Regular Home Maintenance Can Really Pay Off

By Debbie Wilson
debbie.wilson@homeremodelingguide.org
Home Remodeling Guide Columnist

No matter where you live or what type of house you live in, very few things are ever maintenance-free. So be proactive with a little home maintenance and enjoy an efficient and beautiful home for years to come.

While it may seem unnecessary to perform regular home maintenance, the fact is that preventative maintenance is far more cost-effective than waiting until something breaks and then scrambling to have it repaired. The following represent some of the more important preventative maintenance tasks that can save you the most time and money.

Interior Tasks:

Interior preventative maintenance tasks help to extend the life of appliances and mechanicals in your home, and may even improve performance of each item as well. These are some sample tasks:

• Inspect appliances for flaws
• Check heating/cooling system
• Inspect pipes, vents, and ducts
• Test smoke alarms
• Inspect walls for cracks
• Inspect doors and windows

Exterior Tasks:

Exterior preventative maintenance tasks are necessary to maintain your home's appearance and condition. And no matter where you live, seasonal changes in temperature and moisture levels require special care. These are some tasks you should remember:

• Rake debris away from house and gutters
• Note cracks in foundation
• Hose off any mildew
• Trim trees and shrubs
• Inspect windows and screens

Safety Tasks:

Keep your home safe by inspecting the following emergency items in your home:

• Check fire extinguisher
• Inspect windows for emergency exits
• Check electric/gas shutoff
• Check main water line

Remember, a little preventative maintenance each year can go a long way in extending the life expectancy of components in and around your home. So go ahead and fix it today, maintain it tomorrow, and keep those costly repairmen away.

About the Author

Debbie Wilson owns and operates a lakeside resort, managing all aspects of operations, including marketing and promotion. Her previous experience includes management and profitability consulting for a national healthcare company. In this capacity, she oversaw a five-state operation, utilizing her extensive knowledge of healthcare billing, A/R management, and human resources. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education.