This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

February Home Maintenance Checklist and Inspection Routine

Not sure what your home is worth in today's marketplace? We would be glad to provide you with a FREE home valuation for estate planning purposes or just for your own edification.

Home ownership is one of the single biggest investments we will make in our lifetime.  That is why proper home maintenance is so important.  Regular home maintenance enhances the properties economic age (the number of years a house is expected to survive), ensures safety, prevents simple upkeep from turning into costly repairs and may even reduce energy consumption.  Having a well maintained home provides piece of mind and increases resale value.  To support our fellow homeowners in achieving this objective, Greenwood Real Properties/Keller Williams Realty has put together a monthly checklist, home improvement and inspection routine for you to follow.  ENJOY!!

1.      Replace filters or wash permanent ones in heating system.  To learn how…Click Here

2.      Check faucets in kitchen, bathroom, basement, etc. for leaks and other problems. Then repair or replace as needed.

Find out what's happening in Norwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

3.      Check washing machine hoses for leaks. Old rubber hoses should be replaced with no-burst hoses available at your local hardware store.  For step by step instructions…Click Here

4.      Remove and clean the intake screens of clothes washer water supply hoses. 

Find out what's happening in Norwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

5.      Inspect and clean out your clothes dryer vent.

6.      To keep water shut-off valves from sticking, turn them off and then on again.  If they do not shut-off the water, it is time to replace.  If they do not operate smoothly, a little WD-40 works wonders.

7.      Remove drain traps under sink. Clean them thoroughly.

8.      Clean pop-up drain plugs in sink. Inspect the linkage making sure they are set properly. To adjust the linkage just squeeze the finger operated pressure lock to release it and slide it up or down.

9.      Remove sediment from buildup in hot water heater tank; if it's warm to the touch, cover the tank with a water heater blanket

10.  Clean the exterior of range hood and its filter

11.  Inspect the attic for signs of roof leaks, condensation or frost build up and clear vents

12.  Remove snow and ice from evergreens

How important is preventative maintenance?  Without it, your home could easily lose 10% to 12% of its appraised value.  Researchers suggest that regular maintenance increases the value of a house by about 1% a year.  However, professional appraisers are quick to point out any gain is typically offset by the ongoing cost of maintenance.  According to the U.S. Census, over time annual maintenance can cost upwards to $3,300 or 1% to 3% of a home’s initial cost dependant on its geographic location.  To put this in perspective; owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing maintenance and upkeep depending on the age of the home.

Not sure what your home is worth in today’s marketplace?  We would be glad to provide you with a FREE home valuation for estate planning purposes or just for your own edification.  Would you like to be added to our mailing list to receive a copy of our complimentary monthly Newsletter?  Let us know.  Complete the enclosed Contact Us Form and we’ll take it from there!!

Brian Greenwood is an Owner/Partner at Greenwood Real Properties/Keller Williams Realty
At Greenwood Real Properties our goal is straightforward: To Exceed Your Expectations and Earn Your Business for Life

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?