Preventative Maintenance is not a curse word, try using it!

The DuPree Team knows that owning a home for some, is a dream come true, for others, it can quickly become a costly investment they pour their money into every couple of months when things break. In Florida many of the home are older and require some additional care to keep them in top shape. The old adage “If it aint broke, don’t fix it.” does not apply here. Preventative maintenance is the key to ensure your home operates efficiently and to minimize unforeseen and costly repairs down the road. Regular service and care will prolong the use of home components and systems. Additionally, damage from weather throughout the year can take a toll on the exterior of a home, just as daily use can wear on the interior and mechanical systems. As a homeowner it is your responsibility to perform inspections on and preform preventive maintenance to your property on a regular basis to keep your home functioning safely and properly and to reduce the overall cost of repairs. We have compiled a short list below of items you should check on regularly to avoid a more costly repair down the road.

Mechanical Systems

Some of the most important preventive home maintenance is performed on the heating and cooling, electrical and plumbing systems. In addition to regularly changing filters in the heating and cooling system, homeowners should have the air conditioning checked during the spring and the heating system checked prior to cold weather. Plumbing should also be checked to make sure pipes are well-insulated and are not leaking. Draining your hot water heater is recommended to remove sediment as well as checking the pressure relief valve to verify that it is working properly. Makes sure the electrical system is in safe working condition by tripping the circuit breakers and inspecting for frayed cords or wires and any exposed wiring.

Home Interior

Inside the home, homeowners should inspect windows and doors that need caulking or repair to prevent leaks and save energy. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned by a professional prior to use to avoid chimney fires caused by a dirty chimney. Another maintenance tip is to inspect grout around tubs, sinks and showers and re-caulk any worn or brittle caulk. Cleaning lint out of clothes dryers can prevent fires, save energy and extend the life of the dryer. Homeowners should also check smoke detectors throughout the home and replace the batteries annually. A pest prevention plan should be in place with an annual reinspection performed to prevent any infestations.

Home Exterior

Homeowners should clean debris from gutters and downspouts and check them to ensure that they are working properly and draining away from the house. A visual inspection of the exterior of the home can find cracks in the brick or stucco, peeling paint and any wood rot that needs repairing. Another tip for home upkeep is to check the roof for damaged or loose shingles and flashings, since regular maintenance is less expensive than water damage in the attic and home caused by a leaky roof.

Yard and Patio

Trimming and pruning trees and shrubs regularly can prevent them from growing onto the roof or other structures on the home and causing damage and providing a point of entry for pests. If too close to power lines, overgrown trees and shrubs can cause damage during storms and periods of high winds. Shrubs that grow next to a house can also block the movement of air around the house. Homeowners should inspect for and repair any wood rot and clean leaves and debris from wooden decks, driveways and patios to prevent mildew and staining.

The DuPree Team hopes that you and your family have a successful year and are so happy to have you as part of our real estate family. We hope that you found this information useful and look forward to providing you with curated and informative email blogs on a monthly basis. If there is any topic you think we should cover, please let us know! Please keep us in mind the next time you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell in South Florida.

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