10 Simple Household Maintenance Tips That Will Save You Money

A house is a big investment that needs to be maintained to ensure its value is maximized. Household maintenance can be a big task, but a household maintenance schedule will make the entire process a whole lot easier.  While maintenance can be an investment in both time and money, especially when repairs are required, it is better to accept this household maintenance cost than to find yourself with a dilapidated house that may be beyond repair.

This household maintenance checklist is a great tool for anyone looking to keep their house in excellent condition. 

Household maintenance checklist

The following list outlines items that should be added to your monthly household maintenance schedule. They are the type of things that do not get done with your standard clean but are important to maintain the quality of your house in the long run.

 

Check all safety appliances and electrical cords

 

This first point is an important one as it ensures all members of the household are kept safe and the risk of an electrical fire is reduced. Begin by checking electrical appliances and cords to ensure there is no damage or frayed cords. If you identify damage either replace the item or hire an electrician to repair it. 

It is also vital that you check all safety appliances such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors. These must be kept in working condition at all time, so adding them to your monthly maintenance list is a good way to make sure you don’t forget them.

 

Clean all vents

 

Vents get clogged easily with dust and grime. While most people overlook this in their standard cleaning duties, it is important that these get cleaned once a month to avoid people breathing in this dirt. Clear vents will also work better than blocked ones.

 

Unclog drains and clean taps

 

Clogged drains are hugely inconvenient, and you are likely to fix these as they arrive. That being said, it is important to remember this item when doing a monthly maintenance check. If you have a spare bathroom that doesn’t get used often or perhaps you’ve noticed the laundry sink draining more slowly, then this is the perfect time to bring in some drain cleaner to get all of your pipes in top condition. While you’re at it, check for built-up residue around taps and faucets. Make sure to wipe this away to keep everything looking clean and fresh.

 

Check the water softener

 

Water softeners control the quality of our water, so it is worth checking the function of this appliance. Simply make sure that the softener is in working order and producing clean, soft water. If you need more information on what a working water softener should be doing, American Home Water & Air provides valuable facts about their operation. You will also need to add salt if it is getting low. 

 

Clean all windows

 

Windows are one of those things that attract dirt. Spend some time wiping down all windows on the inside and outside. If you commit to doing this once a month, you will avoid a stubborn build up that may become difficult to remove.

 

Inspect roof and windows

 

Nobody wants leaks in their house. Conduct your own inspection of the roof and window ensuring that there are no gaps or areas where water can sneak in. This won’t take you long but will stop water damage that could cost you a lot of time and money.

 

Thoroughly clean carpets

 

Once a month, you should clean your carpet with more than a quick vacuum. Use a steam cleaner or hire a professional to truly remove dirt and grime from your carpet. It will help the flooring to retain its color and condition for longer.

 

Check all doors and handles

 

There’s nothing more annoying than a door that doesn’t work. Check all of the doors and handles in your house to ensure they are in working condition. If you do this once a month, it won’t take you long to make some adjustments.

 

Empty gutters

 

All gutters should be emptied regularly so that the drainage system can work as intended. It is especially important to keep your gutters clean if you live in an area that is prone to wildfires. 

 

Wipe down cupboards, drawers, and bins

 

This isn’t the most enjoyable of tasks although you will reap the rewards from incorporating this into your maintenance list. Make your way through each room, wiping out each shelf, cupboard, drawer, and bin. This will keep everything in good condition and stop germs from spreading. 

How much does home maintenance cost?

While many people ask ‘how much does home maintenance cost?’, there is no exact figure or concrete household maintenance budget. It depends on the size of your house and the different features as to how much time and money you will need to invest in looking after your property.

The key thing to remember is that you don’t need a huge household maintenance budget if you do it regularly. Keeping on top of your cleaning and maintenance tasks will help to keep things in good condition but will also likely prevent major issues from occurring as you will identify them early. You should always have some backup funds in case you need to hire a professional or an appliance needs replacing.