Home Maintenance Projects You Probably Didn’t Remember

If you are like most homeowners, you dread your growing home maintenance list as spring arrives and the days become warm. It is easy to push the tasks aside and promise yourself you will do them tomorrow – or next weekend. However, when it comes to maintenance projects, the longer you put them off, the more chance there is there will be a problem that can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

1. Hoses

Most of your appliance hoses are made of a rubber that can crack as they age. With hot and cold water pouring through the tubes, the chances of a flood happening can grow every year the lines are ignored. To prevent a water disaster, check the connections and hoses at least once a year.

2. Water Heater

When was the last time you drained your water heater? Most homeowners admit they have never drained the appliance. If you want to prolong the tank’s life, check all the connections and empty the unit once a year. Every two or three years, you should call in a handyman or plumber that can check for tank cracks and splitting to prevent the water heater from rupturing and flooding your home.

3. Garage Door

You may use your garage door every day, but chances are you have never looked at the mechanisms that move the door up and down. Check the garage door springs, clean and lubricate the tracks, and check the wheels for cracks. You may also want to dust off the motor intake to keep the area free of dirt that can be sucked into the electric unit.

4. Batteries

You may remember to check your smoke alarm batteries every year, but there are some other items in your home that also have batteries you need to change. Clocks, grooming appliances, and carving knives also need to be checked. Don’t forget your cameras, portable computers, and flashlights. Your home’s doorbell and carbon monoxide detectors will need battery changes, too.

While keeping a list is great for remembering most home maintenance projects, you may want to make a schedule in order to make sure everything gets done. Work the maintenance tasks into the seasons, such as looking at hoses during the winter while you are indoors and draining your water heater during the summer. By staying on top of your maintenance tasks, you can avoid costly emergencies and destructive disaster repairs.