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Your new home is the single largest and most important investment you
will probably make in your lifetime. You'll enjoy pride in ownership
as well as the very real benefits of ownership at tax time. Once
you've unpacked and settled in, you'll want to establish a maintenance
schedule for routine upkeep. Your home will thank you for it.
Obvious chores like mowing the lawn and mopping the kitchen floor
attract regular attention. Time flies, though, where things like
furnace filters and smoke alarm batteries are concerned. These and
similar items need to be mapped out for regular maintenance. You'll
have chores specific to your home, but there are common tasks in every
home that you can add to your maintenance schedule.
Depending on your particular HVAC system, filters should be changed
every month, or biweekly. The system, type of filter, and whether you
have smokers or pets in the house will determine the frequency with
which filters should be changed or cleaned. The system should be
inspected every few years in the late summer or early fall, with the
central air system getting attention each spring. Ductwork should be
professionally cleaned every five years or so, and sooner if there's a
smoker or pets.
Pick a birthday, anniversary, or holiday on which you will change all
the batteries in the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Don't
wait until the batteries are low and perhaps malfunctioning.
Carpets
should be cleaned every year or, in low traffic/use areas, every two
years. Weekly vacuuming will prevent dust and dirt from being ground
into the fibers.
Mop wood
floors every week or two. Every five years, have floors professionally
refinished. Don't wait until floors are worn, damaged, or unsightly.
Regular upkeep and maintenance of your hardwood floors adds to the
value of your home.
Vinyl flooring and ceramic tile should be mopped or cleaned according
to the manufacturer's instructions. New vinyl floor coverings require
little more than a damp mop. Avoid getting vinyl floors too wet.
Excessive moisture can invade the seams and edges and cause the
flooring to come loose.
Wash exterior windows at least once a year. Most window-washing
companies will give you a free estimate. You may be surprised at the
cost, especially when you consider the time and effort you'll save.
Wash interior windows at least four or five times a year. Use a good
window cleaner, or a cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water, and
buff off with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.
The wood or vinyl siding that protects many homes needs a pressure
washing every few years to remove dirt and mildew. Adjust this
schedule with consideration to your climate and air quality.
Several times throughout the year, lubricate door hinges with a
three-in-one oil or WD-40. Lubricate the mechanism on the garage doors
as well.
The oven and refrigerator are the work horses of the kitchen. Clean
them once or twice a year, or more if needed. Check the manufacturer's
instructions for suitable methods and cleaning products.
Make a
checklist of regular maintenance items, attach it to a clipboard and
hang it inside a pantry door, laundry room, or workshop. Make a note
of when you completed the task, as well as any concerns or problems.
The following year, you can readjust the schedule. As each year's
maintenance sheet is complete, file it away. If you decide to sell
your home, prospective buyers will appreciate the records of your
care.
Copyright 2004
PropertySource Network |
