5 Essential But Forgettable Home Maintenance Tasks

December 27, 2009

Do any homeowners actually enjoy basic home maintenance? Those annoying, never-ending activities that make you "replace," "clean out," "check," or "tighten." Who wants to check something when you could be decorating something else?

While home decorating will always be more fun, home maintenance typically holds more importance for the health, safety, and value of your house. So tie a string around your finger. Leave a message on your own voicemail. Post a note on your bathroom mirror. Whatever helps you remember … make sure you create a home repair checklist that keeps your house running and saves you from expensive surprises.

Here are five of the most important--and forgettable--home maintenance tasks you need to do but have probably forgotten about:

Heating and cooling system checks. In addition to a monthly filter change, you should also inspect your furnace and air-conditioner unit annually. Even better, have a professional check it out.

Fireplace clean-up. If your fireplace burns wood, clean out the ashes regularly after use. Regardless of how often the fireplace gets used, have it cleaned by a professional chimney sweep every two or three years.

Foundation inspection. Take a walk around your home at least annually to look for pooling water or any other draining problems. After any landscaping activities, make sure water flows appropriately and no new issues were created. -

Appliance clean-up. Major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and clothes dryers should be looked at twice each year for damaged hoses, blocked vents, and dirty coils. Your appliance will run more efficiently and you'll avoid possible safety hazards.

Smoke detector check. Speaking of safety hazards, a smoke detector with dead batteries might as well not be there. Checking to make sure your smoke detectors work properly will take only moments, but may safe your life someday.

Obviously, this list merely skims the surface of home maintenance tasks. You could sit down with your appliance manual and home warranty information to create a personalized home repair checklist and schedule, but why recreate the wheel?

Creating your own home maintenance checklist

Several well-respected sources have created fairly comprehensive online home maintenance checklists, including those listed here. Simply read through the tasks, add or delete items based on your home's requirements, and create your own customized home repair checklist to reference throughout the year.

Performing these monthly, seasonal, and annual maintenance tasks should provide many benefits for you and your family. You'll be more likely to avoid expensive emergency repairs, reduce utility bills, extend the life of products, and increase pride of ownership. Most importantly, you'll make your home a safer, healthier place to live.