Your home is the safe space that you and your family count on, and like your family, your home needs some TLC (aka: home maintenance). There’s the obvious maintenance like washing the floors and mowing the lawn, and then there’s the upkeep that you might be more likely to push off, like cleaning the gutters. New Years is a great time to check in on your homes annual maintenance needs.
To help make this seemingly overwhelming task an achievable goal, we’ve compiled a checklist for your convenience:
- Check all your faucets (kitchen, bathrooms, basement, outdoor hose…) for leaks or other problems that need attention
- Clean out your cabinets (kitchen and bathrooms) and throw away outdated items such as outdated foods, cosmetics and medicines
- Check the gaskets around your refrigerator/freezer and make sure they are airtight
- Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator/freezer
- Remove the built up lint from dryer exhaust vent
- Check your interior hardware (door locks, hinges, latches…) and replace or repair as needed
- Lubricate hinges and moving parts to keep them moving smoothly
- If you have a septic tank, make sure it is in good working order. Call a professional if needed
- Clean or change heating, ventilation and air conditioning filters
- Remove your window and door screens to properly clean them. Inspect them for any tears or holes and repair or replace as needed
- Check the weather stripping on your windows and doors for weather tightness. Repair or replace as needed
- Drain or flush your water heater
- Inspect your patios, porches, and driveway…. repair any holes, cracks, and other damage
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Check your roof and chimney (if applicable) for any cracks or damage
- If needed, set traps for rodents
And that’s it… till next year anyway. We wish you many joyful and precious times in your home this coming year! Happy New Year from LMR Public Adjusters!