Jersey Shore Views...: An Excuse to Get Outside - Preventative Home Maintenace!

An Excuse to Get Outside---Preventative Maintenance to Protect Your Investment
 
Unfortunately, homes do not maintain themselves.  I advise my clients to  budget for routine maintenance and repair for the house and yard.

Large, irregular expenses will occur as our homes age. Those huge expenses are interior and exterior painting, repairs or replacement of the heating and air conditioning units and appliances, floor coverings and roof surfaces.

Most experts recommend setting aside 1-3 percent of the market value of your home each year to pay for maintenance and repair costs. Even though all of these funds may not be needed, the accumulated amounts will help you prevent a budget crisis when it is time for large future expenses such as re-roofing or replacing a heating unit.

Here are some home maintenance items you can take care of this spring (and enjoy the fine spring weather as well).

1 .Mark and monitor small/hairline cracks in foundation. If stable after a few months fill with epoxy. If they've expanded beyond one half inch, call a structural engineer.

2. Inspect basement/crawl spaces for seepage/leakage.
 
3. Inspect roof for any missing, loose or damaged shingles.

4. Check and clean air conditioning and furnace systems. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

5. Clean and/or replace the AC/furnace filters. Adjust thermostats for season change.

6. Check and clean gutters, downspouts and extensions and repair/replace as needed.
 
7. If you didn't check smoke detectors, fire escape routes, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide alarms and window locks when you set the clocks ahead, do so now.

8. If you have a fireplace check flue to make sure it is closed for warmer weather.

9. Scrape, caulk and paint any wood surfaces that have peeled or weathered.
 
10. Clean and inspect your lawn mower and other power tools and equipment.