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.
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 that’s collected in them, such as leaves and sticks, as they can block the water flow, causing other issues later on. This is also a great 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 as well – you should do it at least twice a year. See whether there are any missing or damaged shingles and if you have top hung roof windows or any other kind of roof windows, check if they’re not leaking.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. That’s why you should regularly, once or twice a month, clear away any debris, such as leaves and twigs, that have accumulated in the garden. It’s also a good idea to trim your trees and bushes, especially if they’re growing too close to the house. If you have any plants in your garden, make sure you get rid of any weeds that may be 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 source of heat during winter and cold air during summer. It’s also responsible for circulating air in your house and keeping it comfortable for you and your whole family. Needless to say, it needs regular maintenance to ensure it keeps running and functioning properly. At least once a month, you should inspect it and clean the filter. It’s also in a good sense to see if the unit is not rusting or corroding and to clean any dust that may have accumulated on the inside or the outside. This is something you can easily do on your own, 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 easily 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 in order to keep them looking nice. If your broom doesn’t cut it, you can always use a power washer. While at it, check for cracks, and uneven surfaces, as these can pose a safety hazard – you don’t want to trip on a loose paving stone. Furthermore, whether it’s a driveway leading up to your house or a paved path that you use to the garage, it’s always wise to keep it clutter-free. This way, the exterior of your house will not only look much neater but will also be a lot safer for your family and everyone that visits 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 and 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 a lot 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 taking good care of your home’s exterior. Even if you’ve never owned a house before and you’re not used to 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 on a regular basis for your property to look its best and keep its value high.
Written By: Georges Benoliel
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.
