Home Maintenance Checklist - Part 4

We started this home maintenance series because when we say “love where you live”, we also mean showing your home the love and care it needs to stay in the best shape over the lifetime of your ownership. This is the final post in our four part series (think quarterly maintenance). Check out part 1, part 2, and part 3 too!

(Quick reminder - we share a short list of home maintenance items that are approachable in our newsletter each month. Sign up using the form below to be added to the list.)

Here are the top recommendations for home maintenance this winter from Taylor Vreeken at Professional Inspection Services. 

1. Water heater Maintenance (annually)
   Tanked water heaters should be drained annually to avoid sediment buildup and to retain intended efficiency. Tankless water heaters require a little more effort and can be accomplished with kits available online or can be completed by a plumber. 

2. Check exterior ventilation screens to avoid rodent intrusion (annually)
   Very simple and vastly underrated. Attic screens, crawlspace screens, bathroom exhaust ventilation screens, etc., should be screened to avoid rodent intrusion into the envelope of the building. When it starts getting cold and wet outside rodents love an opening into a cozy house

3. Prepare for winter storms (annually)
   Heavy rains and high winds can cause primary and secondary damage. It’s a good idea to store lightweight outdoor furniture, trampolines, basketball hoops, etc., to avoid damage to people or property during aggressive storms. It’s also a good idea to evaluate large trees adjacent to your house that may be diseased or damaged and have the potential to fall during high wind activity. 

4. Bonus item: if you reverse the direction of your ceiling fan and keep it on a low speed it will drastically increase the feeling of warmth in a room - especially with high or vaulted ceilings 

And just a reminder, you can also have your home inspected by an expert annually to get a list of items that might need to be addressed to keep your home in good condition. Or if you need a recommended vendor to help with any work, we have an extensive list. We’d be happy to put you in touch with trusted professionals in the local San Luis Obispo County area that can help. Reach out!