Home Maintenance You Need to Do Annually so Your House Will Keep Its Value
Home Maintenance You Need to Do Annually so Your House Will Keep Its Value
Home maintenance is a process that consists of too many tasks to count. The only thing making this possible is the fact that not all of these tasks have to be performed frequently. There are some tasks that should be done on a weekly basis, others that should be done once per month, those that should be done seasonally or bi-annually and then, there are annual tasks. These are the tasks that should be performed once per year in order to keep the place functional and to allow it to keep its value. Here are several such tasks that you should keep in mind.
1. Lubricating garage doors
A lot of people take the way their garage doors work for granted, however, in order to keep it so, they might want to grease their garage doors at least once every year. Just keep in mind that safety comes first. Garage doors are quite heavy, which is why the gears that control them are quite powerful. The last thing you want is to have your hand stuck in them. Also, you might want to buy quality garage door lubricant. Remember, you do this once per year, which is why saving money on this relatively inexpensive supply won’t make much of a difference.
2. Cleaning septic tank
It’s quite easy to forget that you even have a septic tank, let alone a septic tank that needs to be cleaned. Once it is filled and starts overflowing, you will be reminded of your mistake. The easiest way to avoid a scenario where you even have to imagine this nightmare scenario is to clean it once every year. All you have to do here is contact a septic tank servicer and have them do the job for you. This way you don’t have to get your hands dirty and the problem will be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.
3. Cleaning gutters
Keeping the gutters clean is incredibly important for any household. Now, some guides suggest that this should be done bi-annually but there’s really no objective reason for this frequency. Keep in mind that while you’re cleaning all of this debris from the gutters, it might be a good idea to look for a way to improve your drainage system. For instance, you could look for an efficient gutter replacement. Other than this, you could also look to install a new flashing for your roof.
4. Cleaning sediment from hot water heater
Water is filled with sediment and since the water heater performs heating processes on the water in question, some of this sediment gets separated and it remains in the heater as debris. Over the course of time, your water heater tank will be filled to the brim with this debris. This will make it harder and less energy-efficient to heat it. So, once in a while, it might be worth your while to check the tank for sediment. Either hire someone to do it for you or even do it yourself.
5. Look for termites
One thing that you need to do on a yearly basis is to look for signs of termites. Now, if you notice signs of termites, either by seeing actual termites or noticing damage in the home’s timber, you aren’t supposed to ignore them. However, once per year, you’re supposed to have one thorough termite inspection. Moreover, once every 4-5 years you should probably hire a professional to look for signs of termites. This will always keep you on the safe side. The crucial thing to bear in mind is that termites may work slow but the sooner you notice them, the better. If your home is old, it’s even more important to look for signs of termites on a regular basis.
6. Washing your home
While this is not mandatory, it’s definitely recommended. While painting your home is something that you would do every several years and cladding/rendering it is something that you wouldn’t do as often, washing the exterior with a pressure washer is something quite simple. First, it can help clean years and decades of dirt and gunk from the façade. Second, while the pressure washer is in your possession, you can use it to clean the driveway and the pavement, as well. In other words, it’s an idea worth considering.
In conclusion
The very last thing worth keeping in mind is the fact that these tasks aren’t done as frequently might play against you. You see, it’s quite easy to forget them. Also, some of these should be done during specific seasons, which is why it might be hard to schedule them all at the same time. Fortunately, in the age of apps and smartphones, you can make your own schedule and set reminders to specific dates. Just make sure that you schedule on weekends and that you set a notification for at least one week ahead. This way, you’ll make it all much more convenient.
