DIY Maintenance Tips

It takes a lot of little tasks to keep any home looking and performing its best. The simplest maintenance projects can help prevent damage and the need for expensive replacements and repairs. Doing the projects yourself can save you even more. Below are some tips to help you get started!

1) Replace Your Furnace Filter

Depending on your model of furnace, you should replace the filter every month to six months. If you have pets or family members with allergies or asthma, you’ll want to replace the filter more frequently. This will prevent the buildup of pet hair in the furnace that keeps it from working effectively. It also keeps the air clean so it doesn’t aggravate respiratory symptoms.

2) Clean Your Eavestroughs

Cleaning out your eavestroughs regularly helps prevent water damage to your roof, walls, and foundation. You will need to climb a ladder to access the eavestroughs. Use a garden trowel and bucket to remove and collect the debris. Once you remove the larger pieces of debris, use a garden hose to wash the eavestrough out.

3) Inspect the Roof

While you’re up on that ladder, take some time to inspect your roof. Look for damaged or loosened shingles that might need to be replaced. Finding and fixing minor problems early on could prevent leaks and more extensive damage later on.

4) Silence a Squeaky Floor

Fixing that annoying squeaky spot is easier than you might think. Use a stud finder to locate the floor joists and drive a trim head screw through the flooring and into the joist. Make sure the screw doesn’t have threads at the very top. It should tighten the connection between the sub-floor and the joist.

5) Tend to the Yard Work

You can remove twigs, leaves, and weeds during the fall and winter to help  keep the lawn clean. Keep your yard cleared off all year round to prepare it for summer planting. Trim back trees and shrubs near your house to prevent water and pests from causing damage to the walls. Trim plants away from the AC or HVAC unit or heat pump, too. Shrubbery and weeds can get in the way of pulling air through the unit.

Know When to Hire a Professional Wasaga Beach REALTOR®

Some maintenance is safe to do on your own. Others require a higher level of skill to get professional results – for example, finding an experienced REALTOR® when you’re ready to buy or sell a home. We have the skills, experience, and knowledge of the market to help you buy or sell your new home.