15 September 2019
Maintaining your home

Maintaining your home

Although the home purchase process is key, maintaining your home is all the more so important if you wish to make sure that its resale value will go up in the end.

For instance, did you know that the less often you use your fireplace, the higher the likelihood of chimney fires? The reason for this is rather straightforward: fire will minimize creosote buildup in chimneys. Additionally, don’t forget that you should have your chimney cleaned on a yearly basis!

Did you also know that it was preferable to wait at least two years before paving your driveway if you have just built your home? It will help the soil become more compact and thereby leave the structure of the house intact. But who really abides by these rules anyway, right? Moreover, it would be wise to use sand or pea gravel in your driveway during winter time rather than de-icing salt.

Finally, maintaining a home is a year-round project that must be carried out no matter what. This involves keeping up with a tight and rigorous schedule as well as performing specific tasks every month, every three months, every six months, in the fall, during winter and once a year (e.g., cleaning your French drain using vertical cleaning conduits). You will find below a sample maintenance schedule for your home.

For further information, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sample Maintenance Schedule
Every Month

  • Clean the filters of the:

-          kitchen hood;

-          furnace;

-          air exchange system.

Every Three Months

  • Add water to floor drains in order to prevent foul odors (if needed).

Every Six Months

  • Test and clean the smoke alarms.
  • Check the weather strips of your doors and windows (lubrication may be required).
  • Repair the roof and check the shingles, especially after windstorms.
  • Clean the gutters.

 

 

 

 

In the Fall

  • Have an evaluation of the roof performed.
  • Store water hoses.
  • Protect trees.
  • Check outdoor sockets.
  • Clean the chimney.
  • Remove leaves from window wells.
  • Remove downspout extensions (if needed).
  • Check discharge pump.

Once a Year

  • Inspect exterior sheathing.
  • Repair cracks in sealing joints and finishes.

During Winter

  • Never use de-icing salt on concrete sidewalks and balconies.
  • Don’t overwork shutters covered in ice.
  • Remove snow from rear balcony and terrace.
  • Keep drains unclogged in case of rain.
  • Be mindful of snow accumulations.

Source for the sample: Abritat