The Essential Guide for New Homeowners: How to Keep Track of Home Maintenance

Written by Wena Roeloffze, REALTOR and Lifestyle Expert. Owner of Realty Club 74, brokered by Coldwell Banker Realty.

Becoming a homeowner is a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with excitement and responsibility. As you settle into your new abode, one crucial aspect often overlooked is home maintenance. Keeping track of routine maintenance tasks can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you can ensure your home remains in top condition for years to come. In this guide, we'll explore practical tips and tools to help new homeowners stay on top of their home maintenance.

1. Create a Home Maintenance Calendar:

Start by compiling a list of essential maintenance tasks required for your home, such as HVAC system checks, gutter cleaning, and appliance servicing. Once you have your list, create a monthly or quarterly calendar outlining when each task needs to be completed. You can use digital calendars like Google Calendar or smartphone apps to set reminders and stay organized.

I would suggest that you use your Home Inspection Report as a foundational guide for this. Your home inspector made notes about maintenance items, repair items and deferred cost items. Use that as a measure to know when and how soon you should give attention to those aspects. If you didn’t have a home inspection before your purchase, you can still have a home inspector come out and give you an overview of the condition of your home.

At Realty Club 74, we offer personalized home maintenance reports, paint color recommendations, as well as names of reputable and professional vendors.

2. Set Reminders:

In addition to a maintenance calendar, set up reminders on your smartphone or computer to alert you when it's time to perform specific tasks. Whether it's changing air filters, testing smoke detectors, or inspecting the roof, timely reminders will ensure you stay proactive in maintaining your home. I usually recommend that you choose your closing date for changing batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, filter changes and services of mechanicals. This date is significant for me too and I will always send you happy home anniversary notes, so that you definitely will never forget.

3. Keep Important Documents Handy:

Organize and store all relevant documents related to your home, including warranties, user manuals for appliances, and receipts for repairs. Having these documents readily accessible will make it easier to reference information and track the maintenance history of your home. Whether you are a client or not, we provide beautiful storage files for all your real estate paperwork.

We recommend that you keep your mortgage agreement, closing statement, deed, title insurance and home warranty and other insurance all together. Also, keep receipts and lien waivers for work completed and create a document to log all your updates on the home. This will be super helpful when you need to resell your home and show which updates increased the value of your property.

4. Invest in Home Maintenance Apps:

Utilize technology to your advantage by downloading home maintenance apps that can streamline the process. These apps often provide customizable checklists, reminders, and tips for maintaining various aspects of your home. Some popular options include HomeZada and Centriq. With so much new technology available to home owners, feel free to browse and see what can make your life easier. I am such a paper freak, but I am very excited about all the features that we can make use of on these and other apps.

5. Conduct Regular Inspections:

Schedule regular inspections or servicing of appliances of your home to identify any potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Walk around the exterior and interior of your home, checking for signs of water damage, pest infestations, or wear and tear. Addressing problems early can save you both time and money in the long run. I have seen countless times how a simple gutter clean, correct grading and downspouts could have saved homeowners thousands of dollars in basement repairs. If you don’t know what to look for, ASK! Realty Club 74 is not only dedicated to selling and buying of homes, we are super dedicated to help you keep your property in tip top shape and improve your property for a high resale return and profitable asset equity.

6. Budget for Maintenance Costs:

Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for home maintenance expenses. Unexpected repairs and replacements are inevitable, so having a financial cushion will help alleviate the financial burden when these issues arise. You can also invest in a home warranty program that will alleviate a lot of stress around that sump pump that seemed just fine yesterday….

7. Consider a Home Maintenance Service:

If managing home maintenance tasks feels overwhelming, consider hiring a professional home maintenance service. These services typically offer regular inspections, maintenance checks, and repairs, giving you peace of mind knowing your home is in capable hands. Realty Club 74 can put you in touch with a company that will be able to fit your requirements and budget.

8. Prioritize Safety:

Above all, prioritize safety when performing home maintenance tasks. Familiarize yourself with safety protocols and equipment necessary for tasks such as working at heights or handling electrical systems. When in doubt, consult with a professional to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Home Depot offers workshops on DIY projects and maintenance - some of them are free to join.

Owning a home is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. By implementing a proactive approach to home maintenance and utilizing the tips outlined in this guide, new homeowners can effectively keep track of maintenance tasks and preserve the longevity of their investment. Remember, staying on top of maintenance not only enhances the value of your home but also creates a safe and comfortable environment for you and your loved ones to enjoy for years to come.

If you are not a new homeowner and feel overwhelmed with all the home maintenance that are lagging behind, fill in this form and we will assist you in getting it all organized and done.