Whether you’re a new home owner or a veteran of many years, everyone should plan for maintenace of their homes. Several years ago I did several posts on spring tasks and fall tasks for your home. Everything can wear out over time. It’s so important to set aside money each month for home repairs and to do inspections and simple repairs. Of course you want to do whatever you can to entirely prevent future maintenance issues, but it’s honestly not always that easy. Today let’s discuss maintaining your plumbing.
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How To Keep Your Home’s Foundation Strong & Secure
Today, we’re diving into something that’s a bit of a big deal—the foundation of your home. Today, we’re talking about keeping the foundation of our homes as strong as The Hulk – okay, maybe not literally, but you get the gist. Stick with me because we’re about to break down how to keep that foundation solid and avoid forking out loads of cash on repairs later. Ready to jump in?
Why It’s Super Important
Let’s shine a spotlight on why this topic is getting all the attention. The bottom line? Your foundation holds up your whole house! Damage here can lead to big headaches like cracks or the dreaded water damage. Ignoring little signs could mean big bucks in repairs later on. But hey, don’t stress – we’ve got your back to stop that from happening!
House Check-Up Time
Just like us, our homes need a little check-up regularly. Previously I’ve shared spring and fall home checklists for maintaining your home. Make it a point to inspect your foundation every 3–6 months for new issues. Look for new or widening cracks, moisture issues, and uneven flooring. There’s a great article, What a Foundation Is & What to Check For, over at Angie’s List. It discusses different kinds of foundations and what to look for.
Hire a professional if you find problems that need addressing. Seeing cracks or noticing doors and windows getting a bit jammy? These might be the early birds of foundation troubles. Catching these signs early can really save you from having to spend your entire emergency fund or getting a second mortgage to cover the costs.
Foundation inspections are crucial because they help identify foundation issues before they cause severe structural damage to your home. Not only do foundation problems tend to get worse over time and end up costing you more money, but the longer an issue persists, the more damage it will do to your structure above.
Water, Water, Not Everywhere
Handling water around your foundation is key. Keeping your gutters clean and those downspouts pointing the right way is crucial to keep water from being a homebody around your foundation. And if you’re in a spot that gets more than its fair share of rain, considering a yard drainage system could be your go-to saving grace. We’re aiming to keep water from getting too cozy around your foundation.
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3 Tips to Protect Your Home Before Winter
Most of us have had a strange summer with unusual weather. What will happen this winter is anyone’s guess. For the last few years, here in central Florida, the summers are much hotter and the winters are colder. This month fall begins, and in the next few months temperatures will lower in most areas. Before winter snow and ice hits your home, you have time to quickly evaluate your home’s protection against the elements. Our homes are probably the most significant investments most of us make in our lives. Many of us have monthly mortgage payments. If you’re like me, you also know your house is your biggest debt as well as asset. Take time this month to inspect your home’s exterior for potential problems this winter. Snow storms are not the time to make repairs.
Here are 3 tips to protect your home before deep freezes hit.
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Small Home Changes Can Make a Big Impact
We all have a wish list for our homes. Last week I shared my search for inspiration for small changes in my living room. I find that I do best by planning changes over months to even a year or two. I have to plan and budget for big ticket items. Sometimes I see a small need and try to find a solution in a shorter time line. I think of it as part of home maintenance. Below the addition of the bar adds so much storage space to the kitchen.
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February Home Update: New A/C Installed
We all need to maintain our homes (if we own them) and even periodically make major purchases to replace items like roofs, furnaces and central air. Besides the minor updates that can come up yearly, I try to plan ahead for the major items. Back in 2018, in January I had the soffits replaced and in February I had a new roof installed. Before that I had the roof inspected yearly for about 5 years as it aged and repaired as need. I wanted to replace it before the inside was affected by any major leaks.
Spring Home Maintenance Checklist
As the days lengthen and the temperatures rise, it’s time to do maintenance to repair any winter damage and to get ready for the summer. Your home follows the seasons – hunkering down in the fall in readiness for cold winter and coming to life again in the spring.
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Fall Maintenance Tips & Checklist With Autumn Bucket List
It is hot and steamy here in Florida, and I’ve been staying inside and keeping busy with projects and home maintenance. There are some things that I do each fall like changing filters, checking batteries in smoke detectors, CO monitor, etc. Because it’s so hot, I’m starting early this year. Depending on where you live in the country, most folks probably have a couple of months of good weather left before the temperature drops. That means now is a great time to create a plan and take some precautions in getting ready for the new season. Living in Florida, I don’t have to do a lot of autumn prevention like up north. When I lived in Michigan, there was a longer list to protect and maintain equipment before the snows came. Here are some basic tips for fall maintenance. I’m including a printable Fall Maintenance Checklist and Autumn Bucket List for fun. Some of these items may be done now, in September, or even October.
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Tricks From A Plumber, How To Prevent Kitchen Sink Clogs
Don’t you hate when the sink backs up just when you need it most? Today’s post is tips to help prevent sink clogs. I got these tips from a professional plumber. It’s always nice to talk to experts.