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Homebuyers are already tasked with many things to do before purchasing a house. Oftentimes, there’s so much focus on simply getting the home that once you step foot inside, you don’t know what to do next. We’ve narrowed the list down for you. Homebuyers, here are 5 maintenance items you must tackle immediately to limit future issues.
1. Inspect and Clean the Roof and Gutters
Rainy and snowy climates demand extra attention to roofs and gutters. With the consistent fall of leaves and pine needles, gutters can easily get clogged and cause water damage. The last thing you want is clogged gutters seeping water into your roof, walls, and foundation.
Therefore, during the home inspection, ask the inspector to give a full report of the roof and gutters. Check for missing shingles, moss, or potential leaks. Additionally, determine if the gutters are clear and performing optimally.
As homebuyers, annual maintenance includes clearing the gutters and addressing any issues with the roof.
Damp weather climates promote moss growth, which can impact the integrity of the roofing materials over time. Consider getting Corry’s Moss-B-Ware, which will remove any moss buildup and help prevent buildup for up to 24 weeks.
These steps will help extend the roof’s life and avoid any major repairs down the road.
2. Improve Air Quality and Replace Vents
With the chilly nights ahead, it is necessary for your health and pocketbook to clean out any air filters and vents.
Since you spend a lot of time at home, maintaining good indoor air quality is essential. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, which can significantly impact your health. Your home may contain hidden pollutants like mold, mildew, smoke, dust, and other allergens that could pose health risks.
Immediately after moving in, replace the furnace filter and schedule filter replacements every 3-6 months to keep the air clean. Consider having the air ducts professionally cleaned by a reputable company.
In addition, some excellent practices to keep the dust in check are weekly dusting and vacuuming, adding an air purifier to your home, and using ventilation fans like in your kitchen and bathrooms.
Ensuring these practices are in place, especially having your furnace vent filters replaced on time, will help decrease some utility costs.
3. Check Windows and Doors for Drafts
Chilly winter days require your home to be adequately insulated. Breezy winters mandate that your home is draft-free, which will also help reduce heating costs. Adequately sealed windows will help to prevent drafts and bugs from entering your home.
Take an afternoon and quickly inspect the caulking around the windows and doors in your home.
If you see any gaps, shrinkage, or cracking, go to your local home improvement store, pick up caulk (usually in the paint aisle), and fill in areas that need repair. Use the caulk to seal any gaps around the edges of the windows. This will help reduce the potential of moisture, insects, and drafts from entering your home.
If you’re not sure how to do this, YouTube is a great resource for simple DIY projects such as this.
If you’re considering upgrading your windows, ask experts about double-pane or energy-efficient windows. These windows reduce drafts and help soundproof your home.
Furthermore, adding weatherstripping to the edges of your exterior doors can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency. While some of these steps may stretch your DIY capabilities, they’re essential for the homebuyers maintenance of the home.
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4. Examine the Foundation and Drainage Systems
The rainy and snowy seasons can cause many issues if a home has poor drainage systems or foundational issues. Homebuyers maintenance includes examining the foundation and drainage systems.
When water accumulates around the home’s foundation, it can lead to cracks, leaks, or flooding. Another thing to look out for is vegetation. If you have trees, shrubs, or other plants too close to your foundation, they can also wreak havoc on it.
Ensuring your home has the proper grading and drainage systems can be as simple as adjusting the landscaping.
Other measures, such as installing a French drain, sump pump, or downspout extension, can help keep water away.
All of these preventative measures will help protect your home’s structural integrity and keep you from some costly repairs.
5. Investigate Plumbing
A little bit of water can cause a massive amount of damage. Even a small leak over time can create mold, weakened floorboards, erosion, and costly repairs. As homebuyers, essential maintenance includes inspecting all sinks, pipes, and waterways.
First, open up the cabinets and look for any signs of water damage. With the cabinet open, turn on the water, examine the pipes, and make sure there are no leaks. If you detect a small leak, it could be as simple as a quick step of tightening the pipe connections to stop the leak.
Additionally, check the water flow and determine how quickly the sink drains. If you detect a slow drain or a small blockage, pour a solution of baking soda followed by vinegar to clear the drain. Continue this on a monthly basis to prevent buildup.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, which can cause erosion of your pipes. Only use these chemicals as an extreme measure.
Also, examine the toilet for proper drainage and ensure there are no leaks. In addition, inspect furnace drains, ejector pumps, and sump pumps.
If you suspect a water issue, consult a professional and address the problem before it turns into a catastrophe.
Conclusion
Homebuyers, maintenance is critical, especially when you first move in. While, all homebuyers will face some unexpected problems during their lifetime, with preventative maintenance, those problems can hopefully be minimal.
Preparing your home during the winter season is essential for its longevity and your peace of mind. By taking proactive steps like inspecting your roof, ensuring air quality, sealing windows and doors, checking your foundation, and monitoring your plumbing, you can prevent potential issues before they arise.
These simple yet effective measures not only safeguard your investment but also enhance the comfort and efficiency of your home. Remember, a little maintenance today can save you from significant repairs tomorrow, allowing you to enjoy your home to the fullest through every season.