Protect Your Investment, Avoid Costly Repairs, and Keep Your Home Running Smoothly
Owning a home is one of the biggest financial investments you'll ever make — and like anything valuable, it needs regular care. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or have owned your place for years, staying on top of maintenance can save you thousands of dollars, prevent major issues, and keep your home safe and comfortable.
Here’s what every homeowner should know to keep their property in tip-top shape.
🧰 1. Home Maintenance is an Ongoing Responsibility — Not a One-Time Fix
It’s easy to think of home maintenance as something you only need to worry about when something breaks. But the reality is: routine upkeep is what prevents the expensive stuff from happening in the first place.
Regular inspections, cleanings, and minor fixes help you catch problems early — before they turn into big, wallet-draining disasters.
🗓️ 2. Follow a Seasonal Maintenance Schedule
Your home has different needs throughout the year. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to keep an eye on as the seasons change:
Spring
Clean gutters and downspouts
Inspect the roof for winter damage
Test sump pump
Check for pests and critters
Summer
Fall
Clean chimney and fireplace
Flush and inspect the water heater
Check weather stripping around windows and doors
Rake leaves and clean gutters again
Winter
Insulate exposed pipes
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Keep an eye out for ice dams
Reverse ceiling fans (clockwise)
Sticking to a simple seasonal routine helps prevent both minor issues and major surprises.
🏚️ 3. Ignoring Small Problems Can Cost You Big
That tiny drip under the sink? The flickering light in the hallway? The slow-draining tub?
These might seem like small annoyances, but they’re often signs of bigger problems waiting to get worse. A $50 fix today could save you from a $5,000 repair down the line.
Pro tip: Make a monthly habit of walking through your home, noting anything unusual or out of place.
💡 4. Know What You Can DIY – and When to Call a Pro
Basic tasks like changing filters, clearing gutters, or tightening loose cabinet handles are great for homeowners to tackle themselves. But some repairs — especially those involving electrical, roofing, plumbing, or structural work — are best left to licensed professionals.
Trying to DIY something beyond your skill level can actually cause more damage and cost you more in the end.
🧾 5. Keep a Home Maintenance Log
It might sound extra, but keeping a record of what’s been done — and when — is incredibly useful. It helps you:
Even a simple spreadsheet or notebook will do the job!
🛠️ 6. Set a Maintenance Budget
Most experts recommend setting aside 1–3% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs. For example, if your home is worth $250,000, plan to spend $2,500–$7,500 annually on average.
It may not all get spent every year, but having that cushion helps when something unexpected pops up — because it usually does.
At Trusty House Buyers, we offer a fast, respectful way to sell your home for cash.
