Monthly Home Maintenance Tips

It is easy as a homeowner, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, to forget about normal home maintenance. But, as with all things, prevention is the best medicine. For many, especially new homeowners, they may not know where to begin when it comes to upkeep. There are numerous things you can do to keep your home in tip-top shape. Here are our tips for protecting your home!

Check Smoke Alarms and Fire Prevention

This is something that most people neglect, but you should be checking your smoke alarms regularly. These lifesaving devices need to be operational in order to alert you to smoke or a fire. Making a habit of checking them every month will ensure they are always in working order. You should also check and make sure your fire extinguishers(you should have fire extinguishers!) are in working order.

Your carbon monoxide detectors also should be checked, and batteries replaced. These also can expire; check the expiration date and replace them as needed!

Kitchen Upkeep

You spend a lot more time than you probably think about in your kitchen. While you should be cleaning your kitchen regularly, doing a deep clean at least monthly can prevent grease and grime from accumulating, and can protect your home from pest problems.

In addition, you should make sure your dishwasher is cleaned according to manufacturer standard. Your refrigerator should also be cleaned.

Clean Humid Areas

Anywhere with an accumulation of moisture needs to be cleaned to prevent the buildup of mold and moisture. Bathrooms, especially full bathrooms with towers/bathtubs, should be scrubbed to prevent problems. Scrubbing bathroom tiles, your bathtub, and countertops will keep mold from developing. You should also inspect the caulk around your tub and make sure it is still in working order. If not, this is a relatively easy fix you can complete on a weekend.

Take Care of Your Gardening

In the warmer months, you should make a habit to tend to any outside plants at least once a month. Make sure all your plants get watered, trim any bushes or trees, and cut your grass. Not only do these things help with aesthetics, but taking these steps will maintain the health of your plants.

Inspect Major Appliances

At least once a month, your home maintenance plan should include inspecting major appliances. Checking your HVAC and water heater can prevent any problems from building up. Keeping the area around these appliances clean can improve longevity. Replace any filters needed.

In addition, be sure to check your plumbing and toilets. Depending on the age of your home, certain things like toilets and wax rings need to be replaced regularly.

Inspect Gutters and Your Home Exterior

Make sure to check your gutters, and clear out any obstructions. When leaves or debris fall into the gutter it can lead to moisture building up, creating mold, and putting pressure on the gutter. Make sure to check your gutters for any weak points. Also inspect your home exterior for any concrete or siding cracking and peeling. If you find anything, call in a professional! Often, a problem like peeling siding can be fixed quickly and prevent a snowball effect of problems with your home’s exterior!