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7 Home Maintenance Tips for Your New Home

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After moving into a new house, most people get caught up in the excitement of settling in and exploring their new home. However, as time goes by, maintenance can be something that is easily overlooked. Whether you’ve just moved into a brand-new home or one that is already a bit older, everyone needs to remember to keep on top of the small things. Here are some helpful home maintenance tips for your new home.

tools to use regarding home maintenance tips

1. Consider your Home Inspection Report

In the process of purchasing your home, you have probably had a home inspection done. Take a second look at it to see whether there are some issues that should be addressed now.

2. Change the Light Bulbs

The first maintenance task that you should do every year is to change the light bulbs. This is a simple and easy thing to do, but if it is left for too long, it can cause a huge safety hazard. Make sure to change all of the light bulbs in your home, including the ones in the garage and the outdoor lights. Not only will this keep your home feeling bright and welcoming, but it will also improve the safety of your home and reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

3. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Whether you have a few trees or a large amount of shrubs, it is important to keep them maintained and trimmed. When you have trees growing in your backyard, they can cause a lot of damage to your home and property if they are not kept in check. When trees and shrubs are not properly trimmed, they can grow too close to your roof, causing it to sag and making it more susceptible to damage from strong winds. They can also grow too close to the power lines and transformers, which can cause damage to the house’s wiring and result in an electrical fire.

4. Check Faucets and Drains

As you go about the rest of your daily tasks, take a few minutes to check the faucets and drains in your home. If you have slow-draining water, it is likely due to a buildup of debris in the pipe. To avoid this from happening again, you can use a small drain cleaner or an auger to clear it out. You should also check the faucets in your home for signs of wear and tear. If you notice that something needs to be replaced or fixed, schedule an appointment with a plumber as soon as you can so the problem doesn’t get worse.

5. Add Weather Stripping

If there are any doors or windows in your home that are letting in too much cold air (or heat, for that matter), add in some weather stripping to prevent it from happening. When it comes to windows, check the seal at the bottom of each one and replace any that are not in good condition. For the doors in your home, check the seal around the frame and replace it if necessary.

6. Inspect the Roof and Windows

The roof and windows of your home are likely the oldest parts of the house, so they need the most maintenance. During the first few months of living in your new home, be sure to check the roof regularly for any signs of wear and tear. When it comes to the windows, check to see if they are functioning properly and clean them regularly to prevent dust and dirt from collecting on them.

7. Air Conditioning

If you have an air conditioner in your home, you will find information regarding its condition in your home inspection report as well. Aside from any necessary repairs, make sure regular maintenance of your AC/HVAC is being performed. This is not only necessary to keep your AC system in good shape, but it also prevents potential damages to your home, like the build-up of moisture and, therefore, mold.

Conclusion

Home maintenance is an ongoing process that is necessary to keep your house in good condition. For your new home, staying on top of the small maintenance tasks is important to keep it in good condition for years to come. Don’t forget about the simple things, as they can quickly get pushed to the side when there are bigger projects to take care of.

Divinity Home Inspection Services – Your trusted Inspection Experts in Tampa, Florida

As always, we are your competent partners for professional inspections of your private as well as commercial properties. Keep in mind that this does not only apply to the purchasing/selling process! If you have been living and/or working on your property for a few years or intend to have certain construction projects done, hiring an inspector can make a lot of sense as well. One way or the other – don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information!

 

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It’s Spring Home Maintenance Time

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Spring is in the air! The weather is insisting you get outside, so why not? The Spring time is the perfect time to do some much-needed repairs and home maintenance. In this blog we will highlight 5 of the best maintenance tips you can take advantage of before the rainy season sets in.

Take a look at your roof

Winter can be the toughest season on a roof. Between hurricane season that leads into winter, hard rains, and the cold – your roof might need some attention. Before the rainy season sets in and creates an even bigger problem, get up on that roof and take a good look around. Look for loose tiles, missing tiles, or gaps. You can also give your roof a good cleaning, just don’t pressure wash it.

Check your gutters

Since you’re up there anyways, take a look at the gutters. You’ve already got the ladder out so make sure to clean them out. Your gutters are your life-savers during the harsh and heavy rains but they can’t do their job if they are already bogged up. After you’ve cleaned them out you can run a hose through them to check for leaks and patch as needed. Don’t forget to check your downspouts.

Your Fireplace

If you have a fireplace this is the right time to clean up. Now that winter is over and it is unlikely you’ll be using it anytime soon, it’s the perfect time. Hiring a professional chimney sweep is really your best option unless you are familiar with the cleaning process. Check your fireplace setting for any loose bricks, cracks, or corrosion.

Landscape is a given

Landscaping in Florida is almost all year-round. Especially if Florida experienced a mild winter. Spring is the season to get your garden ready. Prune your shrubs, prepare your soil for planting, or get your garden ready for new growth. You should also check your trees for any over-grown branches. Heavy branches are a certain hazard if they hang over your roof.

Take a look at your fence

Heavy rains mean heavy winds that could jeopardize your fences. Especially if they are already in questionable shape. Now is the time to address any fence panels that need replacing, breaks in the fence, gaps, etc. You will also find stores like Home Depot and Lowes will Spring-related items on sale, making it the perfect time to buy these materials!

Don’t forget to contact Divinity Inspections if you need a pre-listing home inspection. You can also schedule a home inspection with us directly online through our website!