The Only Home Maintenance Checklist You’ll Ever Need
Homeownership is a dream for many. We work hard to save for a down payment, find a home we love, and secure a mortgage. After meticulous inspections and appraisals, we finally get the keys. But then, maintenance can sometimes fall to the wayside—leading to costly repairs down the line. If you’ve found yourself in this situation, don’t worry! Here’s a comprehensive home maintenance checklist that will help you stay on top of things, courtesy of AHIT and insights from expert home inspector instructors.
Why Is Regular Home Maintenance Important?
Regular maintenance is crucial to protect your investment and avoid high repair costs. Your home is likely one of the biggest purchases you’ll make, and keeping it in good condition will save you money in the long run. As one of AHIT’s seasoned instructors, Steven O’Donnell, puts it: “Homeowners tend to be reactive rather than proactive, fixing things only when they break or leak.” By staying proactive, you can prevent issues before they become expensive problems. Chris Kjeldsen, another AHIT instructor, explains it simply: “Pay a little now to maintain your home, or pay a lot more to fix it later.”
Budgeting for Home Maintenance
On average, homeowners should plan to spend between 1-4% of their home’s value on maintenance each year. Having a dedicated home maintenance fund can help you prepare for these expenses and tackle issues as they arise, without financial stress.
Common Maintenance Oversights
Studies show that many homeowners don’t keep up with their home maintenance as they should. According to a recent study by Sears Home Services, over 54% of people only perform maintenance when appliances break. Some of the most common issues are with air conditioners, washing machines, and water softeners. Other basic tasks, like cleaning the dryer vent lint trap, are frequently neglected, even though they’re essential for safety and efficiency. Similarly, a study by Today’s Homeowner found that 60% of homeowners have delayed repairs due to cost, which only leads to more expensive fixes down the line.
Key Home Maintenance Tasks
To keep your home in top shape, here are some essential tasks recommended by AHIT experts:
- Change HVAC Air Filters Monthly: Keeping your air filters clean helps your HVAC system run efficiently.
- Clean Gutters Annually: Clean your gutters regularly to prevent water damage to your foundation or basement.
- Lubricate Windows, Doors, and Garage Door Opener: Regular lubrication ensures smooth operation and reduces wear.
- Replace Weatherstripping: Periodically check and replace weatherstripping around doors to maintain insulation.
- Clean Your Dishwasher and Refrigerator Coil: Regularly clean your dishwasher and fridge coil to keep them functioning well.
- Trim Vegetation Around the Home: This prevents pests and reduces exterior damage from overgrown branches or shrubs.
The Importance of Observation
The simplest maintenance task can be walking around your home and observing. AHIT instructor Chris Kjeldsen encourages homeowners to make it a habit: “Take a walk around your home’s exterior and inside, noting anything that doesn’t look right.” Look for signs of leaks, water damage, or wear, especially around sinks, pipes, toilets, and water heaters.
Making Home Maintenance Easier with a Checklist
The best way to manage home maintenance is with a checklist. Breaking down tasks into seasonal, monthly, and annual actions makes the process more manageable. Plus, if you plan to sell, keeping a checklist can save you time and effort, ensuring fewer repairs before listing your home.
Considering a Career as a Home Inspector?
If you enjoy maintaining your home and want to take it a step further, consider home inspector training. AHIT offers comprehensive training that covers everything from inspecting major systems to writing reports and marketing a home inspection business. It’s a great way to dive deeper into home systems and potentially build a new career.
By staying proactive and organized with a home maintenance checklist, you can keep your home safe, healthy, and valuable for years to come!