One of the most daunting tasks for first-time homeowners is maintaining the home. It is not only keeping up with the chores, but it can also involve a lot of other tasks that need to be done regularly just for preventive reasons. Eventually, it might seem like a part-time job, but with flexible hours. However, a good plan and strategy will keep the fear of maintaining a house at bay. Organization is critical, and this article will tell you how you should organize yourself to streamline your home upkeep.
Creating the Monthly Maintenance Checklist
The first step in home maintenance is to make a list. A to-do list will help you stay organized and keep track of the tasks you have finished and those you have yet to finish. Some of these tasks will be recurring even each day, but others should be done annually or seasonally, depending on the necessity. So, you might want to create separate categorize lists for different seasons.
Here are the top priority tasks that you need to do every month:
Clean appliance filters at least once a month. Appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, window A/C units, and bathroom vents must be adequately cleaned to run in excellent condition. The focus should be their filters. The HVAC system is also considered an appliance with filters that must be regularly cleaned as it affects the home’s air quality. Cleaning it will reduce allergens in the air and promote a healthier environment.
Address hard water deposits. Faucets and shower heads must be regularly soaked in a cleaning solution to remove mineral deposits. This will relieve the pressure on the pipes and ensure they last a long time.
Test detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide. This is critical to home safety for you and your family because these detectors serve as lifelines in urgent situations.
Wipe down windows, doors, and screens. By keeping these spotless, you can significantly increase the natural lighting and atmosphere of the room. Plus, remove dust from ceiling fans and light fixtures to maintain air quality.
Take care of the curb appeal. Curb appeal has a large effect on a home’s value, and it is the first impression that other people have of your home. So, keep lawns mowed, rake the leaves, prune unwieldy trees, and clean out gravel or rock areas of trash and debris.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist
Let’s now look at what you need to do according to seasons but ordered by priority.
High-priority Maintenance Tasks
- Inspect roofing to find damaged shingles from winter storms.
- Inspect the hitting system, especially during the fall, and clear out forced air systems and chimneys.
- Inspect the furnace, especially in winter, to ensure it operates efficiently. In addition, check the oil tanks and firewood supply.
Medium-priority Maintenance Tasks
- Inspect the driveway to repair winter weather damage.
- Inspect for pests to prevent infestations in early spring.
- Seal holes to prevent critter entry.
- Reverse the ceiling fan in winter to adjust the settings to circulate warm air.
Routine Priority
- Inspect the outdoor plumbing and check irrigation and faucets after the winter has ended.
- Fertilize the lawn in early spring.
- Keep the pool clean and maintain pumps in spring and summer.
- Tune up the garage door with oil chains and hinges for smooth operation.
Aesthetic / Comfort Priority
- Refinish the deck to prepare for summer use. Deep clean the refrigerator or the freezer for efficiency.
- Deep clean grout lines of tiles.
- Put a fresh coat of paint.
- Deep clean the carpets post-season.
- Install blackout curtains to reduce heat inside.
Preventive Additional Priority
- Inspect the locks to ensure all exterior locks are secure.
- Cover the A/C unit to protect against snow or hail in winter.
- Insulate outdoor pouts to prevent freeze damage.
- Inspect drainage and clean off gutters and downspouts in winter.
How Can Property Managers Help?
Property managers are excellent at streamlining home upkeep as it is part of their daily job tasks and responsibilities. Here is what they can do.
- They can create a maintenance calendar that includes all seasonal tasks. This way, you will ensure that everything is noted and the tasks are completed swiftly.
- They can schedule regular inspections for roofing plumbing HVAC systems to detect potential issues early.
- They can hire and coordinate with contractors for specialized tasks that they cannot do themselves.
- They can negotiate contracts in many relationships to ensure quality work.
- They can utilize the technology and implement property management software to track the execution of maintenance tasks.
- They can also do a lot of preventive maintenance and tenant communication to make both parties happy with the outcome.
- Most importantly, they have developed emergency plans, and they communicate in critical situations to ensure a quick response and minimise damage.
Conclusion
Home upkeep can be daunting, especially for first-time homeowners, but it can be easy with a strategic plan. Property managers can significantly help with their invaluable expertise and insights, especially in streamlining the process and making it a routine.