Annual Home Maintenance: Your Ultimate Guide

Given the option, a few of us would volunteer to spend our free time pressure washing the side of our house. However, when your home is your biggest investment, as it is for most people, maintaining it is a must. Home maintenance can feel like a daunting chore — especially for a new homeowner — but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.

A home operates with the seasons, coming to life in the spring and hibernating in the winter. And, if you prepare correctly, your home will run like a well-oiled machine all year long. Read on to discover the perfect annual home maintenance schedule so your property can weather any season! 

Minor problems in your home can turn into major ones if you wait too long to address them. Complete these home maintenance tasks yearly to save money on home repairs down the line.

Cleaning your dryer vents is of utmost importance when considering annual home maintenance — as it will enhance the dryer’s efficiency and help remove lint and other dirt and debris that could be a hazard.

Water heater manufacturers suggest flushing your water heater every year to get rid of sediment built up inside of it. The water in your tank can bring in minerals that solidify on the bottom and sides of your water heater. And, unless flushed out, can cause your water heater to fail — meaning cold showers and expensive repairs!

Termite colonies are the worst infestations you can have. When termites invade your home, they aren’t satisfied until they’ve caused thousands of dollars worth of damage. Every year these pests cause over five billion dollars worth of destruction, and unfortunately for us, termites love the temperate North Carolina climate. Don’t forget to get your home inspected at least once a year, you won’t regret it. In the meantime, some ways that you can prevent a termite infestation in your home are:

 

• Remove dead wood and other debris 
• Keep plants and vegetation away from your home 
• Avoid the use of mulch near your home 
• Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed
• Eliminate moisture around your property 

 

Even during nice weather, neglected branches are at risk of breaking and falling. Collapsing branches may cause damage to your home, and powerlines, and could even fall into the street or sidewalk. Aside from causing damage, this is a safety hazard. Tree trimming helps avoid structural damage to your home and possible injury.

Related: Landscaping Trends that Increase the Value of Your Home

Depending on your system and season, HVAC filters should be replaced every 30 to 60 days. Heavy use in the winter and summer means you should change your filters more often, as clean filters improve your appliance’s efficiency, extend its lifespan, and keep your air cleaner.

Home maintenance can vary depending on the time of year and season we are experiencing. To ensure your home stays in prime working condition, revisit this checklist before every new season. 

Winter weather can be harsh on your home, as the below-freezing temperatures can cause several problems. To prevent winter harm to your home, make sure to check these items off your list:

 

• Check the basement for leaks during thaws
• Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage 
• Have a professional test your sump pump
• Inspect your chimney and fireplace 
• Turn off your outside faucets 
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping

 

Once the ground has thawed, and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s time to prepare your home for the spring season. Our top spring maintenance tips include:

 

• Change the air-conditioner filter
• Power-wash windows and siding
• Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent
• Inspect chimney and fireplace for damage
• Have your air-conditioning system serviced
• Fertilize your lawn

 

When the sun is out, and warm weather is finally here to stay, be sure to check these things off your to-do list so you can enjoy the summer-time fun:

 

• Wash your windows and replace the screens
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
•  Clean the garbage disposal and dishwasher
•  Reverse your ceiling fans 
• Perform washing machine maintenance 
• Beautify your lawn and set up outdoor furniture

 

In the Carolinas, fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is typically dry and temperatures are moderate. Some of the most popular home maintenance projects to complete during this time are:

 

• Clear all the leaves and aerate your lawn
• Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional
• Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues
• Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks
• Power-wash windows and siding

 

Now that you understand the importance of performing annual home maintenance, it’s time to put that knowledge into action — especially if you want to sell your home shortly. Thankfully, our agents here at The Redbud Group are knowledgeable and well-connected to all the best contractors and cleaners in the area. As experienced agents, we’ve seen the difference annual home maintenance can make when it comes to the final sale price and the length of time it takes to sell your home!

Contact a Redbud Group REALTORS® to learn more about how we can help you increase your home value and sell your home promptly.

Call us today to learn more.