Key Maintenance Tasks to Do in Your Home

Home maintenance tasks keep your property safe and functional. However, most homeowners find deciding between DIY-ing home maintenance tasks challenging or hiring professional services. DIY tasks are appealing because they save on costs.

Some homeowners also find them satisfying to complete. However, some tasks have serious risks, require specialized skills, and demand more time and effort.

Knowing when to roll your sleeves or call an expert can make the difference in maintaining your home. This guide highlights key maintenance tasks around your home and considerations before deciding to DIY or call a pro.

Gutter Cleaning and Maintenance

DIY Level: Moderate

Gutter maintenance protects your roof and structural integrity. It also ensures the longevity of your roofs and foundation. Their primary task is to direct water away from the roof. However, they can easily block due to the accumulation of leaves and other debris.

This results in water spillage, which causes serious issues to the foundation. It may also cause erosion around your home if left ignored.

Thorough cleaning is important for several reasons. Fortunately, you can easily handle this task with simple tools. The frequency of cleaning your gutters depends on several factors. While you can handle this task, hiring professionals is also necessary.

For instance, hire professionals if you have a multi-story property or steeply pitched roofs. These conditions make it risky for homeowners to clean effectively.

Professionals have special equipment, such as safety harnesses, which enable them to work safely and efficiently. They can also identify minor gutter issues, such as loose connections, that can go unnoticed during DIY cleaning.

Exterior Painting

DIY level: Moderate to advanced

Paint plays an important role in maintaining your property’s appeal. It protects your property and extends the lifespan of your exteriors. However, due to various factors, paint fades and chips off, leaving your walls vulnerable to water damage. Painting your home protects it and improves its appearance.

Depending on several factors, homeowners should paint their homes after 10 years. The quality of paint used and the climate in your region are key determiners of this period.

Fortunately, signs that your home needs a new paint are very visible. Fading colors, exposed wood, and peeling paint are telltale signs. You should inspect your home exterior regularly for these indicators, especially on weather-facing walls.

Painting your home exterior is a project you can accomplish on your own. DIY is very manageable for small areas like touch-ups on windows and doors. However, exterior paint requires extensive preparation. You should clean the surfaces thoroughly and peel rough patches to create a smooth finish. Priming is also required if you are painting over bare wood.

However, large-scale exterior paint projects, like repainting the entire house, require hiring a professional. Professionals have the skills and experience to handle such projects quickly and efficiently. They also know how to address common issues like peeling paint and rotting wood before painting.

Roof Inspections and Minor Repairs

DIY level: Moderate to Advanced

Regular roof inspections help maintain your home’s integrity. The roof is exposed to extreme conditions as your home’s primary barrier. Even the best roofs develop issues, such as leaks and cracked shingles, over time. Early identification of these issues through inspection prevents costly repairs and extends the roof’s lifespan.

Homeowners can handle basic roof inspections from the ground. Visible issues like missing shingles or sagging areas indicate structural concerns, which may necessitate a closer inspection with the help of a ladder. Minor repairs can also be done DIY.

For instance, applying roof sealant to prevent leaks is easy. However, working on your roof is risky, especially for homes with steep pitches or multi-story heights.

Significant roof repairs and complex issues require the input of a roofing professional. Persistent leaks or widespread damage require professional inspection and repairs. Roofers are skilled in handling major repairs like flashing replacements and tile replacements.

Plumbing Maintenance

DIY level: Moderate

Plumbing maintenance is an important home maintenance task. Fixing a leaky faucet is a simple yet most impactful task you can tackle. However, a dripping faucet may indicate underlying issues within the plumbing system. If ignored, the issue can worsen, causing damage to the sink and cabinets. It also leads to mold growth in your home.

While you can easily fix minor drips, you should call a plumber if the dripping continues or if you encounter rusted parts. Persistent leaks indicate a larger problem within the plumbing system, like water pressure issues, requiring a professional touch.

Endnote

Home maintenance doesn’t always mean doing every task yourself or calling in the professionals. Before making a decision, you should assess each task’s complexity, safety risks, and commitment. Handling simple projects saves on costs, while calling experts for specialized tasks ensures professional services.