If you haven’t figured it out yet, owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility. Previously, your parents or landlord took care of the many maintenance issues. Now that you own a home, proper and timely routine home maintenance is your responsibility. To help with that, the specialists at HomePro Inspections offer a few tips and guidelines for you to consider.
Replacing deteriorated caulk at a window
To prevent costly issues down the road, it is crucial that you stay on top of minor repairs and home maintenance items. Our home inspectors commonly document these types of issues, which we refer to as “deferred maintenance.” Staying on top of issues will keep your home safe and in good condition, while ignoring them only makes the problem worse over time.
Plumbing
Small leaks in faucets, toilets, or pipes might seem insignificant, but over time, they add up. Water is wasted, leading to higher water and sewer bills. Water leaks can also lead to mold growth, rot, and structural damage. Resolving these issues in a timely manner will prevent more costly repairs in the future.
Small leaks can result in major issues
Electrical
Electrical issues should never be ignored. Frequently tripping circuit breakers or blowing fuses, lighting that flickers or dims, and sparking at switches or outlets are all signs of potential problems. Older homes may have faulty wiring and overloaded circuits. Electrical issues can result in electrocution or fires. Electrical issues are serious and should be resolved by a licensed electrician.
A charred electrical outlet
Heating and air conditioning
The comfort of your home and its air quality are dependent on properly maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. A neglected HVAC system can lead to higher energy costs due to reduced efficiency. Breakdowns typically happen during peak heating or cooling seasons, when you depend on them the most. Dirty air filters cause your system's air handler to work harder and waste electricity. Our home inspectors typically recommend annual maintenance and servicing to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently.
A dirty HVAC air filter
Pests
Ants, rodents, bats, and other critters can cause hidden damage to your home. Carpenter ants can destroy wood within your walls. Mice will chew on wiring, tunnel in your insulation, build nests, and leave hair, urine, and droppings behind. Bats may roost in your attic, leaving piles of droppings and carcasses behind. These issues can damage your home’s structure and result in health issues. Regular inspection and maintenance can identify if you need to hire a professional before these pests can cause major problems.
Rodent/bat droppings and insulation on an attic access cover
Foundation and structure
Sometimes cracks in your walls, ceilings, or foundation are due to seasonal changes. Your home’s components expand and contract when we have cold and dry versus hot and humid conditions. Sometimes, these cracks are an indication of more serious structural problems. Inspect your home at least twice a year, looking for new cracks. Take a photo and compare them over time. Structural issues can lead to costly repairs if not addressed in a timely manner.
A step crack in a foundation
Exterior
Regular maintenance of the exterior of your home will help prevent costly repairs and preserve your home’s curb appeal. The outside of your home is exposed to the elements. Every season affects the siding, wood, paint, caulk, etc. Damaged or deteriorated components of your exterior can lead to water infiltration. Repeated exposure will cause rot and potential damage to the structure. Our home inspectors recommend that the exterior of your home be inspected a couple of times a year and any issues quickly resolved to prevent further damage. A little paint and caulk can go a long way toward keeping the elements from damaging your home.
Deteriorated and missing paint on siding and trim
Roof
The first line of defense against the elements is your home’s roofing systems. Shingles, vents, flashings, gutters, and downspouts are all subject to wear, damage, and deterioration. Regularly inspect your roofing systems, especially after storms and after the snow melts. As important as roofs are, most people pay little to no attention to them until they see a leak. Sometimes, leaks are internal and go unnoticed until serious damage has occurred.
Damaged and missing shingles, along with deteriorated roof decking and vent flashings
Summary
Keeping your home properly maintained is a never-ending responsibility for a homeowner. Ignoring the little things can quickly add up to big things over time. Protecting your investment and keeping it looking good helps your home hold its value and keep your family safe. Most home maintenance is relatively easy and simple. If you can’t do it yourself, hire a handyman or professional to do the repairs.
At HomePro Inspections, our home inspectors are trained to inspect all areas of the home. Any issues found are documented in your home inspection report and recommended for resolution by yourself or a qualified professional.
Visit our website to learn more or to schedule your home inspection in the Rochester, Owatonna, and Faribault, MN areas. You can contact us at (507) 202-8942 or by email, or use our online “Schedule Now” feature to schedule an appointment today.