Bennett Homes: Home Maintenance Basics

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Buying Your Home:

Building Your Home:

Living In Your Home:

Home maintenance includes regular, seasonal and one-time tasks. The following suggested maintenance schedule identifies some of the more common maintenance tasks that may be performed on a weekly, monthly or on a semi-annual basis. Tailor it to fit your own situation, adding or deleting items as required.

This suggested maintenance tasks and schedule should not replace the manufacturer's recommendations. We suggest the use of licensed contractors for any tasks you may feel unprepared to complete. What seems like a simple plumbing or electrical repair can cost you many times what you think you might save if you don't do it correctly!

Continuous Maintenance -

Visually survey your yard and existing drainage patterns. Verify that the ground slopes away from the foundation.
Stabilize any bare areas with grass, ground cover or landscaping materials to discourage erosion. Dig out areas where sand has accumulated and fill in any low spots where necessary to reestablish drainage flow.
Adjust sprinkler systems to avoid overspraying the house or causing puddles near the foundation.

Monthly Maintenance -

Check operation of smoke detectors by pushing test button. Check and replace battery if necessary.
Check fire extinguishers for proper charge. Never buy units without a pressure gauge. Be sure you have an adequate number, located in kitchen, garage and basement. Test Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) to insure proper protection.
Clean garbage disposal blades by grinding ice cubes and citrus fruit rinds.
Clean or replace dirty filter in range hood.

Twice-a-year Maintenance -

Inspect roof and chimney for broken or missing tiles or shingles, identifying anything that might cause leaks or problems
Inspect and clean gutters and down spouts
Inspect outside of home and condition of siding, paint, masonry, stucco and wood trim.
Inspect doors and windows to verify proper operation, security and weather-resistance. Clean tracks of windows and sliding glass doors before applying silicone lubricant.
Inspect the plumbing system
Inspect plumbing fixtures and appliances
Drywall -- Check for drywall cracks at windows, doors, corners and ceilings. Repair as needed. Look for any nail pops or protrusions.
Inspect the foundation, basement or crawl space for mildew and cracks. Remove any obtrusions blocking crawl space vents to prevent mildew.
Inspect main service panel, circuit breakers, all GFI outlets and breaker.
Inspect the attic and make sure there are no animals nesting in the insulation.
Inspect and replace as needed caulking and grout around tubs, showers and sinks.

Yearly Maintenance -

Have carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year
Examine caulking around windows, doors and other areas.
Inspect condition of concrete slabs and patios.
Visually survey wood trim. Clean all woodwork and wax.
Complete annual furnace and air conditioning maintenance by a licensed HVAC contractor.
Schedule professional inspection of major appliances especially if gas fueled.

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