The dream of homeownership can be an amazing experience. Owning your own home is an important step for many people, and for most folks homeownership is one of the biggest investments they will make during their lifetime. However, being a homeowner should not be taken lightly. Owning a home requires a good deal of effort and organization in order to avoid the pitfalls and stressors that come with unexpected home repairs.

For example, some of the many moving parts of a residential home include the appliances, sprinkler systems, plumbing, laundry and Heating and Cooling systems, just to name a few. There are also items to consider that involve the structure such as windows, roof, and outdoor items to include landscape, porches, and driveways.

When you want to Ensure that your family home remains a safe haven, having a plan for upkeep is imperative. When you work out a plan for regular Maintenance, you can help to ensure that your house systems perform well and remain in top condition. Also, since many home repairs can be quite expensive, continued care will safeguard your home as well as your budget from repair surprises. The end goal is to make certain that your home is aesthetically pleasing, operating resourcefully and retaining its value.

To properly maintain the various systems of your home, it can be helpful to have a list and a preventative preservation schedule. Much like you would maintain an automobile with quarterly oil changes and tire rotations; or manage your health with regular check-ups, a household requires continued care. Depending upon the type of home system (think plumbing, appliances, heating, and cooling), it is important to schedule particular services seasonally, as well as monthly, bi-annually and annually.

Here are just a few maintenance items to add to your list:

Dryer Vents:

Make sure the dryer vent and screens are free from debris, dust, and lint that can accumulate to cause a fire hazard.  Regular inspection can ward off any potential dryer damage.

Heating and Cooling:

When it comes to heating and cooling, it’s best to leave it to the experts.  To ensure that your heating and cooling system is working properly, hire a knowledgeable expert to change your filters regularly.  Knowing you have a partner you can count on for a/c repairs can be like a breath of fresh air.

Smoke Alarms:

Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke alarms regularly.  This is a crucial health tip that can save lives.  Of course, having extra batteries is a wonderful safeguard as well.

Roof/Structure:

Each spring and fall, take a walk outside and check your home’s structure for damage to the siding, rooftops, porch, and walkways.  Also, keep an eye on the window sills and landscape to be sure that trees aren’t growing underneath the foundation of your home.

Even though some items such as appliances may be protected under a home warranty insurance policy, others such as the Furnace may not be covered for furnace repairs. It’s important to review such policies fully to understand what is covered.  Most home warranties will cover normal wear and tear but not a repair due to a break from not having maintenance.

Regular maintenance is a key component of keeping your home in tip-top shape. Just as you would ensure that your home’s plumbing system remains clean for proper functioning, hiring an experienced professional with knowledge of home air conditioning repair and furnace repair is equally important.  Don’t forget about the garage door, furnace, and fireplace (to include the chimney) as well as checking the windows for leaks and the home’s exterior for siding or structural issues.

If you want the peace of mind of a safe home, be sure to review any home warranty paperwork completely to remove the guesswork from insurance coverage, as well as formulate a reasonable maintenance schedule. Don’t be caught off-guard or wait until something breaks before you take care of your most precious investment. Taking the time to plan now will help you avoid having to scramble around to get an important system repaired or replaced and save you time and money. With some pre-planning and preventive maintenance, you can ensure the longevity and enjoyment of your family home for years to come.