This is my 3rd installment in the series from the article, 8 Tips To Purchase Your Dream Home. We will be discussing Tip 3: Maintenance and Repairs. I am mainly focusing on the first-time would-be homeowner who would begin his homeownership as a tenant-buyer, a kind of homeowner in training. However, these tips will be helpful for anyone who owns a house.

The importance of preventative maintenance for homeowners cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, unexpected repairs can be a major source of stress and expense. In this article, we will share some simple tasks that can help prevent costly home repairs. From maintaining your air conditioning system to cleaning your kitchen appliances and inspecting your home seasonally and annually, these tips are easy to implement and can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Key Takeaways

• Regular preventative maintenance can help homeowners avoid unexpected repairs and save money.
• Simple tasks like cleaning air conditioning drainage pipes and range vents and inspecting caulking and gutters can prevent major problems.
• Regularly inspecting fire extinguishers and smoke alarms and changing their batteries can improve home safety.

Preventative Maintenance for Air Conditioning System

As a homeowner, you know that your air conditioning system is one of the most important appliances in your home, especially if you live in the South. I live in Georgia and it gets really hot here! So, to prevent unexpected and costly repairs, it is essential to perform regular preventative maintenance on your AC system. In this section, we will discuss two important aspects of AC maintenance: monthly cleaning and outdoor unit maintenance.

Monthly Cleaning

One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent AC system malfunctions is to clean your drainage pipe with one cup of white vinegar once a month. This will prevent the pipe from getting clogged and causing system malfunction. Additionally, it is important to change your interior filters once a month to keep your air quality clean and healthy.

Outdoor Unit Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of your AC system, it is important to keep your outdoor unit clean and free of debris. Trim any bushes or plants around the unit to prevent them from blocking the airflow. Check the outside unit for debris like pine needles or leaves that can prevent the coils from breathing. Cleaning the outside unit is also essential to prevent system malfunction.

Performing these simple tasks once a month will help your AC system last longer and prevent costly repairs. By keeping your AC system clean and free of debris, you can ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently, even during the hottest months of the year.

Kitchen Appliance Maintenance

When it comes to home maintenance, the kitchen is one of the most important areas to focus on. Kitchen appliances are used frequently and can be expensive to repair or replace if not properly maintained. In this section, we will discuss three basic things homeowners can do every 3-4 months to save money on kitchen appliance repairs.

Cleaning Range Vents

One of the most often overlooked things in the kitchen is cleaning the range vents. Over time, grease and other debris can accumulate in the vents, which can cause a fire and lead to expensive repairs. To clean the range vents, simply remove the vent cover and soak it in warm water with baking soda and dish soap. While the cover is soaking, clean the inside of the vent hood with a damp cloth. This simple task can prevent a fire and save you money on repairs.

Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Garbage disposals are another kitchen appliance that can easily become clogged and cause problems. To prevent this from happening, homeowners should pour a bucket of ice down the disposal every 3-4 months. This will sharpen the blades and clean out any debris that may be stuck in the disposal. Adding a little lemon to the ice can also help freshen up the disposal.

Refrigerator Cleaning

Refrigerators are one of the most important appliances in the kitchen, but they can also be one of the most expensive to repair or replace. To keep your refrigerator running smoothly, it’s important to clean it behind and around the coils every 3-4 months. Dust and debris can accumulate in these areas and cause the refrigerator to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to costly repairs. Simply pull the refrigerator out from the wall and use a vacuum or damp cloth to clean the coils and surrounding area.

By following these simple tasks every 3-4 months, homeowners can save money on kitchen appliance repairs and prolong the life of their appliances. Remember, consistency is key to properly maintaining your home and preventing unexpected repairs.

Seasonal Home Maintenance

As a homeowner, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance to prevent costly repairs down the line. In this section, we’ll go over some seasonal home maintenance tasks to keep your home in tip-top shape.

Inspecting and Repairing Caulked Areas

Inspecting and repairing caulked areas is an important part of home maintenance. Start with your kitchen and baths, especially around the sink and faucets, as caulking wears out faster if you have hot water. Look for caulking under toilets and tubs, and check for stucco and siding cracks. You don’t want water getting in there and causing bigger problems.

One of the easiest ways to correct these minor cracks is with a sure stretch caulking and paint over with an Amerilastic paint. Depending on how many little cracks you may have, you could do this in less than an hour.

Checking for Stucco and Siding Cracks

Checking for stucco and siding cracks is another important part of seasonal home maintenance. Keep an eye out for any cracks or damage to your home’s exterior, as this can lead to water damage and other issues. If you notice any cracks, be sure to repair them promptly to prevent further damage.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

Gutter cleaning and maintenance are crucial.  Clean out those gutters every six months, especially if you have any deciduous trees around your home. Make sure all downspouts and water deflectors are in good shape and directing water away from your house.

Sprinkler System Adjustment

Every six months or so, adjust your sprinkler system to water more or less depending on if we’re in a rainy season or a drier season. Also, if you’re on city water, make sure you stay on those assigned watering days.

By staying on top of these seasonal home maintenance tasks, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your home in great condition. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to home maintenance.

Annual Home Maintenance

As a homeowner or rent-to-own tenant, it’s important to prioritize regular maintenance tasks to prevent costly repairs and ensure that your home is safe and comfortable to live in. Here are some annual maintenance tasks that should be on your to-do list:

Water Heater Maintenance

Draining and refilling your water heater once a year can significantly prolong its lifespan. Over time, sediment and hard water elements can corrode the heating element at the bottom of the tank, leading to expensive repairs or replacement. To drain your water heater, simply hook up a hose to the valve and let it run down your driveway or into a drain. Refill the tank once it’s empty, and you’re good to go for another year.

Garage Door Maintenance

Properly maintaining your garage door can prevent expensive repairs and ensure that it operates smoothly and safely. Every 3-4 months, apply a spray lubricant such as Liquid Wrench or Blaster to the moving parts of your garage door, including the springs, hinges, and rollers. This will help prevent rust and corrosion and keep your garage door functioning properly.

Fire Safety Equipment Inspection

Inspecting your fire safety equipment on an annual basis is essential to ensure that you and your family are protected in case of a fire. Take your fire extinguishers to your local fire department for a free inspection, and replace any that are outdated or damaged. Additionally, replace the batteries in your smoke alarms once a year to ensure that they’re functioning properly.

By prioritizing these annual maintenance tasks, you can save money on costly repairs and ensure that your home is safe and comfortable to live in. For a comprehensive checklist of expanded maintenance tips in this email post and many additional maintenance tasks, this article will provide additional information.

Finally, I want to leave you with one more great resource that can add to your toolbox of handy maintenance and repair tips. Check out this video, Tips for New Homeowners: Home Maintenance You MUST Remember!

I hope this article will provide you with the necessary information you need as a future homeowner as you look for your dream home (or maybe currently living in it) as you consider using the lease purchase strategy (rent-to-own) homebuying method.

Don
Rent to own Blueprint