8 home maintenance tips for new homeowners
Home sales in 2021 resulted in record-breaking home sales across the country, and 2022 may be even busier.
If you recently purchased a home, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following maintenance tips:
• Perform home maintenance regularly. Regular home maintenance reduces allergens, prevents illness, and reduces injury from accidents. In addition, it can help you identify needed repairs before they become too serious, saving you time and money in the long run. Many homeowners use seasonal checklists to help them stay on top of home maintenance all year long. Another aspect of home maintenance is cleaning your home.
• Keep the lawn tidy. Not only will a well-kept lawn improve your home’s curb appeal, but it will also make for an enjoyable place to spend time outside with your family. Lawn care also keeps harmful pests, such as snakes and mice, from making their home too close to yours.
• Inspect the roof .A leaky roof can cause a plethora of problems, so it’s wise to inspect your roof a few times each year, and especially after severe weather. Make sure there are no missing shingles, leaks, or other kinds of damage. You can prevent damage by clearing dead or low-hanging branches away from your roof and removing debris. If at any point you find that repairs are necessary, roofing contractors can assist with repairing or replacing your roof.
• Keep air ducts clean. As a general rule, plan on having your home’s air ducts cleaned every three to five years. However, if you notice mold, vermin, or large amounts of dust clogging the air vents, you should get your air ducts cleaned by a licensed HVAC technician as soon as possible. Clean air ducts will improve the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, and extend its life. Verify licensing by checking with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation at www.tdlr.texas.gov.
• Watch for plumbing problems. Take a peek at your plumbing and fixtures as you perform regular home maintenance to make sure there are no leaks. Ask friends and neighbors to recommend a reputable plumber in the area and keep their number on hand, in case an emergency arises. Confirm a plumber’s license by visiting the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners’
website at tsbpe.texas.gov.
• Add a fresh coat of paint. Quality exterior paint helps protect your home from insects and weather damage. Quality interior paint can protect your home from moisture and increase its value too. Both are important and should be evaluated every few years.
• Get professional help with remodeling. Unless you have a background in construction, it’s best to leave large remodeling projects to professionals. Plan your project and budget ahead of time. Then look for a construction or remodeling contractor who specializes in remodeling you need.
• Beware of home
improvement scams.
Home improvement scams abound, so watch out for red flags, such as highpressure sales tactics, cashonly deals, and contractors who don’t sign contracts. Always check references. Check with the BBB at BBBHouston.org to find reputable contractors and verify licensing, for any licensed trades you hire.
Visit www.bbbhouston.org or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is BBB vice president of operations. Send questions to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or email lnapoliello@bbbhou.org with address and phone number.