If you’re a new homeowner, congrats! Maybe you’ve just started unpacking in your shiny new home, or are putting the finishing touches on the decor post-move. Now a new chapter begins. Being a homeowner means staying on top of upkeep, so it’s time to start thinking about how to preserve your home for years to come.
Wondering where to start? Trilogy has compiled a helpful list of home maintenance tips, by season. There’s never a better time to create good maintenance habits than now!
HVAC: Before it gets too hot, get your HVAC system serviced so it works well during the dog days of summer.
Pests: Have a good pest control service check your home for unwanted guests who may have wintered in your home.
Roof: Clean your gutters and do roof inspections during the springtime, or after any significant weather events. A roof leak or malfunction can get expensive quickly.
Summer
Home Safety: Make sure your home is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and change the batteries before they run out.
Windows: Clean your window screens so your home gets good airflow, especially on hot summer days.
Septic: If you have a septic system, get it pumped and have it checked according to the size vs. the number of occupants, etc. No one wants toilet troubles in the middle of a summer BBQ party!
Leaks: Keep an eye out for any leaks inside your home, and get them fixed immediately. A small drip can turn into a big mess with expensive damage rapidly.
Fall
Yearly fireplace cleaning: If you have a chimney or woodstove, do an inspection before use and do a yearly cleaning. Otherwise, dirty chimneys can cause dangerous fires. Pro tip: call early fall to take advantage of off-season pricing.
Autumn Yard Maintenance: Got a yard? Get your landscaping ready for winter. Rake leaves, and compost, bag them up, or mulch them. Get your trees trimmed to avoid flying branches in storms which could damage your property.
Checklist: Create a monthly home checklist for other items particular to your home and property.
Sealant: Fill in any cracks in the interior of your home and the exterior siding with sealant. This will help make your home more efficient during the colder months, and help you save money on energy bills.
Winter
Doors: During the winter months, tackle indoor projects. Oil your doors so they function properly and don’t squeak.
Decluttering: Focus on interior areas and clean the garage, basement, and other storage areas so you have less clutter and temptation for rodents looking for a nest for the winter.
Countertop maintenance: If you have granite, marble or other porous stone countertops, it’s important to reseal them at least once a year. This kind of material is susceptible to stains, germs, and moisture settling into the surface.
Ice and Snow: If you live in an area with significant winter weather, stay on top of snow and ice maintenance. Shovel snow from walkways, and make sure it doesn’t pile up on the roof too much to prevent roof collapse. Safely check for ice dams on your roof, or get the help of a professional company. These dams create ridges that prevent snow and other precipitation from draining from the roof.
At Trilogy, we know sometimes unexpected things come up after the contractor has built your house. It’s why we offer support to all our clients. If you have a question or an issue, call us first. If it’s our responsibility, we’ll come and fix it. If it’s a homeowner to-do, we’ll let you know and point you in the right direction on the best way to proceed. It never hurts to ask!
And if you’re thinking about rebuilding or designing a new home, you can contact us, too. Whatever you are building, let’s do it together!
