Mortgage & Equity
15 Home Maintenance
This section will discuss:
Rough estimates of what home maintenance will cost you.
A checklist of seasonal chores.
Home maintenance takes time and money -- two commodities most homeowners feel always are in short supply. But tending to maintenance tasks on a routine basis might save you big dollars in major repairs.
Some experts say you should expect to spend about 1 percent of your home's purchase price on routine home maintenance each year. For a $110,000 house, that's $1,100 a year, or about $90 that you should figure into your monthly household budget. Of course, the actual amount will depend on the age and condition of your house, and on how many fix-it skills you master. Classes, books, magazines and even television programs can help you learn those skills.
The following checklist can serve as a guide for what to do when.
Home Maintenance Checklist
Fall - Outside
- Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Replace or repair as needed.
- Check for cracks and holes in house siding; fill with caulking as necessary.
- Remove window air conditioner, or put on weatherproof covers.
- Take down screens (if removable type). Clean and store.
- Check storm windows and doors; clean and repair as needed. Put back up (if removable type).
- Drain outside faucets.
- Clean gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them.
- Check roof for leaks; repair as necessary.
- Check flashing around vents, skylights and chimneys for leaks.
- Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar.
- Check chimney flue; clean obstructions. Make sure damper closes tightly.
Inside
- Check insulation wherever possible. Replace or add as necessary.
- Have heating system and heat pump serviced; have humidifier checked. Change or clean filters on furnace.
- Drain hot water heater and remove sediment from bottom of tank; clean burner surfaces; adjust burners.
- Check all faucets for leaks; replace washers if necessary.
- Check and clean humidifier in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
- Clean refrigerator coils.
Spring - Outside
- Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors, especially if you have air conditioning.
- Check outside house for cracked or peeling paint. Caulk and repaint as necessary.
- Remove, clean and store storm windows (if removable).
- Check all door and window screens; patch or replace as needed. Put screens up (if removable type).
Inside
- Replace filters on air conditioners.
- Check dryer vent, stove hood and room fans; clean them. Change or clean filters on furnace.
- Check seals on refrigerator and freezer; clean refrigerator coils; clean burner surfaces; adjust burners.
- Clean fireplace; leave damper open for improved ventilation if home is not air conditioned.
- Check basement walls and floors for dampness; if too moist, remedy as appropriate.
- Clean dehumidifier according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Check leaky faucets and replace washers as necessary.
- Check attic for proper ventilation; open vents.
- Clean drapes and blinds; repair as needed.
Prepared by The National Association of Realtors
