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How to Keep Your Home in Good Shape: Your Home Maintenance Checklist

Chris Wright • Oct 12, 2021

How to Keep Your Home in Good Shape: Your Home Maintenance Checklist


Your home is one of the biggest investments that you will make in your lifetime. It provides a place for you to live and raise a family, but can also be an incredible asset when it comes time to sell. There are many things that need to be maintained throughout the years such as paint colors, roof shingles and gutters. These details may not seem like much on their own but over time they can add up to big problems if left unattended. To help keep your home in good shape we have compiled this checklist of 8 items with advice on how to care for them.


1. Exterior Paint 


Painting your exterior is a cost-effective way to freshen up the overall appearance of your home. It’s important to keep in mind that painting the outside every few years will help it retain its curb appeal and value as well as protect against sun damage, water spots, etc.


2. Roof Shingles


Roof shingles are an important part of a roof. They help protect the home from moisture and leaks as well as curb appeal. The average lifespan is 20-30 years, but it can be extended up to 50+ if they’re replaced before major damage occurs.


3. Gutters


Gutters collect water that runs off your roof and direct this runoff away from the foundation of your home preventing basement issues like mold or mildew growth caused by standing water on walls near windows and doors. You should clean gutters twice a year at minimum because clogged gutters have been known to cause ice dams in colder climates during winter months which can lead to burst pipes due to the increased weight from snow buildup against them.


4. Exterior Foundation


Once every few years, you should inspect the foundation of your home. Excessive water can cause cracks in walls and other structural damage. You may also want to have a professional come out for an inspection if there are any signs of settlement or movement which could be caused by age-related issues with the property’s soil composition (poor drainage). This is more common with homes that were built on hillsides where natural erosion has occurred from over time or when trees have been cut down near them.


5. Garage Doors


Garage doors need to be maintained with proper tension for them to operate properly, which will keep them from sagging or bending over time. It’s a good idea to have someone come out every few years for an inspection and tune up of your garage door as this can prevent catastrophic accidents like their sudden malfunction during use that could result in injury.


6. Major Appliances


Appliances are one of those things that we don’t think about until they suddenly make a lot of noise or stop working. A few good examples would be the freezer, dishwasher, and washing machine (to name just three!). Maintenance is needed to keep these items in tip-top shape which will also save on much more costly repairs down the road.


7. Plumbing


You should have your plumbing inspected every year for any potential leaks as well as maintain it according to manufacturer recommendations. This includes checking for clogged drains by pouring lots of hot water them faster than usual so that you can see where it goes down with clear pipes versus dark ones. If there is hair blocking anything up, then use a plunger to get rid of it. You should also check all of your faucets for drips, leaks, and faulty washers to make sure water doesn’t pour out everywhere when you turn them on or off.


8. Porches


A porch is a great place to enjoy the nice weather but the wood needs to be maintained so that it will last as long as possible in order to keep up with its natural wear-and-tear from sun exposure. There are many ways to care for porches such as sealing cracks or surface scratches with paint (if they aren't too deep) and applying an occasional coat every few years if needed which can help prevent rot or other structural problems due ot moisture invasion due to rain seeping into untreated wood.


Visit Dallwig Brothers


Come to Dallwig Brothers Building Supply for all the tools and materials you'll need to keep your home maintained. Our friendly staff is knowledgeable and experienced with home maintenance and repair and is happy to answer any questions you may have.


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Summertime and Your Home

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Extreme Weather and Your Roof

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