8 Amazing Tips For New Home Maintenance
If you’ve recently bought a new home, or are planning to build one with us, having a home maintenance plan is important.
We’ve put together 8 of our best new home maintenance tips for you to prepare your new home for changing seasons.
For more great tips or to work with us on building your new home, contact us today!
New Home Fall Maintenance
When fall starts to rear it’s head and the sun starts to rise later and set earlier, it’s time to check out your heating equipment and weatherproofing.
1. Windows/Doors
Take down your window screens for storage and label them for quickly putting up in the spring, or repair and replace now, if needed. After you wash your windows, replace with storm windows.
Also seal windows and doors with weatherstripping then check your caulking. Replace the seals as necessary.
2. Yard
Trim trees and shrubs closer than three inches to your house. Also check your outdoor faucet for any leaks, turn it off, then drain your hoses and store them.
You should also clean, oil, and store garden tools in a bucket of sand to prevent rust. You should also clean and store your patio furniture or cover with waterproof material.
3. Appliances
This is also a time to tune-up your appliances. For air conditioners, remove them or protect them with a weatherproof cover. Water heaters need to be flushed, and radiators should be bled dry (once the system has cooled and isn’t on.)
In the kitchen, refrigerator coils should be vacuumed and wiped down for maximum efficiency. Likewise, kitchen and bath fixtures and pipes should be checked for leaks.
4. Safety
At the start of a new season is a great time to focus on safety as well. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers all need to be checked. Replace batteries as needed, and review any emergency plans or fire drills so everyone knows what to do in a life-or-death situation.
New Home Spring Maintenance
As the sun rises earlier and earlier, it’s time for spring cleaning! Be sure to check over your home, indoor and out to make sure it’s ready for the summer.
5. Walls & Decks
Spring is a good time to survey the exterior of your home. Check the outside walls for damage or deterioration, such as missing bricks or chinking, siding or peeling paint. Also look over your deck for water damage, stains, mold and moss.
6. Windows & Gutters
This is also a great time to wash your windows and replace storm windows with screens for the season. Carefully check your gutters and downspouts as well for any remaining fall leaves and pests, and clean them if necessary before the spring rains start in earnest.
7. Appliances
This is also a time to tune-up your appliances. For air conditioners, you’ll need to remove any weatherproofing and make sure pests haven’t made it their home over the colder months.
Kitchen and bath fixtures and pipes should be checked for leaks. Also check clothes dryer vents and rid them of lint.
8. Safety
At the start of spring is a great time to focus on safety. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers all need to be checked. Replace batteries as needed, and review any emergency plans or fire drills so everyone knows what to do in a life-or-death situation.