Getting Your House In Order

Maintaining your home not only makes you feel good, it will pay dividends in increased value and save you headaches by catching minor problems before they become major damage.

To plan your home maintenance, start with a detailed assessment. Grab a pad and pencil and take a walk around the house, jotting down all the jobs that should be done in each room. Then divide the list into three parts: jobs you can do yourself; repairs that require a professional; and a wish list of improvements.

Keep records of your home maintenance program. The file should include:

• a checklist of maintenance jobs;
• a long-term schedule of major repairs and improvements;
• a record of major projects including bills, warranty information, details on the contractor who did the work, etc.; and
• equipment manuals and warranties.

The best maintenance plan is to tackle the jobs as they arise. Try not to let things slip by as little problems have a way of becoming big, expensive repairs.

Here are a few warning signs that it is best not to ignore:

• That little leak in the ceiling; it might be just a few drips now and then, but it could indicate the beginning of serious roof problems.
• Falling mortar from the chimney.
• Annoying little wobbles that don’t go away. Tighten the screws in the door hinge or secure that porch railing before it needs replacing.
• Fireplaces that don’t draw properly or smoke. Ignoring these warning signs of a blocked chimney can lead to fire hazards and the disintegration of the chimney liner. Having the chimney cleaned annually is one way to stay on top of chimney and fireplace maintenance.
• Lights that continually dim or fuses that blow frequently – both are indications of overloaded or damaged circuits.
• Basement leaks that occur like clockwork every spring.
• Rotting porch joists, cracked concrete steps and springy floors in decks that indicate rotting wood.
• Efflorescence (powdery white patches) on exterior brickwork or cracking along foundation walls.
• Damage or blockage of eavestroughs and downspouts.

Finally, always keep in mind the adage “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right” or you will be putting “good money after bad” in home repairs. It’s not worth the effort to construct a beautiful new deck over a rotten porch or to put up new drywall without first updating the insulation and wiring behind it.

Courtesy: Homeservice Club