There are many perks to being a homeowner, but one of the biggest responsibilities is making sure you keep up with all the important maintenance work so that your property doesn’t fall into disrepair. Sometimes it’s easy to ignore or miss the signs that essential maintenance work needs doing. Below are seven key areas that you should always be checking up on and fixing any issues as soon as possible to keep your property safe and comfortable to live in.
1. The Roof
As it sits on top of the house, it can be easy to forget about the condition of your roof. However, stormy weather can damage roof tiles, leading to exposure to the elements that, if ignored, will only result in further structural damage and problems in your property. After a storm, go outside and try to find a good vantage point where you can observe the condition of your roof and see if any shingles seem out of place. Another way you can check on your roof is by going into your attic. If you can see any exterior light coming in where it shouldn’t be, call a roofer as soon as possible to come and find the problem and fix it. Additionally, if you notice that your roof is starting to dip in the middle when you’re looking at it from outside, this will require maintenance work to fix the support beam, or perhaps your roof needs replacing altogether.
2. Windows
If you are starting to see mold or mildew appearing around your window frames, or you are experiencing draughts, this could be due to the seal being worn out. This can be quite easy to fix yourself with the right tools and sealant. However, if this doesn’t work, it could be a case that your windows need replacing, especially if they are old. Equally, if you do not have double glazing in your property, you should look at having new windows put in, as this will help to keep your home warm and more energy efficient. If you find any further damage to your windows, like cracked or smashed glass, contact glaziers like Glazewell, as they will be able to make the required repairs for you.
3. The Basement
For most homeowners, the basement area is used for storage, and to have this space in your property is a great way to keep things organized and neat in the main house. However, if you don’t go into your basement that often, over time, there might be problems developing that you’re unaware of, especially if it’s filled with boxes and other bulky items that hide corners. A common issue that people find with basements is that they can become breeding grounds for pests like mice and rats, particularly if the area is left undisturbed for lengthy periods. Make sure you’re keeping your basement organized, and try to keep the clutter there to a minimum to reduce the number of places pests can nest, and clean it out at least once or twice a year. You should also look for signs of rising dampness to avoid that spreading to other parts of your home.
4. The Attic
Similar to the basement, the attic is another area of your property that is likely to attract pests for the same reason. You should also check up on the quality of the insulation in your attic and whether or not that needs replacing. A sign that there could be an issue with the insulation is if you suddenly find your house feels colder or your energy bills are rising for no other logical reason. This could also be as a result of roof damage, so make sure you’re checking for those signs as well while you’re up in the attic investigating.
5. Plumbing Issues
Old or damaged water pipes in your property can lead to a lot of problems, such as leaks and water damage, as well as perhaps temporarily stopping your access to water or low water pressure from your faucets. Slow drainage and bad smells from coming from your sinks can also be a sign that there is an issue. To help avoid issues with your plumbing, make sure your pipes are insulated and that the water pressure isn’t too high.
6. Your Furnace
If you want to make sure you don’t have any issues with your central heating, you must keep on top of your furnace maintenance. You should have your furnace looked at by a professional engineer at least once a year, preferably before the winter months, to make sure you won’t have issues during the colder season.
Home maintenance work can feel like an endless list, but you must keep on top of these jobs to make sure your home is safe to live in and keeps its value, making it a better living environment for yourself as well.
