New Homeowner’s Guide to Home Maintenance

It is 2021, you just bought a brand-new house and paid $10K over the asking price. Interest rates are low, and debt is cheap so you're feeling good about your new purchase either way. You’ve already paid the typical costs that go with buying a home: the down payment, closing costs, taxes, and insurance. What else do you need to consider for the upkeep of your home? When the sale is over you need to be prepared for home repairs and maintenance. A good rule of thumb is to budget between one and three percent of the home’s purchase price for each year to cover typical repairs. If you are considering a renovation or your home is older, be ready to set aside the full three percent.

This should cover general upkeep and the occasional unexpected costs like a broken window or a pipe breaking. The bigger the problem the higher the expense. Upkeep is going to mitigate your bigger problems. That way you don’t have every big-ticket item needing repair at once. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time or if you’re considering a move, these guidelines are going to create a timeline for you that’ll keep your home in great shape for a profitable sale down the road.

Monthly Home Maintenance:

Performing simple monthly tasks is going to keep everything in your home running smoothly. The positive news is that most of these projects are do-it-yourself and should only require a Youtube video or a call to Dad and common household tools. Let’s list the items you should prepare for each month:

Check HVAC system filters. Note that there are two different types of filters: reusable and disposable filters. Both must be replaced. Clean or repair filters when they get dirty from anywhere from 30 days to a few months.
Look for leaks around toilets and sinks. Any sign of water where it should not be is a reason to call a plumber. Even a tiny leak could cost hundreds of dollars if not inspected and repaired.
Inspect all grout and calking. Touch up any voids or cracks in tubs. This keeps things looking in top shape.
Check kitchen vent hood filter. Clean or replace as needed. If you have someone that cooks often make sure you are checking the vent filter accordingly.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is crucial for every homeowner. Make a habit of changing the batteries regularly. You don’t want to be put in a situation where these detectors are not working properly.
Check exterior for wear and tear. Walk around the house and make sure there are no problems with gutters and drainpipes.

Winter Household Maintenance:

Another maintenance is completely seasonal and dependent on where you live. If you live in a place where the winter months get below freezing, you have a different list of issues to address.

Watch for ice dams. An ice dam is a build-up of ice at the bottom of a roof. This can allow water to seep into the home. You should call a professional roofer immediately.
Check for drafts. If you feel the cold air around the house at certain places you may need to get someone to re-caulk an area of the home, this can be a quick fix.
Test your sump pump. Make sure to pour a small amount of water into the crock and turn your sump pump on to make sure it works. You don’t want to find out it’s in disrepair once a big snow or rainstorm hits.
Close foundation vents. Closing your vents can help lower your heating costs in the winter.
Cover outdoor air-conditioning units. Snow and ice can damage your air-conditioning unit if they are not properly covered. If you don’t have a cover for them already a tarp from Home Depot will do just fine.

Spring Household Maintenance:

The flowers are blooming, and I am sure you are ready to get your hands dirty in the flower beds but there are other items you should check upon.

HVAC checkup. You’ve already been changing the vents each month but it’s good to have your system tuned up before you are running your air-conditioning around the clock. Always hire a trained professional for this.
Roof inspection. A good roof should last up to ten years, but they are susceptible to natural wear and tear. Make sure any issues are taken care of each spring so that you are not surprised by a huge leak into your home that will cost you far more.
Check gutters. Heavy snow and ice can cause your gutters to have build-up and sag. If they don’t drain properly, they can’t do their job. Make sure you clean out your gutters each spring.
Inspect driveway. If your driveway is in disrepair, it can make your whole home look disheveled. Cracks and buckles are caused by freezing temperatures and should be repaired before they cause bigger issues.
Check window seals. Check for drafts again. Any cracked caulking should be repaired.
Check storm-window drains. If you own an older home, they often come with triple-track storm windows. Make sure any rain can flow outward and does not get trapped.

Summer Household Maintenance:

If you have a pool, then there is much more to be done but here are the typical summer household tasks.

Trim back any shrubbery around the HVAC unit. You don’t want any overgrowth falling onto the system it can affect the efficiency.
Inspect exterior woodwork and decks. Be aware of termite damage or water damage that is eating away that wood. Catching this problem before it gets bad is key to keeping this cost low.
Check exterior siding. Summer is a great time to use a power washer to clean any build-up on siding that sat all winter.
Inspect foundation and crawl space. Fill in any depressions near the foundation that can trap water or snow. These water issues can eventually lead to damp basements, settling, or foundation damage.

Fall Household Maintenance:

If you have large trees in the yard, get ready to be outside raking your life away. There are other routine items that need your attention.

Another HVAC inspection. Again, make sure you find a qualified HVAC mechanic to inspect your system.
Turn off outside hose bibs. If you don’t have frost-free exterior faucets, shut off their water supply and drain the lines to prevent them from freezing. Roll up your hoses and store them neatly for colder months.
Inspect all working fireplaces. Before fire season, you will want a professional to inspect the fireplace. This will ensure that you can safely use it and prevent your home from becoming a statistic.
Clean gutters and inspect the roof. Be careful on the ladder and remove all debris that might have fallen into the gutters from past months.

Owning a home can feel exhausting but if you stay on top of maintenance, it’s manageable. Your hard work and commitment will be reflected in your home value. You’ve already spent so much time and money finding the perfect home it only makes sense you take care of it!

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