We’ve all been guilty at some point – neglecting those minor repairs until they balloon into major headaches. But, as a homeowner, giving your humble abode some regular attention is important. Why? Regular home maintenance not only enhances the longevity and value of your property but also reduces the likelihood of filing insurance claims. While having home insurance provides a safety net for unexpected events, such as natural disasters or accidents, proactive maintenance plays a big role in preventing potential damage that could be avoided.
Small Repairs, Big Savings
You know those little leaks, creaky doors, and wonky windows you’ve been ignoring? Sure, they might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can snowball into major headaches if left unchecked.
Think about it: If you catch that leaky faucet early on and fix it pronto, you won’t have to deal with extensive damage down the line. And if you keep up with regular maintenance tasks like inspecting your roof, cleaning out your gutters, and sealing up cracks, you’re way less likely to face costly headaches like water damage, mold growth, or even structural issues. Remember, a standard home insurance policy typically doesn’t cover claims that arise from neglect or lack of proper upkeep.
Tips to Keep Up with Maintenance
1. Create a Maintenance Schedule: Set aside some time each month to tackle maintenance tasks, whether it’s cleaning out your gutters, inspecting the siding of your home, or trimming those overgrown trees. Consistency is key.
2. Don’t Ignore the Small Stuff: As we mentioned earlier that leaky faucet, those cracked tiles, or even that loose handrail – don’t brush off those seemingly little things. Address them ASAP to prevent bigger problems down the line.
3. Stay on Top of Seasonal Tasks: Different seasons bring different maintenance challenges. From winterizing your home to prepping your garden for spring, make sure you’re staying ahead of the game.
4. Know When to Call in the Pros: Some tasks are best left to the professionals. If you’re not comfortable tackling a repair yourself or if it’s something major like electrical work or plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to call in the experts.
List of Maintenance Tasks
Need some help getting started? Here’s a list of quick and easy tasks to keep your home well-maintained and your wallet happy:
Maintain Exterior Paint and Siding: Touch up peeling or chipped paint and repair damaged siding to protect against moisture and extend the lifespan of your home’s exterior.
Clean and Lubricate Garage Door Tracks: Wipe down garage door tracks and rollers and lubricate moving parts with garage door lubricant to ensure smooth operation and prolong the life of your garage door.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim overhanging branches and shrubs near your home to prevent damage to your roof and siding during storms and high winds.
Inspect Roof for Damage: Conduct visual inspections of your roof for missing or damaged shingles, flashing, or vents and repair any issues to prevent water leaks and structural damage.
Clean and Maintain Appliances: Clean refrigerator coils, vacuum dryer vents, and descale faucets and showerheads to improve appliance efficiency and longevity.
Check and Adjust Door and Window Locks: Test door and window locks for proper operation and adjust or replace locks as needed for security and safety.
Inspect Caulking and Sealants: Check caulking around windows, doors, and bathtubs for cracks or gaps and reapply caulk as needed to prevent drafts and water leaks.
Clean Dryer Vents: Remove lint buildup from dryer vents and ducts to prevent fire hazards and improve dryer efficiency.
Inspect and Repair Faucets: Check for leaks and drips in faucets and repair or replace worn-out washers or seals to conserve water and prevent water damage.
Inspect Grout and Tile: Check grout lines and tiles in bathrooms and kitchens for cracks or signs of damage and repair or replace as necessary to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Sometimes, even routine maintenance isn’t enough to keep the headaches away. Things like accidents and severe storms happen unexpectedly, and when they do – Swyfft is here to make sure the claims process is simple, fast, and efficient. To learn more about our Claims process, visit our claims page.
Homeownership is quite the ride, but with some regular maintenance, you can keep the chaos at bay. By investing time and effort into routine upkeep and addressing those small repairs promptly, you can prevent potential headaches and costly damage down the road.