Note. This list is equally useful for owners and
managers of income properties.
From Jeremy Anderberg, The Art of Manliness.
When
buying a home, most people probably first think of the financial
responsibility. Don’t let yourself forget, however, about the time and labor
that home ownership also requires. Just like regular oil changes for your car
keep your engine happy and healthy, keeping up with regular home maintenance
tasks will keep you from future headaches and wasted money.
It can be
intimidating to think about these various tasks, especially if you’re a new
homeowner. It’s a long list — there’s no denying that. The good news is that
you can do the majority of it on your own without much experience. Google is
your best friend, and if you really get stuck, call up your local handyman to
help you out.
In order
to maximize your efficiency and actually get all of these tasks done, you might
want to create a home maintenance calendar for yourself. Whether online or on
paper, you can jot down small, regular tasks for each weekend and not be too
overwhelmed. We’ve listed tasks that need to be done monthly, quarterly, and
biannually. We’ve also given you a list of tasks to be completed seasonally.
Not every expert agrees as to which task needs to be done in which season, so
this isn’t a black and white list, necessarily. Do what works for you and your
schedule, and as long as all these things get accomplished, your home will be
happy for years and years to come.
Monthly
- Inspect, and possibly change out HVAC filters. Many experts will say to change the filters monthly, but that’s not always necessary. For smaller families without pets or allergies, you’ll likely be okay changing the filters every 2-3 months. If the filter is dirty, change it out, otherwise inspect it again next month. I’ve also been told by handymen to go with cheaper filters and replace them more often versus going with the expensive filters. (You can also get it out of your mind by using a service like Cleaner Filters.)
- Clean kitchen sink disposal. There are a bunch of ways to do this, but the handiest and best all-around solution seems to be vinegar ice cubes. Put some vinegar in an ice tray and let it freeze, then run the ice cubes through the disposal. It freshens it, but as a bonus, ice sharpens the blades. You’re welcome.
- Clean range hood filters. If you’ve never thought of doing this, you’re in for a real “treat” when you get that filter off the hood to clean it for the first time. The Family Handyman suggests simply using a degreaser from an auto parts store mixed with hot water. Let the filter sit for a few minutes, rinse it off, and you’re good to go.
- Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). We’ll assume you have and know how to use an extinguisher. This inspection doesn’t require much: ensure it has easy access (not being blocked by a garbage can or anything else), that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear.
Quarterly
- Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Another simple task; your detectors should have a “test” button. If the alarm sounds, you’re good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn’t sound, it’s possible there’s simply corrosion on the battery terminal, and it won’t detect new batteries. Clean it and try again. If it still doesn’t work, you’ll likely need a new detector.
Image. Free
download, doesn’t even require attribution, commercial use is allowed.
Thank you for reading.
