Home Maintenance Care Tips for New Homeowners

As a new homeowner, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of owning your very own space. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and that responsibility is maintaining your new home. Home maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your home, and it’s essential to have a solid plan in place to ensure your home remains in good condition. In this article, we’ll discuss some helpful tips, tricks, and a complete checklist to help you maintain your home.

The Importance of Home Maintenance

Home maintenance is a crucial part of home ownership for several reasons. First, it ensures that your home remains in good condition, which can help to prevent expensive repairs down the line. Second, regular maintenance can help to increase the value of your home. Finally, and most important of all, proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the safety of you and your family.

Maintenance Checklists for New Homeowners

Now that we’ve established the importance of home maintenance, let’s dive into a comprehensive checklist for new homeowners. This checklist is broken down into monthly, seasonal, and annual tasks.

Monthly Home Maintenance Tasks

1. Check your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (or HVAC as it’s more commonly known) filters and replace them if necessary.
2. Inspect your fire extinguishers and replace them if they are expired or faulty.
3. Clear any debris from your gutters and downspouts.
4. Inspect your plumbing for leaks or signs of damage.
5. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Seasonal Home Maintenance Tasks

1. In the fall, clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
2. In the winter, check for drafts and seal any gaps or cracks around windows and doors.
3. In the spring, inspect your roof for any signs of damage.
4. In the summer, inspect your air conditioning unit and have it serviced if necessary.
5. Throughout the year, trim any overhanging branches or foliage that could damage your home.

Common Home Maintenance Issues and How to Fix Them

Despite your best efforts, there may be times when you encounter issues maintenance didn’t prevent. Before we talk about potential solutions, it’s important to note that when in doubt, pay a professional. Home repairs can be costly, and maintenance is the best prevention, but bad repairs can cost a lot more down the line.

Here are some common issues and how to fix them

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains are a common issue in most homes. To fix a clogged drain, start by using a plunger to try and remove the blockage. If this doesn’t work, try using a drain snake to remove the blockage manually. If both methods fail, you may need to call a professional plumber.

Leaking Faucets

Leaking faucets are not only annoying but also waste water and increase your water bill. To fix a leaking faucet, start by turning off the water supply to the faucet. Then, remove the handle and the cartridge and replace any worn-out parts. 

Electrical Issues

Electrical issues can be dangerous and should always be handled by a professional electrician. If you notice flickering lights, outlets that don’t work, or circuit breakers that trip frequently, call an electrician to inspect your electrical system.

DIY vs Professional Maintenance

When it comes to home maintenance, there are some tasks you can handle on your own and others that require the help of a professional. As a general rule of thumb, if a task involves electrical or plumbing work, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

However, tasks like painting, landscaping, and basic repairs can often be handled on your own.

Home Maintenance Tools and Equipment

To handle basic home maintenance tasks, it’s helpful to have some essential tools and equipment on hand. These include:

• A basic tool kit with a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches.
• A ladder for cleaning gutters and inspecting your roof.
• A garden hose for watering your lawn and plants.
• A lawn mower and weed trimmer for maintaining your lawn.
• A power drill for hanging shelves and other household items.

Maintaining your home can be a daunting task, but with the right plan in place and a little bit of effort, it can be easy and stress-free. By following the tips and checklist outlined in this article, you can ensure that your home remains in great condition for years to come. Remember, regular home maintenance is crucial for the safety of your family and the longevity of your home.

Want to Avoid Costly Repairs? Buy New.

One of our best tips for avoiding costly repairs is to buy a new home. Our Wolf Willow builders are some of the Alberta’s most reliable, meaning you won’t have to worry about many of the costly repairs previous owners might leave you with in existing homes. Find your home today.