, drain it at least once a year.
It is an easy process that requires nothing more than hooking up a garden hose to the drain valve and running it out into the yard. Doing this regularly will help your water heater run better and ensure you have hot water when needed.
Check the HVAC filters and replace them if necessary
Your HVAC system is the heart of your home, and it’s essential to maintain it if you want to increase its efficiency. Regularly check those filters and replace them when needed; you can get a quick return on investment with this simple maintenance task. Not only will this help keep your energy bills low, but also make sure that your HVAC system runs at its best.
Check the ducts for air leaks. Air leaks can make your HVAC system work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Ensure all connections between plenums, trunks, risers, and registers are correctly sealed to prevent any air leakage. It might be a bigger job than replacing filters, but it is still relatively easy if you’re comfortable using essential tools.
Control moisture levels
Moisture is the enemy of every home and can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other costly issues. That’s why it’s critical to install a sump pump and have a system to monitor your basement’s water levels. Investing in waterproofing systems for basements or crawl spaces is likewise recommended if you want to keep moisture from accumulating in your home.
You should also ensure the windows and doors are fixed properly and there is sufficient ventilation in the bathroom, kitchen, and other moisture-prone areas. It will prevent high humidity levels, which can lead to more damage over time.
Conclusion
Setting aside time to clean, inspect, and monitor your home regularly will help ensure that all your expensive appliances and fixtures last for years to come. With these simple tips in mind, you can rest assured that your home is properly maintained and cared for. Make this year count by rolling up our sleeves and getting into action – start taking charge of upkeep today!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
