Exterior Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
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Being a homeowner comes with a great deal of responsibility. You can’t simply move into your newly purchased house and never do any upkeep again. There are plenty of things, both on the interior and the exterior, that need regular maintenance. Remembering all the things that need your attention can be pretty challenging. Luckily, in this article, you’ll find five helpful tips to help you stay on top of everything outside your home. Aside from cleaning the gutters, you’ll also need to check your HVAC unit for heating and cooling and keep your garden neat and clean. On the other hand, here you can find a winter building maintenance checklist and our best Exterior Maintenance Tips.
If you follow all the tips outlined below, your house will look beautiful and increase in value should you ever decide to sell it. So, read on and make sure you’ll never forget about essential maintenance activities again.
Clean the Gutters
Gutters are a crucial part of your home, as they help to protect it from water damage. Because of that, you should clean them at least once every season. Remove any debris and dirt collected in them, such as leaves and sticks, as they can block the water flow, causing other issues later. This is also an excellent opportunity to check for any signs of rust or corrosion.
Since you already had to climb the ladder to reach your gutters, you can also go the extra mile and use this opportunity to inspect the roof – you should do it at least twice a year. See if there are any missing or damaged shingles, and if you have top-hung roof windows or any other roof windows, check if they’re not they’re
Keep the Garden Neat
Your garden is an integral part of your home and virtually the first thing anyone notices. Therefore, keeping it neat and clean is essential for creating a pleasant outdoor space. YoThat’sld regularly, once or twice a month, clear away any debris accumulated in the garden, such as leaves and twigs.
Trimming your trees and bushes is also a good idea, especially if they grow in the house. If you have plants in your garden, eliminate any weeds stunting their growth. If you want to give your garden an extra boost, you can always plant new flowers or even vegetables, depending on the seasons and the size of your space.
Check the HVAC Unit
Your HVAC unit is your home’s main house during winter and cold air during summer. Your air conditioning units are also responsible for circulating air in your house and keeping it comfortable for you and your whole family. It needs regular home maintenance tasks to keep running and functioning correctly.
At least once a month, you should inspect it and clean the air conditioner filter. It’s also good to see if the unit is not rusting or corroding and to clean any dust that may have accumulated inside or outside. You can easily do this alone, but remember that if something breaks, it may be better to call a professional rather than try fixing it yourself.
Clean the Walkways
Walkways can quickly get dirty or blocked with debris, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. This is why you should regularly clean your walkways to keep them looking nice. You can always use a power washer if your broom doesn’t cut at it; check for cracks and uneven surfaces, as these can pose a safety hazard – you don’t want to don’t on a loose paving stone.
Furthermore, whether it’s a drive up to your house or a paved path that you use to the garage, it’s always worth keeping it clutter-free. This way, your house’s exterior looks much neater and is safer for your family and everyone visiting you.
Inspect Your Windows and Doors
Even if there are rooms in your house where you virtually never open the windows, you should still inspect them regularly. Aside from the roof window, which may be harder to access, walk around your house, look for any signs of wear and tear, such as broken seals or cracked frames, and touch up or replace them if necessary.
In most cases, you should be able to fix many of the issues with some caulk and a caulking gun, which you can buy at every home improvement store. If the wood around your windows is rotten or there are any loose elements, you may want to consider replacing it with the help of a professional.
In Conclusion
As you can see, being a responsible homeowner can mean many things, including reasonable care of your home’s environment. If you’ve never had the house before and you’re not performing regular maintenance, the tips above will help you remember the essential tasks again.
Cleaning your gutters, inspecting your HVAC unit, mowing the lawn, trimming trees and hedges, keeping your walkways in good condition, and checking the windows and doors are all essential jobs that need to be done regularly for your property to look its best and keep its value high. This is your preventative maintenance checklist.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
