Home Maintenance Tips: Enjoying Your Space Hassle-Free

How to keep your home in tip-top shape and prepare for unexpected situations

Posted on Friday, April 26, 2024

Owning a home can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in life, but it does come with its fair share of responsibilities. By taking proactive measures and staying prepared for any situation, we can effectively deal with any challenges that may arise. From routine upkeep to unwanted surprises, maintaining your home ensures that it remains a place of comfort and safety. Here are some maintenance tips to keep your home in top shape:

Know Your Home Inside Out

Understanding the intricacies of your home's core systems and features is paramount. Take note of essential details such as:

• Boiler and Heating System: Identify the type (hydraulic or electric), whether regular or combi and note down the brand and make. This information will prove invaluable for maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Stopcock: Familiarise yourself with the location of the stopcock, which controls the mains water supply. Knowing where it is can save precious time in an emergency, whether its under the kitchen sink, in the utility room or elsewhere.
• Gutter Cleaning and Condition: Regularly inspect and clean gutters to prevent overflow and costly damage to your property, including leaks, foundation issues, and roof damage.
• Fuse Box: Understand the components of your fuse box, including the main switch, fuses or circuit breakers, and Residual Current Devices (RCDs). These are crucial for electrical safety and should be checked periodically.

Basic Home Maintenance Checklist

Regular maintenance is key to preserving your home's condition and value. Incorporate these tasks into your routine:

• Dishwasher Maintenance: Regularly top up salt and rinse aid to ensure efficient performance.
• Tree and Shrub Pruning: Trim large trees or shrubs near your home to prevent damage from branches or roots.
• Smoke Alarms and CO Detectors: Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors function properly by testing and replacing the batteries.
• Exterior Cleaning: Wash your house exterior annually to remove dirt and prevent the need for extensive repairs.
• Seal Gaps: Check for gaps in window and door seals and repair them as needed to improve energy efficiency.
• Create a Warranty List: Keep track of warranties for expensive items like dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges. Store all instruction booklets in a designated location for easy reference.
• Maintenance Schedule: Plan maintenance tasks according to the seasons, focusing on mid-autumn and early spring for thorough inspections and preparations.
• Home Maintenance Fund: Lastly, maintain a maintenance and emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Being financially prepared ensures you can address urgent issues promptly without undue stress.

Maintenance Cost Schedule

By following these maintenance tips and staying proactive, you can enjoy your home to the fullest while minimising the likelihood of unpleasant surprises. Remember, a well-maintained home is a happy home.

Estates East Team

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