Just Bought a Home? Here Are Ten Tips for Staying on Top of Maintenance

1

Determine a clean schedule

In the beginning, the best method of organization is to define a basic but clear schedule for the most common household tasks. A great way to start is to use your stock calendar on your phone: mark three tasks you know you’ll need to do each week, set them to repeat, and make sure you turn on notifications. This will ensure you never forget anything.

You can also use this method to break larger tasks into smaller ones, breaking something tedious down during the week to make it less difficult to complete. Some people like to keep a physical calendar on their kitchen wall or fridge, so that’s an option if you prefer.

2

Take care of your appliances

Modern appliances mostly work at the push of a few buttons, but it’s still important to take proper care of them. As tedious as it may sound, be sure to read each appliance’s manual carefully to ensure you’re doing what you can to prevent excessive wear and tear on components, and with appliances like washers and dryers, never exceed the rated capacity.

Beyond the manual, some habits go a long way: clean the dryer after every load, wash the washer monthly, and check the refrigerator door seals annually. Well-maintained appliances last much longer and use less energy, which adds greatly to the years of your home ownership.

3

Get plumbing problems fixed early

Chances are you’ve had a plumbing problem at some point in your home. Usually, it will be something small, like a leaky fixture, but even these small problems should be fixed as soon as possible. It’s very easy for a problem like this to turn into a disaster later, and you never want to end up spending hundreds on something that could have been fixed cheaply.

Water damage is one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner can face. A slow drip under a sink can silently cause mold, rot, and structural damage for months before it becomes visible. Make it a habit to check under sinks and around toilets every month, and never overlook a water stain on the ceiling or wall.

“A small leak fixes almost nothing. Left alone for six months, the same problem can cost thousands. Plumbing is always cheaper to tackle early.”

4

Don’t forget about regular service

Certain items in your home, such as your boiler and HVAC systems, will require regular maintenance. A boiler check by a qualified professional to catch wear and tear early and save you significantly in the long run. Talk to your plumber and HVAC engineer to work out a schedule that works best for you.

One of the most overlooked parts of HVAC maintenance is the filter. Most manufacturers recommend replacing it every one to three months depending on usage and whether you have pets. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, increases your energy bills, and significantly shortens the life of your unit.

5

Pay attention to your gutters

Your gutters play an important role in filtering rainwater onto your roof and down the drain, but leaves and other outdoor debris can easily block them. When this happens, water can pool in one area and cause damage to your property’s roof or foundation. This can be easily avoided by simply having your gutters inspected and cleaned twice a year, once in late spring and again in the fall after the leaves have fallen.

While you’re up there, check out the roof too. Missing or cracked tiles, damaged chimneys around chimneys and vents, and any sagging sections are worth calling a professional before they become a bigger problem. Most roof problems are cheap to fix in the beginning and very expensive to ignore.

6

Periodically inspect the exterior of the Property

It’s not just the gutters that need to be looked at from the outside. It is also essential to periodically inspect the brick for signs of degradation. Small problems can be solved with DIY methods. At the same time, you should check your fence for signs of rot. Wooden planks should be patched with new planks as soon as possible.

Walk the entire perimeter of your property at least twice a year and look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around window and door frames, and areas where water can pool against the house. Exterior door jambs are easy to replace and make a real difference to drafts and energy bills. This Old House has a deep Guide to the annual home inspection that’s worth working on once a year. Our message spotting problems in your home early he is a useful friend.

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7

Have a Pest Control Contact on Hand

Unfortunately, house pests are quite common. From small insects like ants to larger animals like mice and rats, unwanted critters can wreak havoc in your home. Always cleaning food off the floor and sealing gaps and cracks is essential, but make sure you have a reliable contact too. pest control useful in case of emergency.

Prevention is also important. Check for gaps around utility points, keep wood away from the house and make sure containers are properly closed. If you notice signs of activity, such as feces, fingerprints, or unexplained damage, don’t wait. Pest problems are quickly resolved and much easier to deal with when caught early.

8

Test your detectors regularly

Everyone knows the importance of installing modern smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but it’s also essential to remember to test them regularly. If you’ve lost the instruction manual that came with the unit, you can find the recommended test schedule on the back of the unit. Usually, it is once a week.

Replace the batteries at least once a year, regardless of whether the low battery warning has been triggered. It is a good habit to change the clocks every time they change. Most detectors last about ten years, so check the date of manufacture on the back and replace any approaching that age.

“Change the clocks, change the batteries. It’s one of the easiest and most overlooked home safety habits.”

9

Maintaining a repair budget

If you can, it’s always a good idea to keep a small amount of money that you don’t touch for repairs. Even if you do everything perfectly, you never know when you’ll have to pay a dealer to come out and fix something. Plan ahead with a special repair fund It prevents you from ever being caught by costly surprises.

A commonly cited rule of thumb is to set aside a percentage of your home’s purchase price for annual maintenance and repairs. On a $300,000 home, $3,000 annually, or $250 per month. That sounds like a lot until the furnace goes off in January. Keeping this fund separate from your regular savings makes it easier to protect and not dip into non-household expenses. For more information on building smart financial habits around home ownership, visit our household financial planning guide is a useful starting point.

10

Make sure everything has a place

The best way to keep certain things from getting mixed up is to make sure everything has a dedicated home. Look at your drawers or cupboards and give each one a specific purpose. For larger items, consider the corners of each room in the house where you can fit some shelves or storage structures to keep the space tidy.

Organization also applies to your maintenance supplies and tools. Keep a dedicated place for spare batteries, light bulbs, basic tools and cleaning products so you always know where to find them when something needs attention. By making sure each thing has a place to live, even if things are chaotic, you’ll be able to tidy up quickly and efficiently. For more ideas on this, see our guide .