Home Care & Maintenance

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Regular inspections and maintenance can extend its lifespan by 10-15 years and prevent water damage that could cost $10,000+.

• Clean gutters and downspouts $150-300 Professional
  Remove leaves, debris, and buildup twice yearly. Ensure water flows freely away from foundation. Consider gutter guards to reduce maintenance.
• Inspect shingles for damage DIY or $150-300
  Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Check for granule loss in gutters. Early detection prevents leaks and structural damage.
• Check flashing and seals Repairs $200-500
  Inspect chimney, vents, and skylight flashing for gaps or rust. Verify caulking around penetrations is intact and flexible.
• Trim overhanging branches DIY or $200-600
  Keep tree limbs 6-10 feet from roof to prevent damage and reduce debris. Protects against storm damage and pest access.
• Inspect attic for leaks DIY or $100-200
  Look for water stains, moisture, or daylight through roof boards. Address issues immediately to prevent mold and structural damage.

HVAC systems account for 40-50% of your home's energy usage. Proper maintenance improves efficiency by 15-40%, extends equipment life by 5-10 years, and maintains healthy indoor air quality.

• Replace air filters monthly $5-20/month
  Use quality pleated filters (MERV 8-11). Mark your calendar or subscribe to filter delivery service. Dirty filters reduce efficiency by 15% and strain your system.
• Schedule professional tune-ups $150-300 (twice yearly)
  Service heating in fall, cooling in spring. Includes refrigerant check, electrical inspection, and calibration. Prevents 95% of breakdowns.
• Clean outdoor condenser unit DIY $10 or $80-150
  Remove debris, leaves, and vegetation. Spray fins gently with water. Maintain 2-foot clearance around unit. Improves efficiency by 10-15%.
• Check and clean vents DIY or Duct Clean $300-500
  Ensure all registers are open and unblocked by furniture. Vacuum dust from vents. Balanced airflow prevents hot/cold spots and reduces energy waste.
• Test thermostat accuracy DIY or New $50-250
  Compare thermostat reading to thermometer. Calibrate or replace if off by more than 2°F. Consider upgrading to programmable or smart thermostat (saves 10-23%).

Water damage is the #2 most common insurance claim. Quarterly checks prevent costly repairs and protect your home's structure and contents.

• Check for leaks and drips DIY or Repairs $100-500
  Inspect under sinks, around toilets, and near water heaters. Look for water stains, mold, or musty odors. Early detection prevents major damage.
• Flush water heater annually DIY $10 or Pro $100-150
  Drain sediment to improve efficiency and extend lifespan. Check anode rod every 2-3 years. Water heaters last 8-12 years with proper maintenance.
• Test sump pump seasonally DIY or New $400-800
  Pour water into pit to verify pump activates. Check discharge line for clogs. Battery backup recommended for power outages.
• Inspect washing machine hoses New Hoses $20-40
  Replace rubber hoses with braided stainless steel. Check for bulges, cracks, or leaks. Replace every 3-5 years as preventive measure.
• Clean drain traps DIY or Plumber $100-200
  Remove hair and debris from sink and shower drains. Use enzyme cleaners monthly. Prevents clogs and maintains proper drainage.

Electrical fires cause $1.3B in damage annually. Monthly and annual checks are critical for safety and preventing catastrophic loss.

• Test smoke and CO detectors monthly New Batteries $20/year
  Press test button on all detectors. Replace batteries annually. Replace entire units every 10 years. Install on every level and near bedrooms.
• Inspect outlets and switches Repairs $75-200 per outlet
  Look for loose, warm, or discolored outlets. Check for flickering lights. Address issues immediately to prevent fires.
• Test GFCI outlets monthly New GFCI $15-30
  Press "test" and "reset" buttons on bathroom, kitchen, and outdoor outlets. Replace if they don't trip properly. Prevents electrocution.
• Check circuit breaker panel annually Pro Inspection $150-300
  Look for corrosion, loose wires, or burning smells. Label all breakers. Have a licensed electrician inspect every 3-5 years.
• Inspect fire extinguishers New Units $30-80
  Check pressure gauge monthly. Keep one on each floor and near kitchen. Replace or recharge as needed. Know how to use before emergency.

Interior finishes protect structures from moisture and wear. Seasonal deep cleaning and periodic maintenance preserve beauty and value.

• Deep clean flooring seasonally DIY or Pro $100-300
  Hardwood: use recommended cleaners, refinish every 7-10 years. Carpet: deep clean annually, spot treat immediately. Tile: seal grout yearly.
• Check window and door seals Caulk/Weather Strip $50-150
  Inspect for gaps, cracks, or drafts. Re-caulk as needed. Weather stripping saves 10-20% on heating/cooling costs.
• Clean and lubricate doors/hardware DIY $20
  Wipe down doors, tighten hinges, lubricate moving parts. Prevents wear and ensures smooth operation for years.
• Inspect walls and ceilings Touch-ups $50-200
  Look for cracks, stains, or peeling paint. Address water stains immediately to identify source. Touch up paint to maintain fresh appearance.
• Clean kitchen exhaust filter DIY $10
  Remove and wash range hood filter monthly. Replace charcoal filters every 6 months. Improves air quality and prevents grease buildup.

Foundation and exterior protect your home from elements. Seasonal inspections prevent major repairs and maintain structural integrity.

• Inspect foundation for cracks Repairs $500-10,000+
  Walk perimeter and look for cracks, settling, or water pooling. Monitor cracks over time. Professional evaluation recommended for changes.
• Check exterior siding and paint Repairs $200-1,000+
  Look for peeling paint, rot, or damage. Re-paint or seal every 5-10 years depending on material. Prevents water intrusion and maintains curb appeal.
• Maintain landscaping drainage DIY or Pro $200-1,000
  Ensure ground slopes away from foundation (6" drop in 10 feet). Clear debris from drainage paths. Prevents basement flooding and foundation damage.
• Clean and inspect deck/patio Seal/Stain $200-500
  Check for rot, loose boards, or rusty fasteners. Pressure wash and re-seal wood decks annually. Inspect railings for stability.
• Service garage door DIY or Tune-up $100-150
  Lubricate moving parts, check balance, test auto-reverse safety feature. Tighten hardware. Professional service extends life and ensures safety.