Preserve Your Real Estate Investment: Home Maintenance Items

Preserve your investment. Your home is likely your largest asset. By taking precautionary measures such as maintenance, repair, and cleaning systems and fixtures throughout your home, you’ll preserve your investment for the years to come! Here is a list of my top seven maintenance items for Homeowners in the PNW:

1. Service & Clean Your HVAC

I’d recommend doing this annually. Your HVAC (Heating, Cooling and Ventilation) system is one of the most used systems in your home and can be a costly replacement. Servicing and cleaning your HVAC will increase the longevity of the system. Keep in mind, heat pumps and A/C units can only be serviced in particular temperatures. Be mindful of the time of year and weather when scheduling your HVAC cleaning.

Bonus Points: If you have a furry family member get your ducts cleaned every 1 or 2 years. This will make help with the air quality (and smell!) of your home.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

This should be done bi-annually, but it really depends on the canopy coverage and location of your home. Rain and water intrusion are one of the most common culprits for home and property damage in the PNW. A clogged gutter or downspout can cause leaks, mold or damage to the fascia boards. Also, don’t forget about the splash blocks. Make sure to point these away from your home.

3. Clean Your Dryer Vent

You should do this twice a year at least. A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard to your home. Homeowners can do this by removing the lint from the duct by hand and then vacuuming the inside of the duct. Use hose extensions, if available, to vacuum out as much of the duct as you can.

Bonus Tip: when you get your air ducts cleaned, have the specialist clean the dryer vent as well!

4. Winterize Your Outdoor Water Spigots

Prior to freezing temperatures drain your exterior water spigots and remove your hoses. Be sure to cover spigots with an outdoor faucet cover. If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to bleed lines for all of those. Winterizing these items prevents a pipe burst when temperatures drop in the winter.

5. Caulk and Seal

Caulk and seal tiled showers and tubs every 5 – 7 years. If your home is older or has the original bathroom intact, you should consider caulking and sealing more often. Nowadays, showers have cement tile board backers that are resistant to mold and water intrusion.

6. Seal Nature Stone Countertops

If you have granite countertops in your home, this one is for you! Sealing granite is recommended every 6-7 years to prevent scratches, staining, and fading. Natural stone is a porous material, but the sealant preserves the quality and look of your natural stone.

7. Paint or Stain

Paint or stain wood decks (this includes caulking and flashing replacement as needed). Use a high quality paint or stain. Wood materials can deteriorate quickly in PNW weather.

Do you need contractor recommendations to help preserve your home? CALL/TEXT Jenny Wetzel (253) 381-9788 for more information.

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Get In Touch

Tacoma Realtor - Jenny Wetzel

Jenny Wetzel

Call or Text: 253.381.9788

Email: jenny@jennywetzelhomes.com

Fax: 253.381.9788