Maintaining a home repair list keeps everything around the house in working order.
Home maintenance is a full-time job. Just like any job, documenting to-do tasks helps to prioritize and keep track of all the little jobs. A home breaks down into separate sections---managing tasks in sections make the lists seem smaller. By simply jotting down the tasks that require attention as they arise, a homeowner can more effectively keep track of needed repairs. Early spring is an ideal time for checking the items listed on your house repair list. Does this Spark an idea?
Yard Care
Performing seasonal maintenance around the outside of the home is the difference between a beautiful yard and a mediocre one. Schedule outdoor tasks such as seasonal fertilizing, aerating, weed control and seeding regularly. For structures such as fences and garden borders, set aside time to examine each section closely for signs of wear or deterioration. Repair the small problems while they are still small.
House Exterior
Staying abreast of potential problems around the exterior of the home is a challenge. Items, such as a sagging soffit or a loose shingle, can be easily overlooked without careful examination. Areas around the external structure that should be placed on the repair list include any signs of wood rot or staining, bug infestations, loose flashing, cracked window caulking and foundation cracks. While the complete list can be exhaustive, it is a good representation of the areas warranting further evaluation.
Electrical Boxes, Switches and Lamps
Electrical items that can make the list include broken or cracked switch covers, light fixtures, damaged ground-fault receptacles, exhaust fans and air-conditioning units. Especially important is the routine cleaning of the air conditioner coils---both evaporator and condenser---improves the cooling efficiency of the unit and reduces energy cost.
Plumbing
Just because most of the home's plumbing is out of sight, it should not be ignored. P-traps and piping under kitchen and bathroom sinks make the list. Examine them for signs of leaks and plan for making repairs to any discrepancies. The water heater is another area to list. Inspect the water heater piping and the tank for leaks. Likewise, leaking toilets and showers can leak several hundred gallons of water over the course of a year if not addressed.
Interior
Items for the interior repair list consist of flooring, baseboards, crown molding, cabinet doors, door jams, paint and ceilings. Signs of water stain on the ceiling or walls indicate either a leaking pipe, or attic plumbing leakage. Sagging doors, or doors that are difficult to close should be listed for adjustment.
Tags: repair list, keep track, list include, make list, water heater
