Everyone lives very busy lives, so it can be easy to push things off that need to be done. When it comes to your house, many of those things can benefit the value of your home in the long term. Preventive maintenance and upkeep can save you time and money. The following 6 tips are easy and important tasks you can do around your home to safeguard your investment and keep the value in your home.
1. Keep your House Clean
This may seem basic, but it is surprising how quickly dirt and dust can build up. Clean your house every couple weeks to prevent the dirt becoming thick. Grime can actually impact the sheen of bathroom fixtures and wooden floors. Having lots of clutter can make spills, stains, and leak almost invisible. It is much easier to deal with those issues right when they happen, rather than finding them after a few months.
2. Change your Air Filters
If you have a furnace or air conditioning system that uses vents or has an intake, then you will have air filters. It is very important to replace the air filter after so many months. If you use an air filter for too long, the quality of the air you breathe in your house will be lower. Another side-effect is that your furnace or air conditioner will have to work harder. This means it will be more likely to break down.
3. Clean the Dishwasher
We use this appliance nearly every day, but do you ever clean it? Similar to the above point, if you don’t clean it, it will decrease in efficiency and make it more likely to break. There are filters in most dishwashers that can be cleaned, and you should also wipe down everything to remove food, residue, etc. You can also run the dishwasher with white vinegar to help remove stains and odors.
4. Clear your Drains
Calling a plumber usually isn’t cheap, so try to stop build-up in your toilets and drains. Be careful about what you put down your sink drain. You can also purchase a drain cover to catch hair in the shower. If you do notice that it might be getting clogged, get drain cleaner to try and clear it out.
5. Have your Carpets Cleaned
If you have areas in your home with high foot traffic, get them professionally cleaned at least once or twice a year. Removing your shoes when you come inside will help prevent getting your carpets dirty so quickly. Professional carpet cleaning can prolong the life of your carpet, which means saving money in the long-run. Also, if you spill something on your carpet, take care of it right away. Look online for easy ways to clean up specific types of spills.
for Leaks
Water damage can be one of the most devastating events that happen to a home. Fire might be the only thing that is worse. Water damage can happen quickly, but it is common for water damage to happen over a long period of time. Consistently check the floors and ceilings around your bathtubs, sinks, and under your roof. If you notice discoloration, that is a tell-tale sign of a leak. It is much better to catch it before it has had time to do large amounts of damage.
If you think back to when you purchased your home, everything was shiny, clean, and well kept up. You want your home to stay that same quality, just in case you ever decide to sell it.