When the property papers are signed, and the registry is done, you feel relieved. Finally, the seemingly never-ending process of buying a home comes to an end. However, once you move into the new property you will realise that home ownership also requires time and labour.
Home maintenance can include a long list of tasks and can be intimidating to begin with. The good news is that regular home maintenance can keep you away from future headaches and save money in the long run.
And you can do most of the regular home maintenance task on your own, even if you have no prior experience.
Doing tasks randomly can get overwhelming, and it might get difficult to keep a track of things already done and things that need attention. In order to maximise your efficiency and ensure all the tasks are actually done, you might consider creating a home maintenance checklist.
You can list tasks that need to be done on a monthly, bi-annual, and annual basis. There are certain tasks that need to be done in a particular season while there are tasks that can be done at any time of the year. This checklist is just to give you a basic reference point, and you can modify it based on your schedule and house type.
Monthly
Inspect your fire extinguisher
This one is very important but is an extremely easy task.
Just check that the nozzle of the fire extinguisher is clean with no accumulated dust or garbage. Make sure it has the correct pressure, and there is no visible wear and tear on the body of the fire extinguisher. In case there is any major problem, send the fire extinguisher for repair.
Inspect drains
Check the tub and sink drains to ensure there is no debris or clog accumulated. It is a good idea to put some frozen vinegar through the drain pipes to clean them.
Clean bathroom taps, showerheads, and faucet aerators
Cleaning them at regular intervals helps to remove mineral deposits, keep them like new, and avoid rust formation. You should also check the water softener and replenish salt, if required.
Run water and flush toilets in unused bathrooms
This tip is especially important in guest rooms or rooms which are not used on a regular basis. The purpose is to clean the bathroom as well as to prevent grime or any other kind of build up due to water accumulation in the toilets.
Biannually
Give your house a good bath
It is a good idea to give your house a thorough cleaning every few months.
Dust every nook and corner of the house.
Clean all the appliances, windows, and furniture. Use detergent and a steady supply of water to wash the area that is not carpeted. Do not forget to cover the edges and other areas which might get spoiled by water. You might consider cleaning the rugs and carpets as well.
Gardening time
Of course, you water your garden regularly, but it is also important to maintain your garden periodically.
Pick up the dried leaves and inspect for any dead plants that need to be removed. Pluck weeds and other debris in the garden. Manage stones or any other furniture you have in the garden. Plant some trees suitable for the upcoming season to ensure your garden always remain green regardless of the change in season.
Doing this on a lazy Sunday morning with family can be a lot of fun.
Water the inverter batteries
If you have an inverter in your house, it is very important to fill water in the batteries every few months.
Always use easily available distilled water to fill the batteries. Doing this will increase the shelf life of your batteries as well as increase its efficiency.
Annually
Check the roof surface
Check the roof and find if there is any sort of damage, if any paint is chipping, or if there are any holes in the house. Take a close look and check if the roof needs any repairs.
Clean out the gutter and drainage
Over a period of a year and changing seasons, gutters and drains would have likely accumulated leaves from the fall and dust, sediments from water and rains.
Clean them once and if possible twice a year. Also, check for damage and slope. Make sure there are no unwanted openings in the gutter and drains, which might result in external object falling inside and clogging of the gutter.
Paint
Check the exterior of the house, especially the paint. You might need a touch-up on the paint once a year. You can do it yourself or hire a professional who can help you put a fresh coat. Never schedule the paint during the monsoons as rain or moisture may damage the wet paint.
Chimney or gas pipe
Clean the kitchen chimney for uninterrupted flow of smoke from the kitchen and also check gas pipes for incorrect bends, breakage or leakage. Also, check there are no loose ends on the gas pipe for your safety.
You might keep an online version of the checklist or print it and paste it on the fridge. Check this regularly to ensure all the maintenance tasks are carried out on time for a well-maintained home.
This article is contributed by RoofandFloor , part of KSL Digital Ventures Pvt. Ltd., from The Hindu Group
