With a home maintenance checklist, you can keep your house in perfect shape and maintain its value. Keep up on home maintenance with these 13 expert guide tips.
13 Basic Home Maintenance Tips for Homeowners in Kenya
Check the Roof
A leaky roof is one of the most common causes of water damage in a home. Make sure that your gutters are clean and free from debris. If they’re clogged or damaged, call an expert to fix them. Also, check for signs of mold growth.
Check Your Windows & Doors
Dirty windows and doors let in cold air and moisture, which can cause mold and rot. Clean your windows regularly using a squeegee and washable window cleaner. For hard-to-reach areas like overhangs, use a ladder and a scrub brush. And if you have wooden shutters, make sure they’re properly maintained—they should be sealed every three years.
Clean Out Gutters
Gutters collect leaves, dirt, and other debris, which can lead to clogs and leaks. To prevent problems, remove all debris from the gutter downspouts. Then give it a thorough cleaning. You can do this yourself by removing the gutter screen and washing out the gutters with soapy water. Or hire someone to do it for you.
Repair Leaks
Leaks can occur anywhere in your home, but some spots are more prone than others. Look for cracks around pipes, plumbing fixtures, and electrical outlets. These are often easy to spot. But if you don’t see any obvious signs of leakage, call a professional plumber.
Fix Damaged Floors
Damaged floors can lead to serious health hazards. So, before you start remodeling, repair existing flooring as soon as possible. This includes fixing cracked tiles, worn carpet, and loose boards.
Check Electrical Wiring
If you notice a crack or short circuit in your wiring, contact an electrician immediately. It could indicate a problem with your breaker box or fuse panel. A faulty circuit could also mean that your home has been exposed to lightning strikes.
Check Plumbing Fixtures
Plumbing fixtures include toilets, sinks, tubs, showers, faucets, and drains. If you see any issues with these fixtures, such as leaking or malfunctioning, call a pro right away. They can help diagnose the issue and recommend solutions.
Check Appliances
Toilets, refrigerators, dishwashers, washer machines, stoves, and ovens are just a few examples of appliances that need regular maintenance. When you’re done checking these items, look at the rest of your kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Are there any issues? Call a professional if you find anything wrong.
Check Heating Systems
Your heating system needs routine maintenance to ensure it operates efficiently. Check the thermostat settings and replace batteries when necessary. Also, test your furnace filter monthly to avoid dust buildup.
Clean Air Filters
Air filters keep indoor air fresh and clear of allergens. Replace them every six months. To get started, take off the cover on the front of the unit and check the filter itself. If it looks dirty, clean it thoroughly.
Replace Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are designed to alert people to fire emergencies. However, many homeowners neglect their smoke detectors because they think they only must change the battery once a year. Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
Change Your Locks
Locks are one of the most important parts of your home security system. Make sure yours is up to date by changing the locks whenever you move into a new house or apartment.
Get a Home Insurance Cover
Home insurance covers your home and its contents against damages caused by natural disasters. It also protects your property against theft, fire, and other hazards.
Are you a homeowner looking for an affordable domestic insurance policy cover? Apply now for GA Insurance’s Maskani cover quote for your home