Recommended Tips and Maintenance

Property and buildings are typically the single largest investment most people have and proper attention and care will, historically, help you maintain a higher value. These basic tips are general in nature and are provided as a free guideline to help in maintaining a home or small commercial building. They are not intended to be a sole source or reference for all maintenance. Always check each of your operating manuals for maintaining your appliances and equipment, or with a professional contractor for any other maintenance issues.

Quarterly Maintenance: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Exteriors: Examine exterior concrete for cracks. Track changes and be aware of safety risks from severe cracking. Complete a visual inspection of the exterior of the building. Look for cracking paint and loose or lost siding and roofing materials. Examine gutters and downspouts for proper connection and empty gutters of debris.

Interiors: Be aware that changes in seasons may affect the operation of fixtures made of, or attached to, wood materials especially doors and windows. Examine and track changes in wall surfaces, especially for cracking. Clean floorcoverings.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Units: Have a professional service done for all furnace, woodburning, air conditioning, and filtration systems.

Electrical: Inspect alarm systems and all fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation. Service as necessary.

Plumbing: Have water filtration or softening systems serviced by a professional. Clean faucet and shower head screens for mineral build-up.

Annual Maintenance

Exteriors: Inspect the perimeter of the building for settling of soil or for trapping of water against the building. Have a professional correct any poorly draining areas.

Plumbing: For wells and septic systems, review when the last service was performed. Plan on having septic tanks pumped at least every three years, and water wells professionally inspected every three years. Some systems will require more or less service, depending on the amount of usage. Those supplied by a municipal water and sewer system should be aware that cities have routine maintenance performed, but always be aware of unusually high usage readings for water, when unexpected. This may indicate a leaking main supply line or simply a leaky faucet.

These tips should provide you with a basic guide for maintaining your buildings. Always check with an appropriate professional for any questionable conditions and maintenance situations.