4 House Maintenance Tips
When shopping for a home, it is likely that the owner before you had a home inspection conducted to make sure everything was up to code with no major issues. Even with a previous inspection, you should get the home professionally inspected before your purchase. We suggest that after you purchase the home, it’s wise to maintain or improve upon the state of the property to ensure that it will be sellable in the future. You also want to be sure that it’s a safe place for you and your family to call home. Here are a few key elements that should be checked during home maintenance and some tips on what to specifically look for when maintaining your home.
#1 Electrical
Electrical wiring throughout the home can become a dangerous issue if not properly maintained. Most homes have been updated, and proper home maintenance will keep your electrical wiring safe. There are three locations that you should check: your main electrical panel, indoor wiring, and outdoor wiring. Home maintenance on your central electrical panel should include tightening all fuses and labeling all circuits. If you notice that your panel is warm, wires are burned, or aluminum wiring needs to be tightened, a qualified electrician should address these issues immediately. Indoor wiring should be replaced if damaged or frayed, and loose outlets should be tightened. Outdoor wiring should also be checked for frayed or loose wires. Outdoor outlets need to be covered properly and replaced if the circuits aren’t grounded.
#2 Heating
Heating units can be a complicated aspect of home maintenance, but we’ve got a few tips on what to look for. A condensate drain line emerging from the ductwork above the furnace should be checked during the cooling season for leaks or water build up. The unit should be on a stable/level spot outside. Other key locations to check are the refrigerant lines; debris should be cleared away and left uncovered to prevent rusting. If your unit is excessively loud, we encourage you to have a HVAC professional inspect it.
#3 Plumbing
Home maintenance for your plumbing system is essential to prevent flooding, bursting pipes, and more. Any part of the home that has pipes or fixtures that contain any form of liquid should be checked regularly. You should conduct standard visual inspections to keep an eye out for cracks, puddles of water, and valves that need to be tightened. When performing home maintenance on your water heater, turn off the power or fuel supply before draining any water from the tank. We also recommend having a water quality test conducted to ensure your family’s water supply is healthy and up to standards.
#4 Structure
The most important part of a home is its structure and a solid foundation is critically important. When completing home maintenance for the structure, you should look in four key locations: foundation walls, wood framing, wall/ceiling surface cracks, and door frames. When completing home maintenance for the foundation, you should look for deterioration, dampness, and movement. If you see cracks and holes, fill them. Wood framing should be checked for evidence of rot, insect infestation, or sagging. Wall and ceiling cracks should be monitored for significant movement that could suggest damage.
For more house maintenance tips check out our maintenance checklist online. If you come across something that may require a professional’s opinion, don’t hesitate to contact Inspect-It 1st for a full inspection. A safe home is a happy home.