Home Inspection and Maintenance

Regular home inspections and maintenance are essential for protecting your investment and preventing costly repairs. A proactive approach to home care identifies problems early when they're easier and less expensive to fix.

Create a seasonal maintenance schedule covering all major systems. Spring should include roof and gutter inspection, HVAC servicing, and exterior paint checks. Summer focuses on deck maintenance and window sealing. Fall means preparing heating systems and checking insulation. Winter requires monitoring for ice dams and testing smoke detectors.

Professional inspections provide expert assessment. Even if you're handy, having professionals inspect your roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems annually catches issues you might miss. Their trained eyes spot subtle problems before they become emergencies.

Document everything. Keep detailed records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs. This documentation proves proper care for warranty claims, helps with insurance claims, and provides valuable information to future buyers if you sell.

Budget for maintenance and repairs. Financial experts recommend setting aside 1-2% of your home's value annually for maintenance and repairs. This fund prevents scrambling for money when urgent repairs arise.

Address problems promptly. Small issues like minor leaks, loose shingles, or cracks grow into major problems if ignored. Quick action on small repairs saves money and prevents secondary damage to other parts of your home.