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10 First-Time Homeowner Tips: Maintenance Checklist for 2023
Maintain your home’s value with this annual upkeep checklist
It’s not easy making the switch from renter to homeowner.
No landlord or property management company to handle that busted AC compressor or to replace the stove that conked out.
You just bought the house, so now that responsibility is all yours.
In addition to handling problems like broken windows or a leaky roof, you are also responsible for finding maintenance companies (or getting your hands dirty) to fix these issues.
Fortunately, you won’t have to deal with first-time homeownership alone. Here are 10 things to check every year to maintain the health of your home. You’ll be glad you did.
1. Service the gas fireplace.
Any time flammable materials are present, routine maintenance must be kept up with.
Even if your gas fireplace appears to be in good condition, it is still a good idea to have it serviced once a year.
A professional will make sure you’re prepared for a cozy winter season by cleaning the fireplace and checking for any potential leaks.
2. Inspect the HVAC and furnace.
The condition of the home’s HVAC systems is something that many first-time home buyers know to look for. A broken furnace could mean the difference between buying a house and looking elsewhere.
But you might not know what to look for unless you’re already familiar with HVAC equipment. Fortunately, a few pieces of information can provide insight into the overall condition of the home’s HVAC system:
- When was the system manufactured?
- When was the system installed?
- Which service company installed it?
- Has it been receiving routine maintenance?
- What ratings are available for the system?
Have a qualified HVAC technician quality check your central heat and air before extreme weather causes trouble. Your unit and ventilation systems will be examined and cleaned by the technician to…
