Home Maintenance Archives

Essential Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle in 2025

January 17, 2025 by Matt Goeglein

Home maintenance might not be the most exciting part of homeownership, but it’s one of the most important. Taking the time to care for your property helps preserve its value, prevent costly repairs, and improve your living environment. Start the year strong by tackling these essential home maintenance tasks in 2025.

1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, so regular inspections are critical. Look for missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear.

Equally important are your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool near your foundation, leading to water damage or even structural issues. Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly, especially after heavy storms or the fall season.

2. Test and Replace Smoke Detector Batteries

Safety first! Your smoke detectors are essential for protecting your family and your home. Test each smoke and carbon monoxide detector in your home at least once a month. Replace batteries twice a year or whenever the low-battery alarm sounds.

Tip: Use daylight saving time as a reminder to check and replace batteries—it’s an easy way to stay on schedule.

3. Schedule HVAC Servicing

Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep your home comfortable year-round. Prevent costly breakdowns by scheduling professional servicing at least twice a year, once in the spring before the summer heat and again in the fall before winter temperatures drop. Don’t forget to change air filters every 1–3 months to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.

4. Check for Leaks and Plumbing Issues

Undetected leaks can lead to higher water bills and significant damage over time. Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or corrosion. Fix small issues early to avoid larger (and more expensive) plumbing repairs down the line.

5. Prepare for Seasonal Maintenance

Different seasons bring unique challenges for your home. Be proactive with seasonal maintenance tasks like:

Winter: Insulate pipes and seal drafts to keep your home warm and energy-efficient.
Spring: Pressure wash siding, decks, and driveways to remove winter grime.
Summer: Test your sprinkler system and prepare outdoor areas for gatherings.
Fall: Check your heating system and clean the chimney if you have a fireplace.

6. Maintain Your Exterior

Your home’s exterior is its first impression. Inspect siding, paint, and caulking for signs of damage or wear. Repaint or reseal as needed to protect against the elements. Additionally, trim trees and bushes away from your home to prevent damage from falling branches and improve curb appeal.

Staying proactive with home maintenance helps you:

Protect your investment by preventing costly repairs.
Maintain and even increase your property value.
Enjoy a safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient living space.

Creating a yearly maintenance checklist is a simple yet effective way to stay organized and ensure that no task falls through the cracks.

Grab your tools, create your checklist, and set reminders for seasonal tasks. Staying ahead of repairs and upkeep will save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Your home is your biggest investment, keep it in top shape!

Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Your Home

November 29, 2024 by Matt Goeglein

As a homeowner, protecting your property from water damage is essential to maintaining your home’s value. Water is one of the most destructive forces that can affect your home, but with a little proactive care, you can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent water damage and keep your home in top condition:

1. Watch for Early Signs of Water Damage
Catching water damage early can save you a lot of trouble down the line. Keep an eye out for light brown stains or soft spots on your walls and floors, especially around bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. If you notice discoloration, mold, or areas that sink in when touched, these could be signs of leaking pipes or appliances. A sudden drop in water pressure or a spike in your water bill can also indicate hidden leaks. Act quickly to address these issues before they become major problems.

2. Strengthen Your Water Supply Lines
Over time, the water supply lines connected to appliances like washing machines and refrigerators can weaken and rupture. To avoid water damage from these sources, consider upgrading to steel-coated supply lines, which are more durable and resistant to leaks. This simple upgrade can help safeguard your home from unexpected water issues.

3. Maintain Your Drains
Clogged drains are a common cause of water backup and flooding. Regularly clean your drains to prevent blockages, and avoid using harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. Instead, use a plumbing snake to clear any debris. Be sure never to pour grease down the drain, as it can harden and create a buildup that leads to costly blockages. Installing a backwater valve can also help prevent sewage from backing up into your home.

4. Upgrade Your Plumbing
If you have old, rusty pipes in your home, it may be time for an upgrade. Consider replacing metal pipes with modern materials like cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubing, which is more durable and less likely to leak. Additionally, consider installing leak detection technology that can alert you to issues with your water pressure or plumbing system via your smartphone.

5. Install and Maintain a Sump Pump
If you live in a flood-prone area or have a basement that is susceptible to water damage, a sump pump is an essential tool. This device helps pump excess water out of your basement and away from your foundation. If you already have a sump pump, make sure it is in good working order and replace it if necessary. Regular maintenance can prevent the pump from failing during a heavy rainstorm.

6. Re-caulk Around Windows and Doors
Water can sneak into your home through small gaps around windows and doors. Regularly inspect and re-caulk these areas to ensure a tight seal. This is particularly important around sinks, showers, and bathtubs, where water exposure is frequent. Remove old caulk before reapplying to ensure the best seal.

7. Check Your Roof and Gutters
A leaky roof is one of the most common causes of water damage. Inspect your roof regularly for damaged or missing shingles, and check for debris like leaves that could create weak spots or clog drainage systems. Keep your gutters clean to ensure rainwater is directed away from your home’s foundation. Ice dams in colder climates can also cause serious damage, so be sure to remove any buildup.

8. Landscape to Protect Your Foundation
Strategic landscaping can help prevent water from pooling around your foundation. Ensure that the soil around your home slopes away from the foundation to direct water away from the structure. Avoid planting trees too close to your home, as roots can cause cracks in your foundation, allowing water to seep in.
Water damage is preventable with the right care and attention. By staying vigilant and maintaining your home’s plumbing, roofing, and drainage systems, you can protect your home from water-related issues and preserve its value for years to come. If you need assistance with larger repairs or upgrades, consider exploring renovation financing options to help cover the costs.

Buying Your First Home? Learn These 5 Essential Home Maintenance Skills as Soon as Possible

December 6, 2023 by Matt Goeglein

New homes can be scary. But when you take the time to think about it and plan ahead, maintaining a home is easier than you think a manageable mix of experience and common sense. Here are five skills that will help maintain your new home for years to come.

Fixing A Toilet

It’s not as daunting as it sounds. Just remember that toilets work with gravity the water wants to flow freely. Don’t be afraid to open that tank up and adjust the floater and valves as needed. Occasionally run the water (flush the toilet, turn on the sink) in unused rooms, like the guest bathroom, to keep the pipes clear and functioning.

Dealing With Animals

Sometimes your animal neighbors invite themselves in. While it’s always better to use professionals if you have a large-scale or persistent pest problem, there are steps you can take to minimize animal visitors before it comes to that. Check for termites by looking for raised, hollow tubes along the wood (tubes filled with bugs). If you have mice, and know how they’re getting in, block their holes with steel wool and set friendly traps ones that capture instead of kill. But make sure to release the captives far from your home.

Electricity and Water Awareness

Know how to shut off your electricity and water, just in case. Find the shut-offs when you first move in. And take the time then to test the breakers and label them, clearly, directly, with a permanent marker. That way there is no confusion if one gets tripped.

A Regular Deep Clean

On a regular basis, give your house a deep clean. Scrub the bathrooms, and clean the kitchen appliances and floors/walls. Doing this will not only prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime, which could lead to bigger problems later on but will also give you a chance to do a run-down of your house and see what needs fixing/updating/replacing.

Be Prepared

Gather your home maintenance kit (Home Maintenance for Dummies has examples) before you need it, and keep it up if you use all the nails, replace them. It’s also a good idea to make a maintenance calendar with notes on what needs to be done when this makes it easy for the homeowner, and anyone they need to step in. Finally, in being prepared, don’t forget to maintain your fire and carbon monoxide detectors with regular checks and battery changes (suggested every six months, regardless of battery life).

Your first step in preparation is to contact your local real estate agent, who can help you get started on your road to home maintenance.