The tips below are a great guide to keeping your home in good repair.
Every month:
- Clean or replace air conditioning filters.
- Inspect, clean or replace kitchen vent hood filters. Often a forgotten or overlooked task.
- Flush all toilets and run water through all sinks, especially in bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis.
- Check water softener. Check the salt level and read the display to make sure no error codes are displayed. You’ll usually only add salt a few times a year.
Every couple of months (Quarterly):
- We get a lot of rain in Florida during the summer months! Check the exterior drainage conditions to ensure that nothing is causing water to stand. Make sure that water from any source is draining away from your foundation. Clean and repair gutters. Make sure gutters are free of material that could prevent free flow of water. Make sure you have splash deflectors at the base of the downspout to deflect water away from the home.
- Check your GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) for proper operations by tripping the circuit interrupter buttons and then resetting them.
- Inspect and clean all of your exterior vents or openings. Make sure that air flows freely and they are properly screened to keep small animals from entering your home.
- Lubricate all overhead garage door hinges to keep them opening and closing smoothly.
On a seasonal basis:
- Every six months, inspect and service either your heating or air conditioning system, depending on the season.
- Inspect and adjust sprinkler systems. Set your timers for the proper season to ensure enough, but not too much water per station.
- Vacuum refrigerator coils.
- Check sliding glass doors including wheels for smooth operation and proper locking mechanisms.
- Twice a year, you should inspect and repair the following caulked areas, as necessary.
- Kitchen and bath wet areas.
- Flushing areas.
- Window and door seals.
- Around all penetrations (hose, faucets, duct work from vents, fireplace and chimney vents).
- Vinyl, aluminum or wood siding.
- Stucco or mortar cracks.
- Interior settling or shrinkage sheetrock cracks.
On an annual basis:
- Drain and refill your hot water heater(s). This may be necessary on a more frequent basis if you live in an area with extremely hard water.
- Inspect and test your hot water heater safety valve.
- Inspect your garage door(s), rails and lock system; adjust and lubricate, as necessary. Consider changing your garage door opener code as a security precaution.
- Check and clean the clothes dryer vent. While running, check the exhaust for the smell of fresh laundry. If the exhaust is marginal, check for blockages. Also, vacuum the lint from dryer hose.
- Clean your faucet aerators and inspect your plumbing for leaks.
- Clean and sharpen your garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and depositing a cleaning (foaming) product into the disposal.
- Remove shower heads and clean deposits. This will keep your water pressure strong and keep them lasting long.
- Service central air. Do this before the summer heats up. It will prolong the life of your unit.
- Inspect or have tested your home fire extinguishers.
- Replace smoke alarm batteries. Make it a habit to change batteries every time you set the clocks for daylight savings time.
We hope this list helps you keep on top of your home maintenance. If you have questions regarding what additional items need to be addressed before listing your home on the market, please contact us. We will be glad to give you suggestions or even walk thru your home with you.
