While owners of newly built, custom homes have far less to worry about, there are still several home care items you must ensure are taken care of regularly.
For many new homeowners, there is a lot of learning to do to be sure that your home stays in flawless condition for years to come. While owners of newly built, custom homes have far less to worry about, there are still several home care items you must ensure are taken care of regularly. Get out your notepad and prep your list as we walk you through some of the top maintenance needs to keep your home healthy and beautiful long-term.
Outdoors
Every spring and winter (and sometimes in between) you want to perform routine maintenance on your roof and gutters. Ensuring that everything is clean, well maintained, and in good working order can ensure that you prevent severe and expensive damage in the long run. After large storms and twice a year you should get up on your roof (or have a professional step in) to check for any loose shingles or signs of damage and thoroughly clean the gutters. Keeping your gutters clean is particularly important for preventing water overflows and improper runoff that can cause water damage.
Windows
Windows and door frames both become a source of serious risk when it comes to leaking air and high energy costs. Over time, weather stripping and caulking can suffer from wear and tear causing them to wear, peeling, cracking, and gaps. All of which allows your heating and air conditioning to escape.
Chimneys
Having a working fireplace is a great way to add to the ambiance of your home and lower your heating costs, but it’s essential that you maintain it. Every year before you use your fireplace for the first time your chimney will need to be checked and cleaned. This helps to ensure that any debris that might have blown in is removed to prevent the threat of a chimney fire. Additionally, your chimney will be checked for animal life, as birds and squirrels love building nests inside them. Lastly, over time wood burning fires can cause a dangerous buildup of smoke residue that can result in a chimney fire. Yearly cleaning prevents many of the risks homes can have.
Indoors
Inside your home, there are plenty of areas that need regular care, but mainly your homes venting and HVAC systems. Keeping up with routine maintenance in this are not only keeps your utilities working better longer, but it also ensures that your indoor air quality doesn’t get too bad. Most homeowners know that air filters should be changed regularly, but all of the air ducts should be cleaned every two years as well. Cleaning your air ducts is particularly crucial if you have pets, as the buildup of hair and dander within your ducts can lead to odors and poor air quality. Lastly, ridge vents should be cleaned annually to allow your home to breathe better and prevent the air from getting stagnant.
Custom Homes From Cedar Square Homes
Cedar Square Homes provides a variety of services to our customers, including custom home building to match your needs. We are trusted throughout Maryland for our excellent service and affordable home remodeling prices. Some of the areas we serve throughout the state include Anne Arundel County, Annapolis, Crofton, Severna Park, and Pasadena. Wherever you live, you won’t regret contacting us online or giving us a call at 410-987-9771. To see more examples of our work and stay up to date on our promotions, follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.