FAQs

Who is responsible for home maintenance?: Every homeowner is responsible for what you own. If you live in a condominium to townhouse, check your association documents to see what is your responsibility.

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Preventive Home Maintenance Checkup

1. Who is responsible for home maintenance?: Every homeowner is responsible for what you own. If you live in a condominium to townhouse, check your association documents to see what is your responsibility.

2. Why should you do regular home maintenance?: A big reason to do regular home maintenance is to maintain the value of the property. A well maintained home usually sells more readily and usually brings a higher price. A well-maintained house is more comfortable. If you partake in regular care, it will minimize unexpected repair work and expense, so this keeps regular small repair costs from becoming larger. A lender's agreement usually requires the owner to maintain the property to protect the lender's financial interest.

3. What is considered home maintenance?: Home maintenance starts outside with cleaning roof and gutters. Also, cleaning or painting outside wall surfaces is considered maintenance. Heading inside, cleaning floors and walls, vacuuming carpet and keeping sink and shower drains running freely are all great examples of home maintenance.

4. What is involved in home repair?: Exterior home repair is important because it's the first thing a person will see, so replacing broken glass in windows or doors, replacing warped or worn shingles, and repairing a cracked or heaved sidewalk or driveway is the start. On the inside you'll want to replace worn out faucets, repair a broken stair rail, etc.

5. How often should you do maintenance and repairs?: Maintenance and repairs should be done as soon as the need appears. This sooner-the-better practice helps prevent further damage and keeps repair costs down. At least once every 6 months, inspect your house and yard thoroughly to identify items needing work.

6. Who should do the maintenance and repairs?: The homeowner who does his or her own maintenance and repairs saves money. If you are not able to do the work, hire a qualified, experienced repair person. Ask friends for personal recommendations to find a reputable repair person. Ask for written estimates, and do not pay in advance for maintenance or repair services.