It’s easy to forget your home’s needs when busy with work and family. However, it will eventually fall apart if you don’t take care of your house, which is both an eyesore and a safety hazard. All homeowners must have a regular maintenance plan to keep their houses in good shape. Here are some of the reasons why having a home maintenance plan is beneficial.
1. It Helps Prevent Severe Damage to Your Property and Belongings
Leaving things to chance is never a good idea, even when it comes to something as mundane as changing the oil in your car. A home maintenance plan can help you avoid shelling out thousands of dollars on repairs or replacements that could have been prevented with just a little planning.
For example, suppose you have plumbing issues or concerns about pests. In that case, pest control companies recommend regular inspections from a licensed professional who can spot problems early on and recommend preventive measures.
2. It’s The Same With Electrical Work
if you notice that lights flicker when you run certain appliances or hear clicking noises coming from behind walls, it’s best to call an electrician ASAP so that any problems can be addressed before they become big ones.
3. Avoid Costly Repairs
Taking care of minor problems before they become big ones will save you money in the long run — and make sure a repair isn’t made more expensive by having to fix other things simultaneously because they were ignored for too long. For example, replacing a broken windowpane might be cheaper than fixing two broken windows because one was left unfixed for too long and attracted burglars who broke both panes to get inside your house quickly.
4. You’ll Get Things Fixed Before They Go Wrong
Every house has little quirks and flaws – an old door that needs replacing or an uneven floorboard that needs fixing. These might not seem important now but could cause significant problems if left unchecked. A maintenance program allows you to spot these issues early on and act before things get out of hand!
5. It Helps Prevent Damage from Recurring
Regular upkeep helps keep your home in good shape and doesn’t deteriorate too quickly. It’s much easier to repair something when it breaks after months or years of neglect — not only does it cost more money, but there’s also a greater chance of damaging other things while working on it. Preventive measures like changing out furnace filters or cleaning gutters regularly can save on costly repairs down the road.
6. You Know Exactly What Needs to Be Done
Your home maintenance plan should include all the major tasks that need to be completed for your house to be safe and comfortable. By keeping track of these tasks and scheduling them into a calendar, you’ll be able to save your home in good shape without worrying about whether something needs attention.
7. You Get Peace of Mind Knowing Everything Is Taken Care Of
If there’s one thing worse than finding out that something went wrong with your house, it’s finding out after it’s too late, and you have no idea how long it will take or how much it will cost to fix! A home maintenance plan helps keep things under control and gives you an idea of when something might go wrong so you can act before it happens (or at least prepare yourself).
8. It Helps Prevent Emergencies
Failing to keep up with routine maintenance can lead to big problems. Suppose you don’t change the furnace filter or check for mold, for example. In that case, you could end up with a clogged or broken air conditioner in the middle of summer that wastes energy, increases your utility bills, and puts everyone in your home at risk for respiratory problems.
9. It Can Lower Energy Bills
Regular maintenance can prevent leaks that cause expensive heating or cooling bills every month. You may also be able to add insulation or seal drafts in doors and windows with caulking and weather stripping for less money than replacing old appliances or windows will cost over time.
10. It Protects Your Investment in Your Home
You can protect against costly repairs by ensuring everything works properly before something goes wrong — even if it means spending more upfront on routine maintenance than paying someone else later in an emergency when things break down unexpectedly (and expensively).
11. It Can Save Lives
Suppose you don’t fix broken window locks or smoke detectors that aren’t working correctly. In that case, it could lead to injury if someone tries to get in through an unlocked window or open door while you’re asleep at night — especially if someone has dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
And if no one checks their smoke detectors (or they don’t work), they might not go off when there’s a fire — which could lead to severe injury or death if you’re sleeping in another room when the fire starts.
Home Maintenance Checklist
Home maintenance is a never-ending job. There are always small things that need to be done to keep your house in tip-top shape. However, some things should be done regularly, and others should only be done once every few years. Here’s a list of things you should do at least once per year, along with the reason why they’re essential.
1. Fixing Leaky Faucets
Your faucets may seem like they’re working fine, but that’s not always true. If you notice water dripping from anywhere under your sink, it’s time to replace those old washers or valves. It’s also worth checking out your toilet tank – sometimes, they can leak around the connections, which will create an ugly stain on your floor if left unchecked.
2. Pressure Washing
Siding is essential if you live near salt water or have pets who might track dirt into the house through their paws. A pressure washer can clean away any stains or grime buildup on your siding so that it looks new!
3. Repairing Loose Gutters
Cleaning out gutters is essential in preventing water damage to your home. Gutters collect leaves, dirt, and debris that can cause leaks when rainwater flows through them, so cleaning them out at least once a year is essential.
4. Cleaning Out Rain Spouts
Rain spouts are the pipes that drain rainwater from the roof downspouts into the ground. They must be cleaned every couple of years to prevent debris from blocking them or causing water damage inside the house.
In addition, have an HVAC technician inspect your heating and cooling systems at least once yearly — preferably twice — to ensure they’re running efficiently and safely all year. You may also want to have them check out your ductwork to see if any leaks or other issues need addressing immediately.
Also, check the status of your roof by calling in a professional roofing contractor who will evaluate its condition and let you know if any problems need addressing right away or if some minor issues can wait until after the next primary storm season (about three months).
A home maintenance plan is a great way to ensure your home is well maintained and you don’t have any unexpected costs. If you’re looking for help with home maintenance, Sierra Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you. Our team provides commercial and residential services. We offer various services, including windows, gutter, painting, pressure washing, and more. If you’re interested in getting a free estimate on one of our services, please call us today.