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Owning a home in Northeast Mississippi means living in an area with a rich cultural heritage and abundant natural beauty, surrounded by Alcorn, Prentiss, Tishomingo, and Tippa counties. As homeowners, Jumper Realty takes pride in our properties and wants to make sure they stay in the best possible condition. That’s why regular home maintenance is crucial, not just for our health and safety but also to enhance the overall value and appeal of our homes in the long run.
Learn the top home maintenance tips for Northeast Mississippi homeowners to help protect your investment and ensure a comfortable living environment. These tips will cover various aspects of your home, from seasonal checklists and outdoor aspects to interior living spaces and essential systems maintenance.
When it comes to home maintenance, a little bit of effort goes a long way in preserving and enhancing the value of our homes. So, let’s get started on the journey of keeping your property in top-notch condition with these essential home maintenance tips.
Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist
Spring:
- Inspect Roofing for Damage and Leaks: Harsh winter weather can damage your roof, so check for broken, lifted, or missing shingles. Also, examine flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents for any gaps or leaks.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove debris such as leaves and twigs, then flush your gutters and downspouts with water to ensure proper drainage. Also, ensure that water is directed away from your home’s foundation.
- Service your HVAC System: Hire a professional to clean and inspect your air conditioning unit. This will ensure that your system is running efficiently, prolong its lifespan, and prevent costly repairs down the road.
- Prepare Your Lawn: Rake up any remaining leaves from winter, and aerate, fertilize, and seed your lawn as necessary. This will promote strong, healthy grass growth throughout the warmer months.
- Check and Repair Window and Door Screens: Repair any holes or damage to window screens to keep insects out of your home. Replace torn or worn-out weatherstripping around doors and windows to conserve energy.
Summer:
- Inspect and Maintain Your Deck: Check for rotting, loose boards, and protruding nails. If necessary, seal or re-stain your deck to protect the wood from the elements.
- Clean Windows and Exterior Surfaces: Wash your windows, siding, and other exterior surfaces to remove dirt, mildew, and algae build-up. Use a pressure washer if necessary, but take care not to damage your siding.
- Check and Repair Sprinklers: Inspect your sprinkler heads, and ensure they are working correctly, and angled away from your home’s foundation. Fix any leaks or replace broken sprinkler heads.
- Seal Cracks in the Driveway and Walkways: Cracks in concrete or asphalt can lead to water damage and further deterioration. Fill and seal these cracks to prevent future issues.
- Prune Trees and Shrubs: Trim overgrown hedges and remove dead or dying branches from trees to prevent damage to your home during storms.
Fall:
- Schedule a Furnace Inspection: Hire a professional to clean and inspect your heating system to ensure it’s in good working condition for the winter months.
- Clean and Maintain Your Fireplace and Chimney: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have it professionally cleaned and inspected for safety. Stock up on firewood if necessary.
- Insulate Water Pipes: Prevent frozen pipes by insulating exposed water pipes in unheated areas such as the garage, crawlspace, or attic. Also, detach and store garden hoses for winter.
- Rake and Remove Leaves: Keep your lawn healthy by raking leaves to prevent mold and fungus growth.
- Clean Dryer Vents: Lint buildup in your dryer vent can pose a severe fire hazard. Clean your vent and exhaust duct to prevent any risk.
Winter:
- Inspect and Maintain Your Water Heater: Flush sediment from your water heater’s tank to maintain efficiency. Inspect and replace the anode rod if it’s corroded to prolong the lifespan of your water heater.
- Prepare for Snow and Ice Removal: Stock up on ice melt, sand, and shovels. Invest in a snow blower if necessary and ensure it’s in good working condition.
- Check and Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure all detectors in your home are working correctly and have fresh batteries to keep your family safe.
- Inspect and Maintain Attic Insulation: Proper insulation ensures that your home retains heat, reducing energy costs. Inspect your attic and add insulation if necessary.
- Seal Drafts around Windows and Doors: Apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal any drafts and prevent cold air from entering your home.
Managing Interior Living Spaces and Systems Maintenance
Plumbing Maintenance:
- Periodically Check for Leaks: Inspect faucets, showerheads, and pipes under sinks for signs of leaks. Fix any issues immediately to prevent water damage and mold growth.
- Inspect and Clean Drains: Remove hair, soap scum, and debris from sink and shower drains to prevent clogs. Use a plunger or drain snake for stubborn blockages.
- Test Water Pressure: Use a water pressure gauge to ensure your home’s water pressure is within a safe range, around 40-70 psi. High water pressure can lead to leaks and damage to pipes and appliances.
Electrical Maintenance:
- Test and Maintain Electrical Outlets: Ensure all outlets and switches are working properly and don’t show signs of overheating. Hire a professional electrician to address any issues.
- Look for Frayed Wires and Cords: Replace any damaged cords or wiring to prevent electrical fires.
- Test Your Home’s Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Outlets: Ensure they’re functioning correctly to protect you from electrocution in wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Expert Home Maintenance Advice and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Prioritize Preventive Maintenance: Invest time, effort, and money into preventive maintenance rather than waiting for problems to arise, which can result in costlier repairs.
- Keep a Home Maintenance Schedule: Create a calendar to track your maintenance tasks and ensure you don’t neglect any crucial aspects.
- Hire Professionals When Necessary: While DIY projects can save money, hiring professionals for specific tasks, like electrical or HVAC work, ensures the job is done correctly and safely.
Conclusion
Proactive home maintenance is essential for preserving the value and appeal of your Northeast Mississippi property. By following this comprehensive guide and prioritizing preventive measures, you can make informed decisions to protect your investment.
If you ever need professional assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jumper Realty, Northeast Mississippi’s #1 real estate firm, for all your real estate needs!
