As a homeowner, you know that it’s essential to maintain your house’s overall condition. The key to keeping your home in good shape is by performing monthly home maintenance tasks. Maintaining your home regularly not only helps you save money in the long run, but it also ensures that your home is safe and comfortable. With that said, let’s dive into the home maintenance tasks every homeowner should do monthly.
Exterior Home Maintenance
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. It’s the first thing people see, and it’s also the first line of defense against the elements. Therefore, taking care of it is essential for maintaining its integrity.
- Check for Damage: Inspect the exterior of your home for any signs of damage, such as cracks in the foundation or missing shingles. Addressing these issues as soon as possible can save you money in the long run. Look for any cracks or gaps around windows and doors as well. These can be easily fixed with caulk, and doing so can help keep your home more energy efficient.
- Clean Downspouts: Clear out your gutter downspouts monthly to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation. Clogged downspouts can cause water to overflow, leading to potential water damage. It’s also essential to check that your downspouts are draining properly and directing water away from your home’s foundation.
- Trim Trees and Bushes: Trim any trees or bushes that may be touching your home. Doing this regularly can prevent damage from falling branches or leaves that may clog your gutters. It’s also a good idea to remove any dead branches, as they can fall and cause damage.
- Check Outdoor Lighting: Make sure that all your outdoor lighting fixtures are functioning correctly. Replace any bulbs that have burned out to ensure that your home is well-lit and safe. Consider installing motion-activated lights to deter burglars. Check exterior door locks to ensure they’re working properly as well.
Interior Home Maintenance
Maintaining the interior of your home is just as important as checking the exterior. A well-maintained interior not only looks great, but it’s also more comfortable and safe for you and your family.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to ensure that they’re working correctly. Replace batteries as necessary, and replace any detectors that are more than 10 years old. It’s also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher on hand and make sure that it’s easily accessible.
- Clean Filters: Clean the filters on your HVAC system, range hood, and any other appliances that have filters. Clean filters help your appliances work efficiently and prolong their lifespan. It’s also essential to have your HVAC system serviced regularly to prevent breakdowns and keep it working efficiently — but you don’t need to do this monthly.
- Check Plumbing: Check your plumbing for leaks, and make sure that your faucets and toilets are working correctly. Addressing plumbing issues early can prevent costly water damage in the future. It’s also a good idea to have your plumbing system inspected by a professional once a year.
- Deep Clean: Do a deep clean of your home, including dusting, vacuuming, and mopping. A clean home not only looks great, but it’s also more comfortable and healthier for you and your family. It’s also a good opportunity to declutter and donate any items you no longer need.
Safety and Security
Maintaining the safety and security of your home is a top priority for you as a homeowner. There are several things you can do monthly to ensure that your home is safe and secure.
- Check Locks and Deadbolts: Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows to ensure that they’re working correctly. Replace any worn or damaged locks, and consider upgrading to smart locks for added security. It’s also essential to make sure that your windows are secure, especially on the ground floor.
- Review Emergency Plans: Review your emergency plans with your family, including fire escape plans and emergency contact information. Ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand and to make sure that it’s easily accessible.
- Secure Hazardous Materials: Store hazardous materials, such as cleaning products, in a secure location out of reach of children and pets. Make sure that these products are properly labeled and stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Test Garage Doors: Test your garage door opener to ensure that it’s working correctly. Make sure that the door stops and reverses if it comes in contact with an object or person. It’s also essential to keep the area around your garage door free of clutter to prevent accidents, so do a quick cleaning in this area at least once a month.
Maintaining your home is an ongoing process that requires a little bit of effort every month. Performing these maintenance tasks will help you keep your home in good condition and help you ensure that it’s safe and comfortable. By keeping up with these tasks, you’ll save money in the long run, and your home can maintain its value. Remember that prevention is key, and addressing small issues before they become big problems is always the best approach.