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Home Maintenance  So you've just moved into your brand new home. You shopped around and did a lot of research to find the home that was just right for you. You signed a big pile of documents at closing, the moving trucks have left, all the boxes are unpacked, and all your belongings are in their proper places. What should you do now?
One of the most important things to remember is that you are responsible for certain routine maintenance items to keep your house functioning properly. These tasks tend to be relatively simple. For instance, many types of heating and air conditioning systems contain filters to remove dirt and dust from the air. A home owner should change these filters when necessary. Cleanliness is a factor that will make your home last longer and work better. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, can harm the finishes on blinds, cabinets, countertops, floors, sinks, tubs, toilets, walls, tiles and other items. If dirt does accumulate, make sure to clean it with a substance that does not scratch or damage the finishes. On the outside of your home, make sure that gutters and downspouts do not get clogged with leaves or other objects. The exterior of your house is built to withstand exposure to the elements, but a periodic cleaning will improve the appearance and, in many instances, prolong the life of siding and other exterior products. When you bought your home, you probably received a warranty from the builder on workmanship and materials. This warranty applies to problems related to the construction of the home, but it does not apply to problems that arise because of failure to perform routine maintenance. For example, if your roof begins to leak after six months because of faulty workmanship, your warranty would cover that. If you develop a problem because water backed up in clogged gutters that you should have cleaned, the builder is not responsible for repairs. Also, some items, such as appliances, may be covered by manufacturers' warranties and are not the responsibility of the builder. You should fully familiarize yourself with the terms of your warranty soon after you move into your home. With all the excitement surrounding a move into a new home, most people have little desire to curl up in front of the fireplace and read a legal document. Nonetheless, you should not wait to read your warranty until a problem arises. Set aside an hour to learn what your rights and responsibilities are from the outset. Preventative maintenance to your house will help the materials used to build it last longer and avoid extensive repair projects. The following is a check-list of preventative maintenance projects that are sometimes overlooked: | Well Water | - Take a water sample to a laboratory to test for purity.
| | Central Air Conditioner | - Clean or replace the air filter.
- Prune any shrubbery that is restricting the circulation of air.
| | Attic and Garage | - Clean and discard paper and junk.
- Remove the grates from drain pipes in garage floors and in the driveway, then scoop out muck and flush with garden hose.
| | Vents in Foundation, Soffits and Eaves | - Make sure screens are intact to keep out squirrels and other rodents, birds and insects.
- Knock off wasp and bee nests from eaves.
| | Wood Decks | - Nail any raised boards and hammer in any popped nails.
- Refinish with stain or paint if raw wood is exposed.
- Look for signs of decay and termites in wood near or in contact with the earth.
| | Sewer Lines | - Inspect the grass above the sewer lines. If it is greener than adjacent grass, it may indicated a leak in the line.
| | Septic System | - Have it inspected and cleaned if necessary.
| | Gutters and Downspouts | - Scoop out leaves, seed pods and other debris.
- Flush the gutters and downspouts with a garden hose.
- Look for pools of water that reveal sags in the gutters.
- Straighten bent gutter hangers.
| | Driveway | - Patch holes and seal cracks.
- Resurface if the concrete is flaking from salt or chemical ice removers.
| | Fences | - Hammer in popped nails.
- Tighten loose posts.
- Paint or stain if raw wood is exposed.
| | Siding | - Look for blistered or peeling paint. Decide if it is time to paint your house.
- Check for popped nails and loose or cracked clapboards. Caulk when necessary.
| | Sliding Doors | - Clean the tracks.
- Check the locks and tighten the hardware.
| | Screens and Screen Doors | - Inspect, repair and clean the screens and screen doors. It may be necessary to paint them before re-installing
| | Fireplace | - Clean and empty the ash pit if the fireplace has one.
| | Hot Water Heater | - Drain the sediment from the bottom of the tank.
- Consider having tank insulated to reduce heat loss.
| | Exhaust Fans | - Clean the blades.
- Oil the motor.
| | Ornamental Iron Railings | - Sandpaper rusted areas and treat with rust-inhibiting paint.
| | Electrical Circuit | - Identify the fuse or circuit breaker that controls each circuit; make a diagram and affix it near the box.
| | Power Lawn Mower | - Wash or replace the air filter.
- Fill the crankcase with new oil.
- Install a new cutting blade when necessary and sharpen the blade each month.
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