Try This June Home Maintenance Checklist and Inspection Routine

Homeownership is one of the single biggest investments one will make in their 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. 

Greenwood Real Properties has put together a monthly checklist, home improvement and inspection routine for one to follow.

1. Energy Efficiency TIP: Clean and/or replace HVAC filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters block air-flow through these systems, increasing one's energy bill and shortening the equipment's life.  To change the air filter in a home view, follow these easy to follow instructions. Click here.  Wondering what type of filter is best for a system?  The Home Depot's website has this handy air filter buying guide to help one choose the right size and type of air filter for their HVAC system.
2. De-clutter and organize the garage: There are several well-rated products on the market to assist with this endeavor. Rubbermaid’s Fast Track System is an excellent product. It is smple to use and cost effective. I recommend and use in my garage Gladiator Garage Works. Although a little more costly, the system is very flexible, easy to install and well made. Click Here for some DIY Basics on garage storage solutions to keep a garage nice and organized.
3. Clean and maintain your air conditioning system: A properly maintained air conditioning system will run more efficiently, use less energy and lower utility bills.  There are two kinds of systems: window air conditioning units and central air conditioning units.   recommend working with an HVAC professional to inspect the central air system before using it each year. However, both systems can benefit from a good DIY cleaning on a periodic basis.
4. Power-wash the house, deck, patio and even the driveway and sidewalk.  Pressure washing is fast, easy and quite frankly a lot of fun.  If one is considering purchasing a pressure washer, there are two types to consider: gas or electric. Although an electric model may suit one's needs for small jobs, I recommend a gas model for most homes. Gas models are more costly up-front, however they tend to be more efficient, do a better job and last longer with proper maintenance.  Click here for a helpful guide on how to use a pressure washer.
5. Mowing a lawn the right way: Yes there is a method to the madness, and although it may sound silly, the results speak for themselves. I am not talking about a lawn that looks like Augusta National Golf Club. I am talking about how to achieve a healthy lawn, while protecting yourself and your trees.  Here is a terrific article I found in Dummies.com on “Mowing Your Lawn the Right Way."
6. Family Safety: Property Management, Preventing Tick-borne diseases - suggested methods to minimize ticks on one's property.

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, Needham and Westwood.