Buying a home is one of the most significant investments anyone can make, so keeping it in excellent condition is essential. While everyone appreciates living in a house that looks great, proper maintenance goes far beyond appearances. It’s crucial for preserving your home’s value and ensuring your insurance coverage remains intact.
To help you stay ahead, here are some essential home maintenance tasks to keep your home safe, secure, and well-protected.
Inspect and maintain your roof regularly
A well maintained roof is your house’s first line of protection from the elements, so it’s easy to see why taking good care of your roof should be non-negotiable. Plan regular inspections and look for leaks, missing shingles, and anything else that looks out of the ordinary.
To avoid structural concerns or water damage, take quick care of minor issues. Being proactive guarantees that your coverage is maintained because insurance claims for roof damage are frequently rejected if negligence is obvious.
Keep gutters clean and functional
Water accumulating around your home’s foundation due to clogged gutters can lead to serious issues, such as structural problems, erosion, or basement flooding. Gutter and downspout cleaning should be done regularly, especially after severe storms or during the fall when leaves accumulate.
Installing gutter guards is a relatively easy, but effective way to keep water flowing safely away from your home and reduce the need for frequent cleanings. This simple measure helps protect your investment and prevents potential insurance issues caused by water-related damage.
Service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
The HVAC system is pretty much a mainstay in any modern, comfortable and energy-efficient home. Schedule annual servicing to ensure your heating system, air conditioner, and ventilation systems are in top condition.
Replace air filters every few months or so to improve your indoor air quality and reduce strain on the system. Proper maintenance does wonders for your air conditioning system. It extends its lifespan and may also prevent extremely costly claims resulting from carbon monoxide leaks or, God forbid, electrical fires.
Safeguard your home against water damage
Water damage can be devastating and expensive to repair, so take steps to minimize the risk. Inspect plumbing for leaks, drips, or corrosion, and repair issues immediately.
If you have underground plumbing pipes on your property (and you probably do), call plumbing experts for pipe relining and have them check your underground water and sewage pipes. The great thing about pipe relining is that it’s ‘trenchless’–in other words, it doesn’t cause any damage to your property.
Install water leak detectors in areas prone to leaks, such as under sinks or near washing machines. Check that your home’s grading directs water away from the foundation. Preventative measures can save you from denied insurance claims stemming from avoidable plumbing issues.
Test and upgrade safety systems
Functional safety systems have become essential for your family’s protection and could impact your insurance prices. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested weekly and the batteries replaced twice a year.
Consider updating to smart detectors that provide real-time notifications on your phone. Additionally, check that fire extinguishers are accessible and operational. Insurance companies frequently reward proactive safety measures, so being prepared can help both your family and your pocketbook.
Seal windows and doors tightly
Poorly sealed windows and doors can cause drafts, higher energy bills, and water intrusion. Inspect the weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors and replace it as needed to ensure a tight seal. Proper sealing not only makes your home more pleasant, but it also helps to prevent problems like mildew and wood rot, which can complicate insurance claims.
Schedule routine pest control
It may sound hard to believe, but pests such as termites, rodents, and ants can do serious harm to your home’s structure and wiring. Regular inspections and pest control treatments can help avoid infestations before they become significant problems. Some insurance policies may not cover pest-related damage, so taking precautions is critical for preserving your investment.
Stay on top of landscaping and yard maintenance
Overgrown trees and poorly maintained landscaping can pose serious threats to your property. Trim branches that hang over your roof or near power wires to prevent storm damage. To avoid water gathering near the foundation, ensure that your yard slopes away from it. Proper landscaping care improves curb appeal while minimizing potential hazards that could result in insurance claims.
Final comments
Doing home maintenance is not super exciting, most of us would rather do anything else probably. But it’s a part of being a homeowner, and it’s rewarding. With some effort and a bit of consistency, you can enjoy the comfort of a well-maintained home and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Roll up your sleeves today and save you time, money, and stress in the future. If there’s one takeaway you should have from this article, it’s exactly this. Start with one or two tasks from this list, and make home maintenance a routine part of protecting what matters most.
By Mike Johnston
