Checklist for a Comfortable, Livable and Safe Home
Running a home successfully is as complicated as running a business. Having one person responsible for home maintenance makes things a lot easier. Although nobody pays you to be the COO of the house, it’s a highly taxing job. Keeping track of all the repair and maintenance work not only makes your life easier, but it also adds value to your property. Confused? Let us explain.
Sandi Pressley, a leading real estate agent in New Mexico compares home maintenance record-keeping to car maintenance records. When buying a new car, you would like to know if it was taken care of or not. The last tune-up, change of tires, or change of oil. If you hand over a maintenance log to the buyer, it adds up to the value of the car. The same rules apply to your house maintenance.
In order to create a home maintenance log, the first step is to gather and organize all the resources in a binder or folder. For example, store manuals of your appliances and systems, warranty cards and other resources. You can also store receipts in the log and create separate pockets for it. To avoid the hassle of handling booklets, you can prepare a paperless version of it by scanning all these documents. Though it is a time-taking process, Microsoft Excel has an easy template for home maintenance. You can have a free consultation with the best available service of home maintenance Chicago has to offer.
Home Maintenance Log
Here is a list of things that you can include in your log:
1- Appliance Manuals and Warranty Cards
In the log, you can file your appliance instructions, warranty information, and records of maintenance. You can also include a copy of your contract if you have a home warranty.
2- Contact Information and Receipts
Store the contact information and receipts provided by your service providers like carpet cleaners, garage door repair, gutter and roof cleaners, solar panel cleaning, etc. Even the information with the home warranty plan for appliances must be stored. Also, keep a log of previously used service providers that you could use again or recommend to someone else.
3- Maintenance Records
Keep a track of all the repairs and replacements in the past, for example, painting, gutter cleaning, repairing walkways, windows, and roof cleaning, etc. It is also important to keep an equipment maintenance log with dates mentioned of when the next servicing/upgrade is due. You need to be sure about when you last performed maintenance and when the next one is due. Thus, a home maintenance schedule would help you in remembering the records.
4- Home Improvement
You can also include interior improvements in the log and keep track of them. Interior improvements include storage systems, overhead fans, and lighting systems, low flow toilets and showerheads. Also, do not forget to add information about replacing or refinishing of floors and cabinets. Apart from interior improvements, keep track of exterior improvements as well such as exterior lighting, solar panel systems, landscaping, pool repairs, tree removal and more. If you paint a part of the house or any specific cabinet, note down the paint brand and color in case you need to repaint it again over the years.
5- Main Switches
In your home maintenance log, you need to add the main shutoff button for gas, water, and electricity or the electric panel. If you have a solar panel installed in your home, also include the location of solar panel control.
6- Neighborhood Information
It is highly recommended to include information about your neighborhood in the log as well. Add information like HOA guidelines, fees and how to get in touch with your homeowner’s association when required.
Ultimate Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist
When it is time to sell your house, the home maintenance log proves to be a valuable tool as it shows how well you have been taking care of your home. It is also another way to impress potential buyers by providing a detailed and comprehensive home maintenance schedule. An easier way to create a checklist is by season.
Here’s a sample checklist by King Builders:
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Final Word
A seasonal home maintenance checklist may seem daunting but it saves you from haphazardly managing a home. There are plenty of maintenance log templates available online for free. Go through the checklist step by step and find a suitable time for every task. If you do not have enough time at your disposal, you can always find a expert handyman Chicago has to offer. Professional contractors at King Builders can take care of all your maintenance tasks from gutter cleaning to roof inspection.
