List Keeps Home Looking New

 

Moving into your custom home means enjoying the benefits of new construction... no leaky plumbing, no “gently used” appliances, and no outdated cooling systems needing to be replaced. But how do you keep your new home in like-new condition? Using the following checklist twice a year will keep your home looking good and functioning well for years to come.

1. Create a file containing all instruction manuals for appliances, security and home management systems, HVAC units, lighting and watering systems. Review it bi-annually and follow all general maintenance and repair guides.

2. Inspect your roof, checking for storm damage and inspecting areas around vents, skylights, and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.

3. Thoroughly clean fireplaces of ashes and check chimneys for loose or missing mortar. Have chimneys professionally cleaned at least once a year. In the spring, be sure damper is closed tightly to increase energy efficiency. Remember to re-open damper before lighting the first fire of the winter.

4. Remember to clean or replace filters monthly, or as needed. Check and clean dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.

5. Check all safety equipment in the house. Ensure that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in all backup systems at least twice a year.

6. Inspect your refrigerator. Be sure door seals are airtight by testing them. Simply close the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the bill out easily, the seal may need to be replaced. If you have a coil-back refrigerator, vacuum the coils at least twice yearly.

7. Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms and replace washers as necessary.

8. Windows and doors should be inspected. Check for drafts and cracks around casements and openings. Replace seals as needed. As long as you’re checking each window, take the time to wash it inside and out. Doing this at least twice yearly will keep your views of the desert clear and beautiful.

9. Look closely at exterior finishes and paint. Look for cracks in stucco. Replace caulk if necessary.

10. Schedule service on heating and cooling systems twice a year. Inspections should be done before and after the extreme heat of the summer, giving you and your repairman plenty of time to make necessary repairs during non-peak seasons.

11. Have carpets and furniture professionally cleaned bi-annually. Inspect carpets – especially high-traffic areas – monthly and spot clean according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Vacuuming frequently will keep dirt and other stain-causing agents off of carpets.

12. Schedule an exterminator to inspect around the exterior of the home looking for signs of termite or insect damage. Termites often leave mud-like tunnels at the base of the foundation. Early detection keeps the treatment and costs to a minimum. Clean around the foundation of the home, removing any build up of leaves, dirt, or other yard rubbish that might attract insects.

13. Inspect the property paying special attention to exterior lighting and water systems, gates, sidewalks, and patios. Replace bulbs, clean light fixtures, repair or replace water lines of automatic watering systems, and repair cracks in patios or walkways. Check brick planters and replace cracked or loose mortar to keep borders and planters in place. Be sure gates latch securely and touch up paint on gates and fences to keep them looking new.

Regular home maintenance ensures long-lasting comfort for you and your family. Additionally, consistent maintenance prolongs the efficiency of your home, extending the operational life of appliances and amenities.

"We love to build and it shows!"