Keeping your house clean, safe, and healthy is all the more necessary during this pandemic. When it comes to this, home maintenance is the key.
It’s a good thing that you have all the time to stay in your own house. As you get stuck at home or work remotely, you can take ample time to examine different parts and areas of your property. In fact, a home inspection is no longer needed as you can do it yourself. And while you’re at it, you can pursue some home improvement projects or call the experts for some home maintenance services.
Here are house parts or systems to take care of during this pandemic as part of your home maintenance:
- House exterior
It’s important to examine your house exterior first. For one, it can boost your property’s curb appeal and increase your home value. Below are house exterior areas to check:
- Roof: Be sure that your shingles aren’t holed, curled, displaced, or gone missing. Plus, check some parts like the flashing, fascia, eaves, soffits, and chimneys. Don’t forget the gutters and downspouts as well. Hire a roofer if you must!
- Walls: Make sure to check your exterior walls. It’s best to install sidings or wall claddings as protective materials. If they’re no longer in good shape and condition, get them repaired.
- Windows: Your windows serve as the eyes of your house façade. But not only do they beautify your home, but they determine your home’s cleanliness and comfort levels. Be sure they don’t have leaks, lest you spend on costly repairs or replacements.
- Yard: Don’t forget your lawn as it makes or breaks your property’s curb appeal. Consider hiring landscaping or lawn care services.
- Home interior
During the pandemic, you must have had enough examination of your home interior. For the most part, you pay close attention to your kitchen and bathrooms.
For one, your kitchen requires safety, functionality, and aesthetics for cooking and food preparation. On the other hand, your bathrooms are the most used and abused. Hence, they need to be clean and hygienic. But apart from these two, consider checking the following:
- Ceiling and walls: Be sure your ceiling shows no signs of water damage. Water leaks can run from the roof to your ceiling and walls down to your flooring. The last thing you want to happen is to have mold infestation and property damage.
- Interior doors and windows: Make sure to lubricate and repair your doors and windows as they serve as your property’s entry points. As they welcome sunlight during summer and drafts during winter, they determine your home’s comfort level.
- HVAC system
Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is the most crucial system to check this pandemic. As you and your family are stuck at home, ensure that it is clean and efficient. Take note of the following:
- Heating: Be sure that your furnace or heater works during the cold months. Get furnace maintenance or repair to ensure its safety, efficiency, and cleanliness.
- Cooling: Pay attention to your air conditioning unit, especially during summer. If there’s one thing, change the air filter regularly as it can affect your indoor air quality.
- Proper ventilation: Don’t forget to have proper ventilation at home. Your ultimate goal is to keep your whole family as comfortable as possible.
- Plumbing system
Your plumbing system is a vital part of your residential property. It does two things: distribution of water supply and disposal of wastewater.
It’s best to inspect it during this pandemic, as most of your family members are stuck at home. As they constantly use the bathrooms and the kitchen sink, be wary of the following plumbing issues:
- A toilet that backs up
- Clogged drains in your bathroom and kitchen
- Burst pipes
- Loose plumbing fittings
- Not enough water supply
- Water heater or boiler that doesn’t produce warm water
Should you encounter one or some of these plumbing issues, it’s best to consult a professional plumber. That way, you can ensure your plumbing system is in top shape and working condition.
- Electrical system
When it comes to safety, your electrical system is a top priority. The last thing you want to happen is to have electrocution or fire outbreak due to faulty wirings. That said, be on the lookout for the following:
- Damaged electrical cords
- Cracks, soot, and overheating of outlets
- Ground fault interrupters (GFIs)
- Dead batteries in the smota-word=”MTgtYg==” data-rule=”MORFOLOGIK_RULE_EN_US”>ke and CO alarms
- Fluctuating electricity
As soon as you notice some electrical issues, be sure to call an electrician to ensure your family’s safety.
- Crawlspace and basement
It’s easy to neglect your crawlspace and basement. Chances are, your basement has long been turned into a storage place. Also, you probably haven’t checked your crawlspace. Therefore, be sure to check for the following:
- Wet surfaces
- Musty odors
- Malfunctioning sump pump
- Broken valves
- Signs of pests such as rodents, bats, roaches, or termites
Keep in mind that these areas are prone to water leaks, which can cause mold growth and property damages and compromise the structural integrity of your home. You’ll thank yourself later on for taking care of your crawlspace and basement.
Home maintenance is a vital part of the overall equation. Be sure to inspect and maintain your house exterior and interior, HVAC system, plumbing system, electrical system, as well as crawlspace and basement. Either take care of your house yourself or hire professional experts for your home maintenance. By doing so, you’ll keep your house safe and healthy amid the pandemic!
Meta title: House Parts to Maintain during This Pandemic
meta desc: Home maintenance is all the more important during this pandemic. Learn about the house parts or systems to check and maintain.