Every once in a while, it’s necessary to roll up your sleeves and do some handy work around the house. The devices, appliances, installations and other household items all have a certain life expectancy, and as such can only last for a certain amount of time. If you wish to keep your household in top condition, you will be required to regularly maintain it and this simple timeline can help you get a general idea of how to properly take care of business:
Monthly Improvements
If you get used to doing regular maintenance repairs and improvements, it will become much easier to manage these household chores and tasks in the future. For instance, there are certain remodeling ideas that need to be dealt with on a regular basis if you expect them to work, but don’t’ require much time nor money. Every month or so remember to check the drains for piled up debris and unclog them if necessary; the same goes for garbage disposals and furnace filters. It’s also recommended to check your HVAC system every month or two and clean the range hood filters. It’s also a good idea to check whether your fire extinguisher functions properly to regulate any safety precautions. Regarding safety measurements, smoke and carbon dioxide detectors should be checked at least every 4 to 6 months. Professionals recommend making a thorough check up of the wiring and plumbing system every half a year, in order to make sure that everything is functioning as it should.
Seasonal Household Improvements
There are certain household chores which need to be regulated at specific times or at least annually. Of course, while there are some chores that should be done more often, most of these tasks are best regulated when organized by specific seasons. These are called seasonal improvements and are mainly done in two separate periods: in the spring and in the fall. These are some of the top priorities when it comes to seasonal tasks:
Spring
Spring season announces another annual spring cleaning and major exterior fixes. It’s best to start with the interior of the house and then work your way to the outside. Make sure to do a thorough cleaning of all rugs and carpets in the house and to remove all the garbage that piled up during winter. Window and door power washing and repairs are a definite must, while it’s also recommended to check the roof and siding for possible cracks.
Spring also calls for thoroughly cleaning the gutters and downspouts from piled up leaves and debris, inspecting the septic tank and doing some major landscaping business. It’s also a good idea to refinish the deck and polish any wood furniture if necessary. Check the driveway for possible cracks and reseal it if needed. Spring is also a good time to do any major renovation projects such as repainting the house, doing some big gardening ventures such as planting trees, creating vegetable and fruit gardens, or even building a house extension.
Fall
Besides the regular leaf raking and gutter cleaning in the fall, it would be a good idea to clean and repair the chimney and stovepipes, as well as the exterior caulking. One of the most important tasks is to check the window seals for possible cracks and do any roof repairs if necessary. During freezing winters, it happens that the outdoor faucets will freeze, that is why it would be a smart move to shut off the valves during the winter months. This is also a good opportunity to adjust your heating and air conditioning system and prepare it for the colder period. Make sure to equip yourself and your home with all the necessary equipment for the following months.
Managing a complete household is everything but easy and it requires a lot of time, work and effort in order to function properly. This is why it’s important to create a detailed plan of all the necessary chores that need to be regulated around the household and administer them accordingly.