General Maintenance: A Guide to Keeping Your Home in Good Shape

Your home is an investment, so it’s vital to keep it in tip-top shape. When every system is functioning efficiently and every corner is clean, your property could deliver a good return on your investment should you decide to sell it someday. 

If you’re not thinking about putting it back on the market, the cost of ownership could also be less with a well-maintained home. Either way, it’s in your best interest to maintain your home.

Where do you start? What should you focus on first? 

When it comes to general maintenance, having a year-round plan could lessen the burden on you as the homeowner and ensure the safety and comfort of loved ones living in your property.

What Does General Home Maintenance Include?

Maintenance can be preventive (involves regular inspections), corrective (repairs or replacements), routine (for everyday tasks) and emergency (unplanned work).

General home maintenance covers a wide range of tasks, focusing on systems and areas that do not need daily, weekly or frequent cleaning or checking. For instance, you may need to check your gutters monthly and seasonally because debris could build up, whereas your refrigerator coils only need to be cleaned annually.

Here’s a sample home maintenance checklist:

1. Plumbing and Electrical Systems

• Check your plumbing system regularly for leaks, particularly in places that are not frequently accessed, such as under sinks and in the basement. 

• Ensure your boiler and water heater are serviced annually by a professional.

• Inspect the electrical panel and outlets for signs of damage, wear and tear, and promptly address any issues to avoid potential hazards.

2. Exterior Maintenance

• Inspect the exterior of your home. Check the brickwork, siding and foundations, and repair any damage.

• Maintain the landscaping by trimming trees and shrubs, mulching flower beds and ensuring proper drainage away from the house.

• Clean and maintain outdoor furniture, decks and patios to prevent weather-related damage.

• Clean your windows and door screens to ensure proper airflow.

• Water tank cleaning and disinfection needs to be done at least once a year. But some tanks are susceptible to sediment buildup and corrosion, so they may require cleaning every three to six months.

3. Interior Upkeep

• Perform a deep clean of carpets, curtains and upholstery to remove dirt and allergens.

• Check for signs of damp or mould in bathrooms, kitchens and basements, and address any issues immediately to prevent further damage.

• Ensure all household appliances are in good working order, and schedule regular maintenance for larger appliances like the refrigerator, oven and washing machine.

4. Safety and Security

• Review and update your home security devices, including locks on doors and windows, and the functionality of your alarm system.

• Install additional security features, like a video doorbell or motion sensor lights to enhance home safety, as needed.

• Check your fire extinguishers. Is the gauge still holding proper pressure? Is the nozzle ripped,  or cracked? When was it certified? In general, fire extinguishers must be replaced every 10 to 12 years.

How Much Should You Budget for Home Maintenance?

Budgeting for home maintenance can seem daunting, but a good rule of thumb is to set aside an amount equivalent to about 1% of your home’s value each year. This fund can cover both routine tasks and unexpected repairs. If your home is about 10 years or older, you may need to set aside about 4% of the property value because the repairs and maintenance work may be more expensive.

Tips for Sticking to Your Home Maintenance Schedule

Creating a home maintenance schedule and sticking to it is essential for keeping your home in good condition, preventing costly repairs and ensuring a safe living environment. 

• Set realistic goals. Be realistic about what you can do by considering your schedule and resources.

• Establish routines. Incorporate maintenance tasks into your daily or weekly routine. Consistency makes it easier to keep up with tasks.

• Make use of available technology. Use apps and digital reminders to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Apps like HomeZada or BrightNest can be helpful.

• Keep supplies handy. Ensure you have all the necessary tools and supplies to prevent procrastination and make tasks easier to complete.

• Divide bigger tasks into smaller ones. This will allow you to manage the work without being overwhelmed. For example, instead of cleaning the entire garage in one day, tackle one section at a time.

• Create a checklist. Use a checklist to mark off completed tasks. The list not only keeps you organised as you track each task, but it also provides a sense of accomplishment.

• Reward yourself. When you've completed a task, reward yourself. The reward can be as simple as enjoying a bowl of gelato or scheduling a massage after a major task is done.

• Stay flexible. Life can be unpredictable. If you miss a task, reschedule it as soon as possible rather than skipping it altogether.

• Conduct regular reviews. Periodically review and adjust your schedule. Some tasks may need more attention, while others need less.

• Involve the family or trusted professionals. Engage family members to lighten your load while teaching responsibility and teamwork. You can also trust maintenance professionals to get the job done for more complex tasks and systems.

Maintaining your home might seem like a lot of work, but it becomes much more doable by breaking it down into manageable tasks. The effort you put in now will pay off in the long run, ensuring your home remains a safe, comfortable place to live.

Related Articles:

• 5 Budget-Friendly Ways to Maintain Your Home
• Best Home and Design Trends