Home Maintenance Quick-Guide

** In Collaboration** 

When owning, buying or occupying a home, most people probably first think of any financial responsibilities that come with it. Don’t forget though, about the time and labor that home occupancy also requires. Just like your car needing the regular oil changes to keep the engine running optimally, keeping up with home updates and regular home maintenance tasks can ensure relief from future headaches and wasted money.

When looking at the complete list of things that may need to be done, it can be a little overwhelming, but the good news is that you can do the majority of it on your own without much experience. If you are completely unsure, Google and Youtube can be a great tool for inspiration and a little bit of extra precautionary tips from fellow DIY fails, and if you really get stuck, call up your local handyman to help you out.

Maintenance Checks

Clean Out The Gutters

The chances are that they have likely accumulated leaves from the fall and grime/sediment from the winter snows and/or rains. Blocked gutters can lead to the rainwater leaking onto the property and not into the soakaway.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

This is a must if your detectors are battery powered and not hard-wired into the mains electricity. Generally, domestic detectors should have a “test” button on the facia panel and when pressed and held the alarm sounds, which would mean you’re good to go. If not, replace batteries immediately and test again. If it still doesn’t sound or the expiry date has been and gone, grab a new one from your local DIY store.

Check The Heating Appliances

Having incorrect pressure in a sealed system can result in mineral and corrosion buildup. Ensuring that the system is filled up check the manufacturer’s instructions and check the pressure gauge. This will help your heater run more efficiently. Depending on the heating system you have at the property will depend on how it operates, which in turn would more than likely develop different problems to other systems. A heating appliance, which is connected to gas plumbing, waterworks and electrics, should be serviced every 12 months by a professional. You can also flush the hot water heater and remove sediment. This will help prolong the life of the heater and helps with efficiency too.

Inspect plumbing for leaks in all rooms, check all radiator valves to see that they are operating correctly, clean aerators on faucets. Go around to all your faucets and toilets and check for any minor leaks.

Ventilation

Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. If you have a chimney with fire, you should get the furnace serviced/inspected at least every 12 months. Get the chimney cleaned but pick a reputable firm as they can advise you on the condition of your chimney lining.
Electricity

Test your electricity to the experience that you can apply. Always, always be extra careful when working with electricity. Like gas pipework and appliances, it can be a felony if you touch electricity if you do not know what you are doing. But that does not stop the avid DIY’er and there are many things you can do on your own, though. Plug sockets can become faulty over their age and if you follow safe isolation procedures, these should be an easy fix.

Air Con

Get your air conditioning system ready for summer but consider having it serviced. This one really depends on your individual home and the device installed  Some places mostly just use window air units, while other places may use a big swamp cooler up on the roof.  Always refer to the user guides for specific regular maintenance and if unsure get a handyman in on this one.

These are just some regular maintenance checks a homeowner or occupier should check periodically. Although there are lots of things to do to keep the upkeep of our homes in good order, these are some of the major ones, let us know what else can be added to the list in the comments below.