Your house is a major asset that needs routine care, however it’s easy to forget in the daily routine and take it for granted until a problem arises. Home maintenance can prevent damage and save you from paying those deductibles on your homeowners insurance as well as keep you from paying higher costs on a repair later! Depending on the age of your home and its history, it may be worth hiring an inspector to get an in-depth analysis and idea of what needs are urgent and what can be done to maintain the home. However, if your home is in good shape, most of the outdoor and indoor maintenance can be done without hiring a professional. Here are some simple tips to get you started!
Spring Home Maintenance
Outdoor Tasks:
• Caulk up gaps in the exterior of the house, especially around windows
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Inspect roof and chimney for cracks and damage (water damage can be costly, avoid claiming it on your homeowners insurance)
• Touch up peeling or damaged paint
• Clean off and bring out outdoor furniture
• Wash the windows
• Service your lawn mower
• Aerate or dethatch your lawn and also fertilize/re-seed
• Plant annuals or perennials
• Spray the perimeter of your house with pest spray to keep out bugs and set traps for rodents
• Get your air conditioning unit serviced or clean it
Indoor Tasks:
• Clean out the lint from dryer vent (build-up can cause a fire)
• Clean windows and repair screens
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Wash and change seasonal bedding
• Dust blinds and vacuum curtains throughout your house
• Clean out kitchen and bathroom cabinets
• Test plug and charger outlets
Summer Home Maintenance
Outdoor Tasks:
• Clean the deck, porch, patio, repair damaged siding, peeling paint, stairs
• Examine roof, make sure there’s not sagging areas
• Check openings to crawl space vents and remove debris, pests, dirt
• Prune trees and shrubs
• Check garage doors and lubricate, de-clutter garage (time to recycle)
Indoor Tasks:
• Change heating, ventilating and air conditioning filters
• Check blinds or curtains on windows
• Clean or check showerheads and faucets
• Clean kitchen appliances inside and out, including refrigerator coils and dishwasher
• Maintain clean drains
• Replace flashlight batteries
Fall Home Maintenance
Outdoor Tasks:
• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Check windows and spouts, re-seal
• Inspect roof and chimney for cracks and damage
• Fertilize lawn
• Remove leaves and debris from yard
• Remove hoses from spigots and drain and store indoors, coiled and flat.
• Store outdoor furniture and cushions
Invest in the hard work you’ve done turning your house into your home. Freeway Insurance offers great low-cost homeowners insurance plans that can help protect and fix your home if it gets damaged in an accident. Give us a call or get a free homeowners insurance quote online to get you home properly protected today.
