DIY Home Maintenance Guide

If you’re investing in new construction, renovating, purchasing, or selling a home in Tampa, Florida, having a checklist is crucial to evaluate potential issues. A DIY home maintenance guide prepares you to address problems such as structural damage, water leaks, or exposed electrical outlets. 

With an extensive self-guide, you can prevent potential disasters.

DIY Checklist For Home Maintenance

While inspectors address many concerns, there are eight primary components to focus on. 

• Quick and Easy Repairs

When maintaining your home, great repairs consist of:

1. Gutter cleaning
2. Fixing leaky faucets
3. Repainting exterior walls
4. Repainting interior walls 
5. Weatherization upgrades such as 
   • Caulking windows
   • Attic insulation 

• Structural and Water Damage

Structural issues may include: 

1. Walls
2. Ceilings
3. Staircases or Steps
4. Concrete or foundation cracks
5. Compromised structural support beams 

Or it may be as superficial as chipping paint, missing siding, etc. Either way, serious cracks may lead to structural collapse, causing accidents in your home. 

A serious concern to address is water intrusion, since it may be hidden and potentially dangerous. Signs may appear as a toilet dripping water or as dark spots coming through your ceilings and floors. This leak could originate from the roof, resulting in mold and mildew accumulation.

Missing these signs may prevent your home from passing inspection. Evaluating for damage is essential because Florida hurricanes may exacerbate pre-existing structural issues.

• Roofing 

Your roof should be a priority on your checklist. It can compromise the integrity of your roof if there are any of the following: 

1. Missing asphalt shingles
2. Buckling asphalt shingles
3. Missing roofing tiles
4. Missing roofing nails
5. Loose or missing flashing
6. Holes
7. Leaks

Inadequate ventilation can also compromise the integrity of your roof by retaining humidity, which can lead to severe water damage and mold growth. This is important whether you’re living in, buying, or selling your property.

• Plumbing Leaks & Drainage Problems

Part of DIY home maintenance includes looking for plumbing leaks and drainage problems. Your to-do list should include the inspection of 

1. Corroded pipes
2. Malfunctioning water heaters
3. Improper drainage methods
4. Inadequate water pressure

• HVAC Malfunctions

If you’re uncertain of what to check, the air filter is one of the first things that will clog on your AC unit. It is the most commonly overlooked parts of a central air conditioner and also the most important. 

A dirty filter puts a strain on the system as it draws in air through the intake vents. 

You should also check the blower motor and condensation drain (also known as drip pans). 

And make sure that nothing is blocking any vents. They should not be covered or hidden behind furniture. 

• Pest Infestations

Maintaining a healthy environment requires living without pests such as 

1. Termites
2. Cockroaches
3. Bedbugs
4. Ants
5. Mice
6. Rats

A pest infestation is a problem whether you’re renovating, selling, or buying a house. 

• Mold and Mildew Contamination

Exposure to mold/ mildew spores reduces your indoor air quality and lead to allergic reactions like 

1. Wheezing
2. Headache
3. Sneezing
4. Difficulty breathing
5. Watery eyes

Without adequate ventilation, your risk of long-term illness increases. With chronic exposure, you may develop asthma and a weakened immune system. 

That’s why checking for mold and mildew stains is vital to a DIY maintenance checklist.

7. Asbestos

Asbestos exposure can negatively affect your health, increasing your risk for lung cancer, mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the chest and abdominal cavity), and asbestosis (lungs scarred with fibrous tissue). 

With no prominent defining visual characteristics, it’s good to get a asbestos test kit to determine whether your home is contaminated. 

The best rule of thumb is to take samples of frayed, crumbling, or significantly old materials. If you’re uncertain, test it anyway. 

After Your DIY Home Maintenance Guide

Thanks to Divinity Inspection Services, you no longer have to be responsible for performing inspections yourself. Serving the Greater Tampa Bay area, our experienced and licensed professionals will handle all your concerns. 

We perform many types of inspections and will cover your home from top to bottom. Contact us today to schedule your inspection.