Guest Post - 5 Home Maintenance Tasks That Are Frequently Overlooked

Owning a home requires regular upkeep. With multiple maintenance tasks, it can be easy to let some things fall through the cracks. However, this can lead to costly repairs in the future. Here are five of the tasks you may be overlooking.

1. Examining Your Roof

Once homeowners move in, many of them start paying less attention to their roofs. However, storms and fallen branches can damage your exterior. Have your roof professionally inspected once a year.

You can also do your own examination from the ground. Using binoculars, look for any signs of cracked caulk or missing shingles. A missing chimney cap or masses of moss can be warning signs as well. If you notice these problems, get them repaired right away to prevent leaks.

Consider replacing your roofing with durable material, such as asphalt shingles or metal. While inspecting your roof, clean out your chimney as well. Move a cleaning brush up and down the flue to remove the soot. Then vacuum the fireplace.

2. Clearing Your Gutters

Quite often, gutters get overlooked since they are part of the roof. Yet, if you don't clear them, water can accumulate, leading to mold growth. Therefore, once a year, remove leaves and debris from your downspouts. When removing the debris, wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves. Then, use a small plastic scoop or trowel to clear the leaves and pine needles.

If you don't like heights, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. If you have overflowing gutters or water damage, then call the service right away. While outside, rake fallen leaves to prevent water buildup and increase your curb appeal.

3. Inspecting Your HVAC System

Your heating and cooling unit is essential in maintaining a comfortable home environment. Although, sometimes they can become clogged with dust, decreasing their efficiency. The harder the system works, the more energy gets wasted, increasing your bills. Changing the filters can help fix this issue.

Before changing the filter, turn off the unit. Then follow the installation instructions. Ensure there aren't any gaps around the filter frame. It's also essential to get your system professionally inspected at least once a year.

4. Checking Your Water Heater

Some homeowners focus more on the visual features of their houses. So, they forget hidden components like water heaters. If left unchecked, sediment can build up at the bottom of the water heater. Flushing your hot water heater using a garden hose and bucket is an easy task that keeps your family safe.

You can also add some vinegar to your tank to increase its cleaning power. Suppose you're looking for a long-term solution? Consider installing a water softener, which can remove chemicals that harden your water.

5. Cleaning Your Refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator is often an overlooked maintenance task. You may be more focused on mopping the floors or superficially reorganizing the fridge. However, you want to clean your refrigerator condenser coils regularly. Vacuum them with a crevice or upholstery tool to remove any debris. Then place a duster or refrigerator coil brush between the rings.

Cleaning the coils helps to prevent clogs caused by dirt or dust. These clogs can decrease the effectiveness of the appliance and increase electricity bills. So, the next time you go to get a snack, give your fridge a good cleaning.

5 Home Maintenance Tasks to Do Today

When it comes to taking care of your home, there is so much to think about. Some projects may seem like a low priority but can prevent long-term issues from cropping up. Make sure to add these maintenance tasks to the top of your to-do list.

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!

Tips for Simplifying Your First Home Purchase

Becoming a first-time homeowner is daunting for many people, as the process of buying a house is complex and dense. Luckily, owning your very own property is an exciting and wonderful experience. If you’re in the market for a new abode, check out these tips for simplifying your first home purchase.

Research Your Market

The most significant decision to make when looking for a home is determining where you want to live. You want to pick the location that’s right for you and your family, so choosing the right neighborhood is imperative. Research the housing market you wish to buy into and figure out how much homes in that area cost. Starting your research early prepares you for market trends and makes the purchasing process more straightforward.

Luckily, many apps and websites exist online that showcase countless for-sale properties. Their helpful tools allow you to search for a home that will meet all your needs. Open houses are another great resource when researching a market, so look for ads in the newspaper and online.

Stay True to Your Budget

We’ve all seen someone on a real estate reality television show spend far more on a home than their budget would allow. To avoid this mistake, create a comprehensive budget well before your purchase that ensures you won’t spend a dime too much. Aim for a house that doesn’t exceed three to five times the household’s annual income.

When building your budget, consider every aspect of your new neighborhood, as your cost of living may rise when you move. With a complete, air-tight budget, your finances should be in order by the time you sign the dotted line. For additional funds and aid, apply for mortgages and other loans from your local bank.

Use a Good Real Estate Agent

To find the best house, you must hire the best house hunter. Real estate agents assist in all aspects of house hunting and purchasing, making your life far more manageable. A quality real estate agent is familiar with a property’s neighborhood and all of its features. Furthermore, they will advise you through every step of purchasing a home. Ultimately, a good agent greatly helps you narrow down your choices and eventually helps provide you with a beautiful house.

Don’t let the stress of house hunting deter you from becoming a homeowner. With these tips for simplifying your first home purchase, you are well prepared for the buying process and all its challenges.

Cleaning Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier

Are you tired of cleaning your house all the time? It’s never-ending! We’ve compiled a list of cleaning hacks that will make your life easier, providing you will more time for the family or catching up on that TV show.

Combat Garbage Stink With Lemon

Citrus is a miracle worker for fighting against lingering unpleasant smells. Throw half a lemon or a few lemon peels into the garbage disposal, turn on the hot water, and run the disposal for a few moments to clean the blades. The acidity will break down the grime and build-up while leaving a fresh, clean scent.

Baking Soda as a Natural Deodorizer

Baking soda is an eco-friendly, affordable, and safe alternative to the other fresheners that contain many chemicals. This versatile and cheap household item has countless uses, but it makes the best natural deodorizer. Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Dilute the mixture with water in a spray bottle and use it as often as you desire.

Use a Lint Roller to Dust

Are you running low on time to get the vacuum out? Not a problem! Grab your closest lint roller and quickly pick up dust. Use this hack on everything from wood to carpet to glass—and so much more! These handy devices are small enough to fit into all the nooks and crannies of your home without the hassle of moving around big furniture. Lint rollers are incredibly efficient for grabbing all those crumbs that collect in kitchen drawers or handbags.

Wax Paper Clears Away Smudges

Fingerprints and smudges transfer easily on all the chrome appliances of the house. Grab a piece of wax paper and rub it on the fixtures for a smear-free, shiny finish!

Invest in a Robot Vacuum

Robot vacuums are the ideal addition to every household. These excellent, small devices are perfect for busy people or those who plain hate vacuuming. There are many models on the market at various price points. This cleaning hack will make your life easier.

Use White Vinegar As Fabric Softener

It’s time to stop wasting your money on pricey fabric softeners! We have a better solution for you that you most likely have in the house already. White vinegar will soften clothes and remove any lingering detergent. It will also prevent any colors from leeching. Add a fourth of a cup of vinegar to your rinse cycle to notice silkier, softer clothing.

Important Updates for Buildings in Storm-Prone Areas

If your home is located in an area that gets heavy storms, then there are a few important projects that you should consider carrying out. A handful of home upgrades and add-ons could greatly reduce your risk of any catastrophic damage when there are heavy rains and high winds.

Roofing Anchors

Strong winds can wreak havoc on a roof and potentially rip it off entirely. That is why homeowners should take a closer look at roofing anchors that will act as an additional layer of protection against the elements. A local company like Tillotson Enterprise Inc should be able to install those devices within a day or two and carefully inspect your roof for any damage that needs to be addressed.

Backup Generator

It is an unfortunate fact that almost every homeowner is going to lose power at some point over the years, and a loss of electricity is going to impact your family’s safety as well as their comfort. A backup generator can immediately be turned on if the electricity goes out, and a high-quality model should be able to provide you with plenty of power so that you can turn on heaters, run sump pumps, and keep your refrigerator cool.

Storm Windows

There are quite a few reasons why storm windows have become so popular in recent years. In addition to improving your home’s insulation, those types of windows are also designed to withstand everything from flying debris to high humidity levels. Storm windows can also be used to give your home a functional and eye-catching makeover that potentially increases its resale value and boosts its curb appeal.

Sump Pump

Standing water is a major problem following storms, and you need to be sure that you can get rid of excess water as quickly as possible. A sump pump is traditionally installed in a basement or another low area in the home, and it will detect water and immediately pump it out of the home during a storm. In some locations, sump pumps can even be attached directly to a storm or sewage drain so that the water doesn't pool up in the yards or near the foundation of the home.

Even with all of those protective features, your home could still become damaged when a storm blows through. That is why you should always check every inch of your property immediately after a storm of any type of damage.