Preventive Maintenance Pays For Itself

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Consumers should remember that maintenance costs need to be considered when purchasing a home. All homes require constant care. General estimates indicate that every home will require between 1 percent and 3 percent of the home's value in annual maintenance costs in order to keep it in good condition, and this figure does not necessarily include major or emergency repairs. But since you already own your home - let’s talk about how to create some best practices when it comes to maintaining your home.

The ongoing maintenance of a home is a significant contributor to holding or increasing its value. All homeowners should plan a solid preventive maintenance schedule, so potential problems can be fixed before they become more costly and damaging. Quite often when we inspect homes, many of the defects we find would have been preventable with some routine monitoring and smaller repairs. But left unchecked, minor concerns grow into more significant problems.

There are many other benefits for current and potential homeowners when they incorporate preventive maintenance into their annual planning. Preventive maintenance:
Avoids expensive emergency repairs: Contractor fees rise in proportion to the urgency and the hour of the service call.

Saves money and aggravation: Repairs planned for completion during off-peak times are less expensive and less stressful.
Minimizes homeowner insurance premiums: Correcting deficiencies before they lead to catastrophic failure and a possible insurance claim will keep premiums reasonable.
Eliminates costly consequential damage: When major home components, like a roof, fail, the damage to home interiors and furnishings can be substantial.
Homes in good condition sell at higher prices than neglected counterparts.
Every house is different, and maintenance needed at different times of the year will vary. But for now, here is a Spring Maintenance Checklist to start your own preventive maintenance program.

Spring Maintenance Checklist
GROUNDS
Check condition of driveways and walks.
Check window wells, dry wells and storm drains for blockage.
Check fencing conditions and gate operation.
Check retaining walls for cracks, bulges and leaning.
Check all landscaping; trim all bushes and trees.
Check all out-buildings, porches and patios.
Check for proper grading and drainage throughout property.
Check lawn sprinkler system operation.
Check all equipment in preparation of pool opening.
Check (during rainstorm) for drainage away from foundation.

SIDING AND CHIMNEYS
Check all surfaces for damage or deterioration.
Check caulking at all joints.
Treat or paint worn or exposed wood components.
Check condition of masonry chimneys and vents.
Check foundation for settlement, cracks and spalling.

WINDOWS AND DOORS
Check for damaged screens or broken glass.
Check weatherstripping, caulking, and window putty.
Check for frame decay or damage.
Clean and install screens.

ROOFS
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing.
Check fascia and soffit for signs of leaks/moisture build-up.
Check all flashings for fit and seals.
Check television antenna or satellite dish mounting.
Check and clean all gutters (eavestroughs) and downspouts.
Clean fungi or algae from roof surfaces.

PORCH AND PATIO
Check all wooden supports and railing components.
Check flooring for wear or damage.
Apply preservative to wood decking and components.
Seal patios at foundation.

INSECT INFESTATION
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity.
Check for insect damage.
Arrange for treatment or repair.

INTERIOR AREAS
Check attic, ceilings and walls for evidence of leaks.
Check ventilation openings for nests, or other blockage.
Check condition of all painted or finished walls and trim.
Check carpet and flooring for wear or damage.
Check condition of all stairs and railings.
Check condition and operation of all windows and doors.
Test smoke/fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

SLAB/FOUNDATION
Check for cracks or breaks in wall.
Check for evidence of water infiltration or dampness.
Check for decaying sills and window frames.
Check for signs of termite, ant or other insect activity
Check for changes in framing conditions.
Check crawlspace ventilation, insulation, and vapor retarders.
Test, clean and lubricate sump pump.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Assess power distribution for overloads issues.
Check condition of incoming service wire and supports.
Test circuit breakers and label all circuits at panel.
Test arc-fault and ground-fault circuit-interrupters (regularly).
Check circuits for over-fusing.
Check all receptacles and switches.
Check operation of vent and/or attic fans.

HEATING/COOLNG SYSTEMS
Follow manufacturer instructions for HVAC systems.
Inspect and install room air conditioners.
Clean all serviceable elements of heating system.
Change or clean heating system filter (regularly).
Check venting systems for corrosion and leaks.
Clean and de-energize humidifier.
Check and lubricate attic fan.

PLUMBING SYSTEM
De-winterize and check exterior faucets.
Check well and components.
Check septic tanks and systems.
Check water and waste piping for leaks.
Check hot water supply temperature.
Follow manufacturer instructions for water heater.

KITCHEN/BATHROOMS
Check condition and operation of all appliances.
Clean and change range fan filters.
Check all toilet flush mechanisms.
Check and repair all leaking faucets and valves.
Caulk and grout tile at tubs and showers.
Clean aerators and showerhead.

Click to here view HouseMaster’s Preventative Maintenance Checklist
Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

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