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Sep 27, 2024 | Home Care

Mastering Basic Home Maintenance: A Trusted Guide for New Homeowners

Home Care

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Written by Caitlin S.

Starting the journey of becoming a new homeowner can feel intimidating. From basic home maintenance to DIY home repairs, the list of to-dos can easily become overwhelming!
Try not to stress too much—this guide is designed to equip you with essential skills and knowledge. Whether it’s organizing a routine checklist or accepting when it’s time to call the professionals, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to navigate basic home maintenance like a pro. Make sure to bookmark this guide for ease when needing to refer back!
Maintaining a regular schedule for basic home maintenance can help prevent critical issues and assist with keeping your home in perfect condition. Since it can be easy to get lost in the amount of upkeep, here’s a breakdown of what you should focus on each month, quarter, and year!

Creating a personalized maintenance schedule and staying informed about home care will help ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place.

For additional resources, or if you have questions/suggestions, please refer to our contact form here.
Choose a designated day each month to cross these to-dos off your list

1. Change HVAC filters: Clean or replace air filters to ensure your heating and cooling systems operate efficiently and maintain indoor air quality. As much as we love Fresno, we don’t love the air quality!

2. Test smoke detectors: Regularly test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning correctly. Although a dull task, this could literally save your life!

3. Inspect plumbing for leaks: Check under sinks and around toilets for any signs of leaks to address potential issues before they become major problems! Plumbing complications can be detrimental if not addressed swiftly.

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Complete these tasks once per quarter—that’s only four times per year!

1. Clean gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent water damage and foundation issues.

2. Check exterior caulking: Inspect and replace caulking around windows and doors to keep out moisture and improve energy efficiency. Don’t be a victim of an expensive power bill!

3. Test garage door mechanisms: Garage doors are crucial in keeping our cars and extra storage safe—don’t miss this easily overlooked task. Ensure your garage door opener and safety sensors are working properly to prevent accidents and secure smooth operation.

A person checking the back of an HVAC unit.
These items should be done just ONCE a year. It doesn’t get easier than that!

1. Service HVAC systems: Avoid the dreaded broken AC in Fresno’s heat by having a professional inspect and service your heating and cooling systems to ensure they are operating efficiently.

2. Inspect the roof and attic: A new roof can run you anywhere from $9,000-$20,000 in California. Stay on top of this by hiring a roofing company to check for any signs of damage or leaks in your roof and attic to address issues before they become severe.

3. Clean the chimney: If you use a fireplace, have your chimney cleaned and inspected annually to prevent chimney fires and fortify proper ventilation. Don’t ruin your holiday season with a broken chimney!

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