If you are like me, the last thing you want to do is work in your home on your days off. But unfortunately, if you don’t keep on top of things, those minor issues will eventually become bigger problems. You could also hire someone to do the work for you, but ask yourself if it is worth the money and effort?

The first thing you need to do is a walk-thru on your home and make a list of everything that requires attention.

To help make it a little easier, I have put together a home maintenance checklist. This way, you can work on a little bit every day and not have to stress about everything at once.

Use this checklist as a general guide which you can add or subtract to fit your needs. You can then break this list down into smaller tasks that you can work on each day.

This will help you to stay organized and make sure that you don’t forget anything.

Check List

1.) Inspect the garage door
2.) Check caulking around tub/shower
3.) Remove dirt from gutters
4.) Replace the furnace filter
5.) Inspect air conditioning unit
6.) Check smoke detectors
7.) Vacuum … Read the rest

Have Your Roof Inspected

Many roofing products claim to repair a damaged roof, but you should have a certified roofing professional inspect your roof to determine what is the best solution to address any unseen issues. This could avoid costly damages and provide peace of mind.

Climate

Some roofs require periodic maintenance. When you live in a cold climate such as Portland, you should have your roof inspected for overall damages every 5 years. The best way to get accurate results is to have a complete inspection done by a professional roofer who is familiar with your climate. In most cases, your roof might only require minor maintenance, which can be performed by your roofing professional.

Common Roofing Issues

Separations in the roof will cause a leak into the attic. Direct water entrance or dampness causes destructive molds and rot. Water and even condensation can damage tiles, plaster, and deteriorate the structure. Air infiltration problems can cause mildew odors in your home, which leads to future damage to the structure. Proper insulation for a home is a great way to prevent this issue and also a great way to save money by lowering your heating and air conditioning bills, as … Read the rest

It takes about three to four weeks to see evidence of termite activity, but once they find their way in, these tiny termites can quickly relocate and can rapidly take over a home. In addition, they reproduce easily from the fragments of food they have access to, like wood trimmings, and insulation, ending up between the main beams of your home or framing. These areas are seldom checked on a regular basis. As a result, an entire wood structure can be quickly destroyed during this time period. There are some things that people don’t know about termites, and that is that they are too small to see before they become a problem, and knowing that you have termites can help you to avoid a serious problem. A professional termite inspection is very important to help determine if you have an infestation and take appropriate action to avoid costly damages to your home since most home insurance companies don’t cover insect damage.

Termites can eat their way into your home

One way they can enter your home is by chipping away wood, which is a tremendous threat and allows them access to food sources. They can also enter through something as … Read the rest

Do any of the existing shingles on your roof need to be removed and replaced? Consider the age of the existing shingles and the condition of the roof. If the roof is in good condition and is facing the right direction, it may be possible to reuse or recycle the shingles. If you’re looking at an entire roof, for example a roof on a building you purchased and are now renting, it may be more feasible to install a completely new roof. Replacing the roof on a rental property will net a smaller profit, but it’s a good decision for a secure future and financial security for the generator.

To avoid purchasing new shingles where you don’t need to, consider matching shingles to the existing ones you already have and then re-shingling the roof. It will help if you keep the current shingles on your roof to maintain the appearance of your home. Any additions or upgrades to the shingles should be based on your physical needs and budget constraints. The most important factor to understand is that both new roofing and repairs to your existing roof will add value to your home.

When contemplating a new roof, consider an … Read the rest

Pantry style sink: A kitchen sink with a small sitting area above it adds a clean, yet compact look to any bathroom. This style is great for any bathroom that also has a laundry area as well as other small storage areas. For even more space, consider installing a stainless steel or other metal sink that fits over the counter.

Oxygenated bath products: Giving your bathroom a spa-like feeling can be as easy as optical add-ons. For example, air fresheners often contain amber-colored crystals while deodorizers also work to make your space smell fantastic, especially when heated in a heated cabinet. Other products that can make your bathroom feel updated and clean are new linens and free-standing candles in a variety of colors.

Custom shelves: If you have a huge amount of wall space and are unsure of where to put it, installing custom shelves can turn your space from ordinary to amazing. Install shelves that span the entire seams between the wall and ceiling in a variety of different sizes. A great way to set up a plan of organization for your new space is to buy some clear shrink wrap and paper that covers the empty space and … Read the rest