Not much compares to the feeling of a brand-new custom home. Everything works as it should; it’s clean and unspoiled, and you haven’t inherited the previous owner’s problems.
However, keeping things that way requires a bit of ongoing work. Here are some home maintenance tips that you can use to keep your custom home as new as possible.
Monthly Deep Cleans
Keeping your home tidy is one thing, but keeping it clean is another. You can battle clutter through organization and daily tidying. However, you’ll need monthly deep cleans if you want a pristine home.
A monthly deep clean involves making a checklist of items that can easily go undone. So consider things like:
- Cleaning bulbs and light fixtures
- Spot cleaning walls
- Cleaning your windows and appliances
- Vacuuming your carpets, furniture, and upholstery
Inspect Appliances
Home appliance maintenance is essential. It means you can spot any problems before they get worse, with the added bonus of extending the life of your investments.
We recommend checking:
- Washing machine and dryers for obstructions and cleaning the filters
- Oven fans
- Food waste disposers
- Mechanical fans, bedroom heaters
- Water softener/filtration systems
Inspecting your appliances means protecting your home from fire damage, water damage, and other potential disasters. If you spot any issues, or are unsure if there’s a problem, consider replacing your appliances or calling a professional.
Check HVAC Systems
Another thing you can do to maintain your custom home is to ensure your HVAC system is working properly.
Inspect your filters. If your filters are clogged, your HVAC system will be inefficient and ineffective. Check and replace them regularly to ensure performance and save on energy costs.
Check your outside unit. Look at the ducts and vents on your outdoor unit for damage or obstruction, as well as your AC wires.
Clean Your Gutters
Caring for the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior, and regularly cleaning your gutters is one of the best home maintenance tips for keeping your roof in good condition. If you let your gutters fill with leaves and debris, it will harm the effectiveness of your roof because rainwater won’t be able to drain away effectively.
At a minimum, clean your gutters twice a year; or more, depending on your location and proximity to trees and leaves. Typically, you should schedule these jobs at the end of spring and autumn. In spring, seeds and pollen become airborne, while trees shed their leaves in autumn.
If you’re comfortable with heights, get your ladder out and work from start to end to remove the debris. Keep your ladder secure each time you move it along, and clear any obstructions. That way, your walls and roof won’t soak up excess water, and the structural elements of your house will stay just how you want them.
Don’t Forget Landscaping
While most home maintenance tips involve the interiors or exteriors of your custom home, don’t forget about landscaping. If your yard becomes overgrown, it will reduce the overall appeal of your home.
While a lot depends on your lawn setup, it’s best to set up a seasonal landscaping schedule. Some things to consider:
- Mow your lawn during the summer months
- Prune trees and bushes
- Clean hardscape and decking
- Replace mulch and water plants
- Drain pools and other water features
- Weed your lawn
There is a lot involved in maintaining a lawn. However, by maintaining a regular schedule, the work won’t build up.
Improve Your New Home
Your custom home can suffer if you don’t stay vigilant, so staying on top of cleaning and maintenance is essential to home improvement.
At Donnelly Timmons, we understand the hard work that goes into custom homes and renovations. We also see the joy of a job well done. If you want to keep your new home at its best, follow these home maintenance tips. If you’re interested in improving your home further, contact us today!