Home Maintenance
Your house is one of your most valuable assets therefore it deserves a little TLC to keep it in tip-top condition. Too often we expect our house to withstand the elements of the South Louisiana weather and still look shiny and brand new. But, just like a car requires regular oil changes to keep it running smoothly, your house requires maintenance to ensure it looks its best and to prevent costly problems in the future.
Here are a few tips to help keep your house looking brand new:
Inspect all wooden items on your home on a yearly basis to see if they need to be painted or resealed. This includes shutters, front doors, wooden posts, etc. Prolonged exposure to sun and moisture can leave your wood vulnerable causing it to rot. It is recommended to put a fresh coat of paint on all exterior wood every 12-18 months.
- Clear plants and landscaping away from the house. There are several reasons for this: it can help keep i
nsects from entering the house, it maintains proper drainage away from the house and can prevent rotting to any siding or wood on the home.The mulch behind your beds should be monitored and sloped to allow proper drainage during rain events.
- Touch up grout and caulk in/around showers and tubs to prevent water seeping through and causing leaks. Time and extended use of your tubs and showers can cause your grout to crack and create areas where water can penetrate. By touching it up as needed with grout caulk, you can prevent more costly problems in the future.
These are just a few items that need to be done, there are obviously many more things you can be doing to maintain the appearance and integrity of your home.
I’ve found several apps and checklists that can be downloaded to help remind you when certain maintenance needs to be done:
- Home Care Reminder App
- BrightNest Home App (This app also offers DIY projects and craft tips)