Create a Home-Maintenance Schedule
Any property is an investment, and it’s best to do everything possible for the upkeep of that investment, including regular maintenance. At Altra Home Décor serving the greater Phoenix area, we know how easy it is to forget the tasks that need to be done, so we’re providing a general idea for when to tackle which elements so you can create a maintenance calendar.
Why It’s Important
Our properties are like our own bodies: they need regular attention. If you skip typical maintenance, you could wind up with expensive repairs or a loss to your property’s value. It also could create safety issues or greater energy costs. Even if you feel like you don’t have time to do the tasks now, you’re likely to kick yourself down the road if you skip them. One easy way to approach them is to divide chores into those that should be done monthly and those that can be done seasonally—this makes all the tasks seem more manageable.
Monthly Tasks
The monthly chores are fairly easy to accomplish and will help keep your home in tip-top shape. HVAC filters. Inspect and replace them as needed to keep up the best air quality. Leaks. Check under sinks, around appliances, and in your basement or crawl space. Water damage can quickly get out of control. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them and replace the batteries if needed. Garbage disposal. Grind ice cubes and citrus peels to clean and freshen the garbage disposal. Window fashions. Lightly dust any blinds or shades.
Spring Tasks Although spring is almost technically over, you can still squeak in these tasks if you haven’t accomplished them. HVAC system. Have a professional perform a routine inspection to ensure your system can take on the challenges of summer. Roof and siding. Inspect your home’s exterior for any signs of damage. Outdoor living spaces. Clean up your deck, patio, and driveway by power washing to remove dirt and mildew. Gutters. Clean out any debris that might have accrued in your gutters or downspouts, to prevent water damage. Air leaks. Be sure your doors and windows are leak-free, to prevent excess heat from entering during the summer.
Summer Tasks With summer around the corner, you can also tackle the following. Trees and shrubs. Trim any overgrowth for aesthetics and to protect your home. Paint. Inspect your exterior paint and do any retouching needed. Foundation. Check for cracks or signs of settling. Ceiling fans and vents. Inspect for and clean any dust buildup. Windows. Check your windows to be sure they open and close properly, be sure your screens are whole, and inspect your window treatments for any signs of excessive wear and tear. Consider replacing anything you can’t fix.
Fall Tasks As the days start to get shorter, it’s a good time to gear up for winter.Furnace. Test your heating system to be sure it can handle any chilly nights. Landscape. Tidy your yard by removing any debris or leaves. Blinds. Clean faux wood or aluminum blinds by submerging them in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent; gently rub to remove dirt, and then reinstall the blind while it’s still damp.Shades. Spot-clean stains with lukewarm water and a soft cloth with a very mild detergent—be sure not to rub!
Summary Using a monthly and seasonal schedule can help reduce that sense of overwhelm regarding home maintenance. With just a little time each month, you can keep the features of your home running like clockwork. And if you find that you need to repair or replace anything, take care of it as quickly as possible to avoid further damage. When it comes to window fashions, as your local Hunter Douglas dealer, we will work with you to identify your requirements and specify the proper custom solution. We will find the balance you need to achieve the look, privacy, daylighting, energy efficiency, and glare reduction that your home needs.
Home Maintenance in the Greater Phoenix Area
Altra Home Decor is your source for window treatments, custom drapery, flooring, and more! We serve the greater Phoenix area, including Peoria, Sun City West, Glendale, and Scottsdale, with a showroom in Surprise. Stop by our locally owned store to view our full-size window treatment displays and sample books. Contact us today to schedule an in-home design consultation!
