Your home needs to be clean and in the best condition possible for three reasons: Hygiene, comfort, and value. When the home is hygienic, when there are no molds, allergens, and other bacteria, the chances of the home’s occupants falling ill are greatly diminished. When it is comfortable when there is sufficient lighting, green plants, and comfortable temperatures, everyone’s mental health is improved. And when the value increases, when there aren’t many damages or wear and tear, the house becomes the envy of everyone who sets their eyes on it. The three factors combined will help you make a profitable sale should you decide to put the house on the market. That is why you should always keep your home in tip-top condition. Here are 10 smart tips for that:
1. The HVAC system and smoke/carbon dioxide detectors
According to an experts, Inspect your HVAC filters at least once a month and change them out as soon as you find them dirty. You’d rather install cheap filters and be replacing them every 1-2 months than install expensive ones and not replace them as regularly as it is necessary. As for the smoke/carbon dioxide detectors, always ensure that the battery terminals aren’t corroded, the batteries are in good condition, and the detector is functioning as it should.
2. Have chimneys inspected
Hire a professional chimney technician to inspect your chimneys at least once a year. Make it a habit to open the damper and fireplace doors so that smoke can escape fast enough before forming creosote.
3. The bathroom
The bathroom is the first culprit when it comes to mold, grime, and bacteria build up in any home. Keep it clean at all times. Remove mold and mildew from shower curtains and liners by washing them with your usual detergent at high temperatures. Clean the tubs and tiles using soapy water or non-abrasive cleansers. Shower remodeling is also necessary if your showers are dingy and non-functional.
4. Roof and gutters
Inspect your roof, gutters, and downspouts and make necessary repairs, especially right before and after winter. That is the time of year when ice, hail, or water damage can rein havoc on your roof. Ensure that there is no debris on the roof, all shingles are in perfect shape, and the gutter guards are functional.
5. Plumbing and pipes
Sometimes pipes get frozen and may eventually burst, particularly in winter. The structural damage that water leakage can cause to a home can be enormous, so it is important that you inspect and repair the plumbing and pipes regularly.
6. Drainage
Poor drainage in the kitchen, bathrooms, and the outdoors causes stagnant water to accumulate, creating a safe hub for mosquito breeding. Stagnant water also precipitates bad smell and sometimes very expensive repairs. Always keep your drainage system in tip-top condition.
7. Garage
A clean and tidy garage will improve the value of your home. Cleanliness is also important for extending the life of a garage, so you don’t have to keep repairing. Unfortunately, this is the most neglected part of most homes. Clean yours at least twice a year.
8. Landscaping
A lush, green lawn is invaluable for your home’s curb appeal. It is the first thing that potential buyers see in a home, and it is what sets your home apart from others in the neighborhood. Ensure that your grass is healthy by taking advantage of installing a sprinkler system, adding fertilizer, and trimmed. The soil in the lawn should be well aerated to improve air circulation for microorganisms to thrive.
Clear out plants and shrubs to rid them off snakes, rats, and spiders. Unkempt bushes can also be a fire hazard, can disturb your home’s foundations, and pose a great risk during a storm. Prune your outdoor plants regularly.
9. Pressure washing
Clean your vinyl siding, concrete, and wood decks regularly to remove mildew and grime. Scrubbing by hand can be tedious, so it is best to hire a professional to pressure-wash your home, or you can rent pressure washer Houston equipment and do it yourself if you are feeling capable.
10. Clean kitchen sink disposal
You can do this using vinegar ice cubes. Run frozen vinegar down the disposal; it will freshen it and sharpen the blades.
Conclusion
There are many ways to keep your home in tip top condition. However, it is important to call up a professional for problems to do with electric connections, plumbing and water, and structural repairs.