Owning a house in Indianapolis is a considerable investment, and it means you’re now responsible for the property you just purchased. As a responsible owner, it’s your job to conduct regular maintenance to protect or preserve the value of your home.
The best way to maintain a house is to implement a preventative strategy and create a preventative maintenance checklist. It prevents costly repairs and further damage to your property. It should prioritize the following:
Basement
Start from the bottom of your house. How’s the smell in your basement? If it smells like sewage, you need to have your sewer line checked. A Greenwood sewer line repair specialist can do this for you.
Basements are often subject to moisture because they’re below the house and are at level with the ground. Check your basement for leaks and have them fixed immediately. If water collects there, it can lead to moisture buildup, which can cause mold growth.
Check your sump pump, as well. Is it still working? Do you need a backup pump? Broken sump pumps can cause rainwater to flood your basement.,
Windows and Doors
Seal windows and doors. Small cracks and spaces in your windows and doors can cause heat to escape and cold air to enter your house. This can lead to higher energy costs.
Roof
If you have a shingled roof, check for loose or broken shingles and change them immediately. If you have a corrugated, galvanized steel roof, check for holes and then patch them up. Holes in the ceiling and loose shingles can cause leaks in your house.
Also, make sure that no tree branches near the edge of your roof. Storms can cause tree branches to bang on the side of your roof and damage it.
Faucets and Sinks
Faulty faucets and sinks can cause leaks in your kitchen and bathroom. Replace washers in your faucets when necessary, and seal the sides of your drains.
Gutters
Make sure no leaves and debris can clog your gutters. Rainwater should run through smoothly and not accumulate in them. Accumulated water in the gutters can run off the sidewalls of your house. The rain that ran off the sides of your exterior wall can seep into the interior walls through cracks, causing leaks inside your home.
Water in a clogged gutter can also run down to the house foundation, saturating the soil around it. Saturated soil can cause rainwater to leak in your home’s foundation.
HVAC System
Avoid putting draperies and furniture in front of cooling and heating vents to ensure proper airflow. Make sure that they are always clean, too. Replace or clean filters at least once a month.
Safety and Emergency Equipment
All homes should have their safety and emergency equipment. It is essential in times of disaster. Make sure that your tools work and have good batteries. Replace broken items and keep a steady supply of extra batteries.
To use this checklist more efficiently, create a schedule for each maintenance check. It will help you focus on a few maintenance checks and finish them quickly.
