Here's a March Home Maintenance Checklist and Inspection Routine

Homeownership is one of the single biggest investments of a lifetime.

That is why proper home maintenance is so important. 

Regular home maintenance enhances the properties economic age (the number of years a house is expected to survive), ensures safety, prevents simple upkeep from turning into costly repairs and may even reduce energy consumption.

Having a well-maintained home provides piece of mind and increases resale value. To support homeowners in achieving this objective, Greenwood Real Properties has put together a monthly checklist, home improvement and inspection routine to follow. 

1. Replace filters or wash permanent ones in heating system.
2. Check basement or crawl space for dampness or water. Repair as needed.
3. Lubricate, test and clean sump pump in basement or crawl space
4. Remove and clean storm windows. Store them away until needed again next Fall.
5. Wash and install window and door screens.
6. Flush vinegar through clothes washer to remove soap scum
7. Check batteries in emergency flashlights
8. Clean, oil and sharpen lawn tools. 
9. Prune dead and broken tree limbs

How important is preventative maintenance? Without it, a home could easily lose 10 percent to 12 percent of its appraised value. 

Researchers suggest that regular maintenance increases the value of a house by about 1 percent a year. However, professional appraisers are quick to point out any gain is typically offset by the ongoing cost of maintenance. According to the U.S. Census, over time annual maintenance can cost upwards to $3,300, or 1 percent to 3 percent, of a home's initial cost dependant on its geographic location. To put this in perspective; owners of a $200,000 house should plan to budget $2,000 to $6,000 per year for ongoing maintenance and upkeep depending on the age of the home.

Brian Greenwood is an owner/partner at Greenwood Real Properties/Keller Williams Realty, with offices in Canton, Easton and Westwood.