Jeff "King of the Castle"
Properly maintained furnishings and materials can stay longer and perform better. Homeowners who observe proper decor and hardware maintenance can protect their interior investments and make their homes beautiful for many years. But how can homeowners implement better hardware products and interior maintenance?
Hardware and interior products such as cabinetry require regular maintenance to keep them in optimum condition as regular maintenance makes a home look its best. For instance, tightening loose cabinet pulls and door hinges can help keep them in stable positions and avoid further damage. Homeowners should have a maintenance checklist, which they can use to plan and implement seasonal updates, cleaning, or repairs.
How to Follow a Maintenance Checklist
Homeowners with maintenance checklists can revisit their lists as often as they want. It could be at the beginning of a month or after two weeks. Sometimes a recommended repair or maintenance can go beyond the skills of the owner. In that case, they can hire a professional to help out.
Here are different types of home maintenance checklists that homeowners can implement:
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Homeowners are advised to inspect and complete a monthly maintenance activity. This ensures their home improvement projects are up to date. Here’s a monthly checklist maintenance template:
- Cleaning the furnace filter: This removes dust accumulation and balances the home’s temperature. It also lowers energy bills.
- Checking the water softener system: This activity aims to identify anything that may be wrong with the system and solve the problem before it gets out of hand. For example, the salt can be replenished if it’s necessary.
- Inspecting tubs and sink drains: This maintenance activity is to identify any debris that might clog the drains. If found, such stuff is removed to prevent further damage to the system.
- Testing smoke alarms: In this activity, homeowners can check carbon monoxide detectors and anything that can interrupt ground-fault circuits. It’s also the time to inspect the gauge and expiration date of fire extinguishers.
- Inspecting the electrical cords: These are prone to wear and if the wire is exposed, it can cause an electric shock. Checking the cords monthly can help prevent such damage.
Monthly hardware maintenance may also include vacuuming heat vents and heat registers. Homeowners can also check any blockage on both indoor and outdoor air vents. The activity may also include flushing out hot water from the water heater. This process aims to remove any sediment that may be in the system.
Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall
Many homeowners perform general home maintenance projects during the fall. This is because this period offers dry weather and moderate temperatures. Before conducting any seasonal home maintenance procedure, homeowners should first inspect their home’s interior and exterior. Here’s a maintenance checklist that can work during the fall:
- Raking the fallen leaves and aerating the lawn;
- Inspecting the forced-air heating system. This can be done by a professional;
- Checking the fireplace for any hazards and damages. This is the time to clean the flues and invite a professional for a thorough checkup;
- Sealing cracks and gaps in windows and doors while tightening and replacing cabinet pulls and hinges;
- Replacing old drafty windows with new energy-efficient models;
- Using paint to touch up exterior siding and trim;
- Inspecting roofing for leaks, loose, damaged, or missing shingles;
- Cleaning carpets;
- Repairing or replacing siding;
- Draining exterior plumbing, and many more.
Fall is also the time to check the water heater for possible leaks and to apply any pest prevention measures. During this time, owners can trim shrubs, repair rotten or broken woodwork, and even replace furniture.
Home Maintenance Checklist for Winter
Winter is often harsh on homes. With temperatures below freezing points, this season can cause several problems. For example, it’s in winter that homeowners can have frozen pipes and damaged roofs. The following maintenance checklist can help homeowners prevent costly damages and expenses:
- Covering the air-conditioning unit;
- Checking the basement for leaks during thaws;
- Inspecting the roofing system, including the gutters, and downspouts;
- Vacuuming bathroom exhaust fan grill;
- Cleaning and unclogging sink drains, bathtubs, showers, and dishwashers;
- Setting up mouse traps where necessary;
- Increasing stock on sidewalk salt and ice melt.
Home Maintenance Checklist for Spring
When the freezing stops and the ground thaws, trees begin to sprout. This is the time to prepare the home for the spring. In addition to the regular spring cleaning, homeowners would also consider general upkeep tips. This home maintenance checklist for spring can help homeowners ensure everything in their homes is up to date.
- Cleaning shower heads and faucet aerators. This activity aims to remove mineral deposits;
- Checking roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles;
- Changing the filter in the air-conditioner;
- Cleaning the windows and door screens;
- Polishing wooden furniture and dusting light fixtures;
- Power-washing the windows and siding;
- A professional inspection of the septic tank and many more.
Home Maintenance Checklist for Summer
Summer is warm when the sun is out and people enjoy staying at home. This summer home maintenance checklist can help get the hard work out of the way for homeowners.
- Oiling the garage door opener and chain, including inspecting the garage door and the hinges;
- Removing lint from the dryer vent;
- Cleaning the kitchen exhaust fan filter;
- Sealing tile grout;
- Cleaning the refrigerator and freezer coils;
- Inspecting the dishwasher for leaks;
- Cleaning around the kitchen and bathroom cabinets, inspecting hinges, pulls, and door knobs;
- Replacing exterior and interior faucets
