7 Simple Home Maintenance Tasks That Can Prevent Expensive Repairs

A home in good condition rarely requires major repairs at the most inconvenient time. Simple jobs that take a little time and effort can often prevent a small annoyance from becoming a major problem later. A leaking tap, blocked gutter or dirty air filter may cause no immediate concern, but can lead to expensive issues if left untreated. Most jobs to prevent these problems require little time or expertise to complete and can save a fortune in repairs in the long run. The following are seven simple jobs that should be completed as part of a regular home maintenance schedule.

1. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Leaves, dirt and other debris can build up in your home’s gutters, causing overflow and potentially damaging your fascia boards, walls, landscaping and foundation. The only way to prevent this damage is to clean your gutters at least twice a year, especially after periods of heavy leaf fall, and make sure the downpipes are carrying water away from your building.

2. Check for Plumbing Leaks

Even the smallest leak in your plumbing system can lead to the wastage of a lot of water. It may also result in the growth of mold or the damage and decay of timber in the surrounding area. Check all exposed pipes, connectors, taps, and toilets for dampness or signs of unexpected water leakage. It is always much easier to fix a leak than it is to repair the damage that water can do.

3. Replace Air Filters

Heating and air conditioning units require clean filters in order for the appliances to function efficiently. A dirty filter can put a strain on the system, thus causing it to consume more energy than it would require to do the same amount of work, so filters should be replaced or cleaned on a regular basis in accordance with instructions provided by the manufacturers.

4. Inspect Appliances Regularly

Household appliances tend to give away some of the signs that something is going wrong before it goes completely wrong. Any strange noises or vibrations or reduced capacity or even odd odors shouldn’t be ignored. Fortunately for homeowners who aren’t exactly sure what the cause might be, professional services such as appliance repair Sydney are available to make sure that the problem doesn’t progress into something far more expensive to deal with.

5. Clear Outdoor Drains

Blocked outdoor drains can quickly become problematic during heavy rain. Remove leaves, dirt and other debris from drainage grates and check whether water flows away freely. Persistent pooling may indicate a deeper drainage issue that needs professional attention.

6. Examine the Roof

A damaged roof can make a minor problem a major one. From the ground, look for missing or damaged tiles and areas in which water appears to accumulate. Check around the flashing, which are thin strips of metal used to waterproof a roof, and look for rot or mildew. If a storm has recently hit your area, it’s a good idea to evaluate the roof, but leave it to the professionals if you are not comfortable on a roof or do not have the proper gear.

7. Check Exterior Paint and Timber

Paint is not just a cosmetic addition. Paints are protective coatings to surface, to protect them from humidity and weathering. If paint is peeled off, wood swells, you need to take action to spot places where wood may have rotted, or got spoiled. By doing this you will prevent further damage and water penetration.

Build a Simple Maintenance Routine

Preventative maintenance is much more simple and cheap when it’s organised rather than reactive. You could split tasks up into monthly, seasonal, and annual checks. For example, filters and visible plumbing could be checked on a regular basis, but gutters, roof areas and exterior surfaces may need to be checked on a seasonal basis.

Keeping a basic record of inspections and repairs can also help homeowners identify recurring problems. It may be the case that the same appliance, pipe or drainage area needs to be tended to more often than others – this may mean it’s worth replacing or doing a more comprehensive job on.

Final Remarks

Expensive home repairs can be the result of inexpensive fixes that were not made. Cleaning gutters is a good way to keep the inside of the house safe. It can also be a good opportunity to remind oneself to check on other things such as plumbing, appliances and other parts of the exterior of the home. Taking a minute to do some preventative maintenance could mean the difference between a comfortable and expensive home repair or an uncomfortable and expensive home repair.