Homeowners need to handle routine maintenance on their
homes by doing it themselves or by getting professional help.

When you buy a house, there are a number of things you need to do on a routine basis to maintain the property and keep it in good condition. Some things should be done each year, while others can be done every few years.

Many homeowners neglect home maintenance, and the effects of neglect may not be not apparent right away. Over time, though, such neglect will become obvious and many items may fail or break, costing more to repair or replace than they would have to maintain.

Owning a home is a privilege and a responsibility. For many people, their home is one of the biggest investments they will ever make. How a home is maintained will determine the value of the investment, so it is to the homeowner’s advantage to follow these guidelines and maintain the home well.

Yearly maintenance tasks:

–Clean gutters and downspouts.
–Wash windows inside and out.
–Service your lawnmower and sharpen yard tools if needed.
–Apply lawn fertilizer, if needed.
–Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries if needed.
–Have HVAC system cleaned and chimney checked for cracks or damage.
–Test sump pump, if you have one.
–Clean dryer vent to prevent lint buildup.
–Check for signs of roof leaks in attic or upper story.
–Mend cracks in driveway and walkway.
–Edge and aerate the lawn and prune bushes and trees.

Every 3 to 5 years:

–Repaint exterior of the house, especially if paint is peeling or chipping.
–Repaint interior rooms; can sometimes wait longer than 5 years depending on paint used.
–Seal drafts around windows and doors with caulk.
–Powerwash house and deck (more often if dirt builds up).
–Clean septic tank.

Every 10 to 15 years (some items can last longer):

–Replace windows.
–Replace HVAC system.
–Refinish hardwood floors or replace carpeting.
–Replace refrigerator, oven, and other major appliances.
–Upgrade electrical system, if needed.
–Replace standard shingle roof (other roofing types may be longer-lasting).
–Have the driveway repaved.
–If damaged, replace concrete on sidewalks.

Many of these maintenance items are simple for homeowners to do themselves, but some homeowners may need professional help. Many homeowners simply don’t have the time to handle these routine tasks, even if they have the capability, and need to hire a professional to help them keep their homes in good condition.

The professionals at Moonworks have experience and expertise in repairing damaged areas and helping get homes into their best possible condition. They specialize in gutter cleaning, HVAC replacement, and finding ways to save energy (which also saves homeowners money). Call Moonworks today at 1-800-975-6666 to get a free estimate on the repairs and updates your home needs.