A Homeowners Guide, The Essential Tasks
A quick must-have guide to home maintenance.
One of the greatest joys in life is owning your own home. Your home is your sense of belonging. It’s the canvas on which you paint your family portrait. A home is your sanctuary.
But a home also requires a lot of diligent upkeep to ensure everything runs smoothly. After the tremendous amount of rain, on top of the foot of snow we just recently had, which flooded many a basement (mine included), I finally got around to finishing my homeowner’s guide. It’s a list of essential home maintenance tasks, step-by-step instructions on fixing common household issues, websites to go to for help on DIY projects, and recommendations on how to find a reputable contractor.
Time to honey do!
Monthly to Every Few Months Maintenance
Change out or clean HVAC Filters
Make sure the HVAC system is off.
Locate the filter slot.
Remove the old filter.
Insert a new filter. Or wash off and dry the existing filter, then insert.
Test and Clean Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Press the test button on each detector.
Replace batteries if needed.
Vacuum detectors to remove dust.
Clean Out Gutters (early spring, early fall)
Wear gloves.
Remove debris by hand or with a scoop.
Flush gutters with a hose to ensure proper drainage.
Check Faucets and Toilets
Check for leaks around faucets and under sinks.
Inspect toilet tanks for leaks.
Repair or replace any faulty components.
Run Water in Unused Spaces
Run water in sinks, showers, and tubs in less frequently used areas.
Prevents traps from drying out, avoiding sewer gas odors.
Check Vents / Vacuum Out Registers
Lift off the vent cover
Vacuum out dust and debris (this is especially important if you have pets)
Check outside covers to make sure they’re not blocked.
Remove Lint from Dryer Vent / Duct
Vacuum out from the base connected to the dryer and from vent to the outside.
Use an extended dryer vent pipe brush to get any remaining lint
Remove lint from the lint filter after every load of laundry.
Yearly Maintenance
Check Fire Extinguishers
Check to insure they are charged (they have a pressure gauge)
Make sure you have them in mulitple locations (under sink, in the laundry room, and in the garage)
Have a Professional HVAC Inspection
Schedule a certified technician to inspect and service your HVAC system.
Clean Chimney and Fireplace
Clean chimney flue.
Inspect fireplace for damage.
Remove ashes and debris.
Have chimney professionally cleaned yearly.
Check Water Heater
Turn off the gas or electricity.
Drain a few gallons from the tank to remove sediment.
Check the pressure relief valve.
Turn the water heater back on.
Inspect Your Roof
Inspect for damaged or missing shingles.
Check for signs of water damage.
Repair or replace damaged areas.
Weatherstripping
Check weatherstripping around doors and windows.
Replace any worn-out or damaged weatherstripping.
Lawn Irrigation System
Inspect sprinkler heads for clogs or damage.
Adjust the system for optimal coverage.
Refinish Wooden Decks
This should be done every two to three years to protect the wood.
Prior to re-staining, inspect and nail down any popped nails.
Pick a dry, not too sunny day to powerwash and once dry, stain.
Must-Have Items in Your Toolkit
1. Basic toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrech, etc.
2. Duct tape, WD-40, and lubricating oil.
3. Plunger and drain snake.
4. Flashlights with extra batteries.
5. Fire extinguisher.
See my post of 35 Tools You Need in Your Toolbox for additional must-haves.
Common Issues
and Step-by-Step Fixes
Leaky Faucet
Turn off water supply.
Remove faucet handle.
Replace washer or cartridge.
Reassemble and test.
Clogged Drain
Use a plunger.
If the plunger doesn't work, use a drain snake.
Flush the drain with 1/2 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar, stuff a rag in the drain to keep the baking soda/vinegar mix in the drain. Flush with hot water.
Running Toilet
Remove the tank lid.
Adjust the float or chain.
Replace the flapper if necessary.
Tripped Circuit Breaker
Identify the overloaded circuit.
Turn off all devices on that circuit.
Reset the breaker.
Drafty Windows/Doors
Apply weatherstripping.
Use caulk to seal gaps.
Faulty Thermostat
Check and replace thermostat batteries.
Verify settings and recalibrate if needed.
Staying on top of maintenance helps keep your house from having more significant and more expensive issues. Thankfully, there are ton of online videos that show you how to fix just about anything.
Reputable Homeowner
How-To Websites
This Old House
https://www.thisoldhouse.com
Bob Vila
https://www.bobvila.com
Family Handyman
https://www.familyhandyman.com
HomeAdvisor
https://www.homeadvisor.com
DIY Network
https://www.diynetwork.com
The Spruce
https://www.thespruce.com
HGTV
https://www.hgtv.com
Fine Homebuilding
https://www.finehomebuilding.com
And here’s a list of how to find a contractor when the project is bigger than YouTube.
How to Find a Contractor
Ask for Recommendations
Seek recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers who have had similar work done. Personal referrals are often the best way to find a trustworthy contractor.
Check Online Reviews
Look for online reviews on Yelp, Google, or Angie's List. This can provide insights into the experiences of other customers. But remember that people more often review when they’re upset, so read with that in mind.
Verify Credentials
Ensure the contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. You can check with your local licensing board to confirm their credentials.
Get Multiple Quotes
Obtain quotes from at least three different contractors. This allows you to compare prices, services, and professionalism.
Check References
For bigger projects, ask the contractor for references from past clients. When appropriate, contact these references to inquire about their satisfaction with the work and the contractor's reliability.
Ask for a Written Contract
Ensure all aspects of the job are detailed in a written contract. This includes the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties. If there are any changes to the original agreement as the project unfolds, make sure to put that in writing too. This helps prevent misunderstandings down the road and when it comes time for the final payment.
Communication is Key
Choose a contractor who communicates effectively. A good contractor should be responsive, open to questions, and provide regular updates on the progress of the project.
Check for Complaints
Check with your local Better Business Bureau or consumer protection agency for any complaints against the contractor.
Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts. If something feels off during the initial interactions, it might be a red flag. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable with the person that will be in your home for an extended time.
Understand Payment Terms
Clarify the payment terms before starting the project. Be wary of contractors who demand full payment upfront. Partial payment upfront is often necessary to purchase supplies, but a full payment should only be made once the project is complete and to the degree that was agreed upon in your contract.
Remember to do thorough research and take your time in selecting a contractor.
Hand-dandy items for all your fixer-upers.