1515 Vista Lane  |  Clarksville, TN 37043  |  (931) 552-2228  |  mason@brmhomesllc.com

Home Maintenance Tips

1 New Home Maintenance Tips

  • Maintain window weep holes from dust and dirt to prevent window leaks
  • Always use cold water when using garbage disposal. Hot water will shorten the life span of the disposal with grease deposits
  • Grind a small quantity of ice or lemon slices to clean garbage disposal.
  • Keep HVAC registers/vents/intake grills clean and free of obstructions.
  • Test and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) breakers.
  • If you own a whirlpool, every 6 months add a 1/2 cap of dishwasher detergent to lukewarm water just above the jets and run for 30 minutes. This will keep the jet waterlines free from built up residue and also rinse out the filters.
  • Inspect the line of caulk that seals the tub to the floor and the tub surround. Repair cracks with polyurethane bathroom caulk. Also, inspect the points where tub faucets emerge from the wall or tub surround
  • Fireplace chimneys must be periodically cleaned – but this can be minimized by buying a 12×12 chimney cap to prevent birds from nesting.
  • Vacuum the clothes dryer’s exhaust duct at least once a year. If the duct is plastic, replace it (it’s a fire hazard). Rigid sheet-metal ducting is best.
  • If you have crawl space vents, make sure they are closed in the winter
  • Garage doors – the moving parts of garage doors should be greased every 3 months with a substance (WD-40) designed for garage doors. Screws that fasten the hardware should be tightened every year because as the wood shrinks – they may loosen.
  • Wood doors – can warp because of humidity and this can it prevent closing after some time. To help keep doors from warping, close them at night or during the day every day. The jamb will help keep them straight.
  • Solid Hardwood floors need to be waxed with spirit wax periodically based on amount of traffic and use. It is recommended that all furniture on the hardwood flooring be equipped with a pad to prevent scratching.
  • Inspect and clear any blockage or plant overgrowth from drainage. Keep drains clear.

2 Home Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance is the key. Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices is the best way to protect your investment in your home. Establish routine, and you will find the work is easy to accomplish and not very time consuming.


3 Seasonal Home Maintenance

Most home maintenance activities are seasonal. Fall is the time to get your home ready for the coming winter, which can be the most grueling season for your home. During winter months, it is important to follow routine maintenance procedures, by checking your home carefully for any problem arising and taking corrective action as soon as possible. Spring is the time to assess winter damage, start repairs, and prepare for warmer months. Over the summer there are a number of indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks to look after. While most maintenance is seasonal,there are some things you should do on a frequent basis year round:

  • Make sure air vents indoors and outside are not blocked by snow or debris.
  • Check and change range hood filters on a monthly basis.
  • Test the ground fault circuit interrupters monthly by pushing the test button, which should cause the reset button to pop out.

Spring

  • Check condition of exterior caulk around trim of windows and siding of your house. Also inspect the corners where trim comes together. Re-caulk as necessary to avoid air leaks.
  • Inspect roof and gutter systems for snow and ice damage. Repair as necessary.
  • Check downspouts for loose joints and clear any obstructions to ensure water flows away from the foundation
  • Feed and seed lawn, re-work any topsoil erosion, plant annuals and perennials.
  • Clean or replace air conditioning filter, if applicable
  • Repair any driveway damage.
  • Test smoke detectors and change batteries. Test carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Clean all windows, screens, and hardware. Check your screens to see if any repairs are needed.

Summer

  • Apply weed killer to lawn.
  • Check air conditioning system and have it serviced every two or three years
  • Complete interior caulking grout, paint touch up, or redecorating.
  • Check hot water heater for mineral build-up; drain and refill.
  • Clean faucet aerators.
  • Vacuum bathroom fan grill.
  • Deep clean your carpets and rugs.
  • Disconnect the duct connected to the dryer and vacuum lint from duct.
  • Check smooth functioning of all windows and lubricate as required.
  • Lubricate door hinges and tighten screws as needed.
  • Lubricate the automatic garage door opener, motor, chain, etc. and ensure that the auto reverse mechanism is properly adjusted.
  • Remove any plants or roots that contact or penetrate the siding or brick
  • Repair/Seal coat asphalt driveway and walkways.

Fall

  • Remove hoses from frost free hose bibs and store hose to prevent freezing.
  • Mulch landscaping that needs winter protection.
  • Have your furnace or heating systems serviced by a qualified service company every two years for a gas furnace and every year for an oil furnace
  • Check fireplace operation and inspect flue or chimney for possible cleaning by professional contractor.
  • Check and clean or replace air filters each month during the heating season.
  • Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly and check other doors for ease of use. Replace door weather stripping if required.
  • Ensure windows close tightly.
  • Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall so that water does not drain into your crawlspace/basement.
  • Clean leaves from roofs and downspouts and test the downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.
  • Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close the valve to outdoor hose connections and drain the hose bib, unless your house has a frost-proof hose bib

Winter

  • To reduce condensation on your windows, use a humidifier during the heating season and raise blinds daily for air circulation
  • Asphalt or concrete driveways can last longer by immediate removal of snow and ice. Also, use of salt on driveways and concrete walks is not recommended.
  • Vacuum the bathroom fan grills.
  • Vacuum fire and smoke detectors as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning.
  • Check all faucets for signs of dripping and change washers as necessary. If you have a fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub, spare bathroom sink or tub, shower stall or toilet, run water briefly to keep some water in the trap.
  • Clean drains in dishwashers, sinks, bathtubs and shower stalls.
  • Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working properly and to prevent them from seizing.