If you’ve ever found yourself standing ankle-deep in a flooded basement, watched sewage fill your bathtub as the septic backed up or found devastating damage from termites, you might know how expensive some home repairs can be. Weather, regular wear and tear, and pests make your home susceptible to damage. A regular home maintenance schedule can help prevent many minor problems from becoming major disasters and Boggs Inspection Services wants you to be prepared when it comes to protecting your home.
“Regular home maintenance is the key to protecting the investment you’ve made in your home,” says Dwayne Boggs, CEO of Boggs Inspection Services. “In the many years I’ve inspected homes, I’ve seen plenty of major problems that started small and could have been fixed faster and at lower expense if they’ve just been caught early.”
That’s why Boggs Inspection Services has a great home maintenance checklist that helps you stay on top of the little things before they become huge headaches with big dollar signs attached. Take a look at the seasonal list below for some of the tasks you can follow to keep your home in tip-top shape.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Inspection Checklist
January, February, March
Start the year off right by testing carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Make the most of time spent indoors by cleaning out the basement and giving it a thorough look for problems, repairing any interior wall damage and cleaning the garbage disposal. You can also vacuum the coils on refrigerators, touch up interior paint and caulk around showers and baths. Keep winter at bay by running water and flushing toilets in unused spaces and regularly changing furnace filters. “When winter comes to an end, check out exterior drainage, inspect the roof for missing shingles or other damage, repair and replace window screens, and if you have air conditioning, get it ready for summer now,” says Dwayne.
April, May, June
As spring rolls in and new growth begins to appear, it’s time to head outside and do some work. “Start by clearing any leaves and debris from gutters, and take care of any dead plants or shrubs,” recommends Dwayne. Clean out window wells, and repair and replace caulking around windows, joints, sliding doors, or anywhere else that might be needed. Keep the lawn and yard growth maintained, and now that the weather has improved, take time to clean out the garage or outdoor sheds. Before the season ends, inspect indoor plumbing for leaks.
July, August, September
With summer in full swing, you may spend extra time maintaining the yard. Use this season to look for signs of ants and termites. Mend cracks and gaps in driveways or walkways and clean and repair patios and decks as needed. Examine the crawlspace and/or basement for moisture. Power wash windows and siding. Start winterizing your air conditioning and get your heating system ready for winter. Inspect and replace worn weather stripping. And test the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors again.
October, November, December
It’s time to really prepare your home for winter. Cover and store outdoor furniture. Rake leaves and remove debris from gutters and from around the outside of the home. Turn off and flush outdoor faucets, and ensure pipes are well insulated. And have your chimney cleaned and inspected if you have one. Also, be sure to check the attic vents, clean the carpets and inspect the hose on the washing machine.
Maintain regular indoor and outdoor maintenance like changing furnace filters, cleaning lint from the dryer exhaust, cleaning the kitchen hood and filter, and running water and flushing toilets in unused spaces on a regular schedule. Weather, pests and time will take their toll on every structure. “With just a few hours of work each month, you can catch many small problems before they grow into big ones, and that is definitely worth your time and effort,” says Dwayne.
Your home might be the largest investment you ever make, which is why it’s important to take care of it. But a home is not just an investment of time and money, it’s the place where memories happen. Follow the Boggs checklist to make sure you are taking care of the place where your family memories are made.
The tips above will get you started. For a more thorough list, check out the schedule Boggs has prepared for you on their website. Every home is unique, and if you would like a trained pair of eyes to give you a detailed report about your home, schedule an inspection with Boggs Inspection Services online or call 360-480-9602 (Thurston County) or 253-267-8600 (Pierce County) today.
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