By Michael Gruber, President, Building Industry Association of Stark & East Central Ohio
One of the keys to keeping your home comfortable and operating smoothly is regular home maintenance.
Homeowners who neglect regular home maintenance are at risk for incurring large and unexpected expenses. In addition to an unwanted expense, a home in disrepair can decrease your home’s value and make it harder to sell.
Experts strongly recommend regularly inspecting and cleaning your home. I checked with some of our members to find out what should be done. Our members said to help save time and money, consider tackling the following easy fall maintenance projects to keep your home well running both inside and out.
Monitor your roof for damage
Ensuring your roof is in good shape requires a simple visual inspection.
Steve Lapp of Trademark Exteriors says, “If shingles are cracked or missing, it is a sign your roof needs to be repaired. Another sign is water leaking through a chimney or skylight. Mold, insects, mildew or electrical problems are common problems associated with roof leaks and, if left unattended, can lead to a costly repair. If you’re not sure if your roof needs a major or minor repair, consider contacting a professional roofer for an assessment.”
Inspect your heating system
Before you switch on your furnace for the winter, consider scheduling an appointment with an HVAC professional to inspect your unit.
Derek Shanklin of Shanklin Heating & Air Conditioning says, “You don’t want to wait until the cold winter months to discover your unit isn’t working at an optimal level. Problems associated with a poorly maintained HVAC unit could result in higher energy bills and possibly a high repair bill. A heating system serviced by a professional will help extend the life of your unit.”
Check up on faucets and sinks
A leaky faucet is more than a minor annoyance. Over time, a small continuous drip results in many gallons of wasted water, a high water bill, and even mold.
“A warning sign of a possible leak is water pooling around the faucet handles,” says Luke Grabill of Grabill Plumbing & Heating. “Leaks at the base of the faucet can damage the flooring or wood below. A professional plumber can immediately address the issue before too much water harms your home.”
Clean gutters and downpours
Water damage or mold accumulation can occur on the inside or outside of your home if gutters are clogged. Gutters protect your home’s roof, foundation and walls by controlling the flow of rainwater from your roof.
To avoid water damage, clean your gutters at least a couple of times a year and replace any that are damaged. Also make sure that your downspouts and the rain leaders or pipes those empty into are unclogged and free flowing. Before stepping on a ladder to clean out your gutters, always remember to read the warning labels and instructions and understand how to safely use a ladder.
The BIA of Stark & East Central Ohio has many members who can help you with maintenance & repairs to you home. For more home maintenance tips to tackle this fall, contact the BIA at 330-494-5700.
https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/2021/10/15/real-estate/6102236001/
