What Types of Maintenance and Upkeep Do Newly Built Homes Require?

Owning a home is one of the most significant investments you will likely make in your life and is often a symbol of your hard work. However, homeownership also comes with the responsibility of routine maintenance. Even the newly built homes for sale in Spanish Fork, need upkeep and routine maintenance to keep them in good working order and condition. Maintaining a newly built home means keeping it clean, organized, and functional so that it continues to be a source of comfort, pride, and happiness for many years to come. Our Salem, Utah home builders agree that there are a few simple ways to keep a new home in good condition:

1. Cleaning. Regular cleaning is imperative to keeping a home looking its best. Vacuuming carpets, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces like floors and counters, dusting, and washing windows are a few basic cleaning routines that can keep your home looking great and germ-free, by preventing dirt, dust, and debris build-up.

2. Organization. Keeping your home organized makes a big difference in its appearance, functionality, and level of cleanliness. Find easy ways to store like items by bundling them together in bins, using file folders for paperwork, and keeping clutter to a minimum by throwing away unnecessary or unwanted items often.

3. Keep gutters clear. One important home maintenance task you can do to keep your home safe and operating smoothly is cleaning out your gutters every spring and fall. Leaves and other pieces of tree debris can back up and clog your gutters, causing water flow problems or water accumulation near the foundation of your new home.

4. HVAC system checkup. The heating and cooling system makes your home comfortable. Simple maintenance on your HVAC system is as easy as checking and replacing the air filters. Test the thermostat as well to make sure it is working properly. And, timing is everything. It may be a good idea to have your system tuned up before you need the heater or air conditioner.

5. Plumbing and electrical. Checking for leaky pipes, dripping faucets, and clogged drains is one of the simplest things you can do to maintain the plumbing in your new home. Leaks and standing water are the number one cause of water damage and mold or mildew growth in homes. Make it a point to periodically tighten faucets and pipes and clear drains. Electrical maintenance is important to the safety of your home and its occupants. While major electrical projects should be hired out, you can certainly take care of checking power outlets for overload, replacing broken outlet covers, and keeping electrical boxes clear and easy to access. You can also change light bulbs or swap out bulbs for a lower wattage or more energy-efficient variety.

6. Roof inspection. Routine home maintenance should always include inspecting the condition of your roof. Winter snow and ice as well as heat and intense sun can damage and wear down shingles and other roof materials, even on newly built homes. Roof damage can cause leaks and expensive repairs, which can be avoided with a roof inspection every couple of years.

7. Landscaping/Yard. Chances are your newly built home has a newly planted yard with grass, trees and other plants. Maintaining your new yard means watering new grass or sod frequently to ensure that roots grow and establish themselves in the ground. Another priority for yard maintenance is mowing your lawn on a consistent basis as well as trimming back trees and bushes and picking up leaves, branches, rocks, or other tree droppings. This will keep your yard in good condition and looking great.

Additional Annual Home Maintenance items

By keeping up on simple maintenance tasks, you can avoid things inside or outside your home breaking unexpectedly, and oftentimes prolong the need for any major repairs. With these basic upkeep tips, you can ensure your newly built home remains in good condition and continues to provide a comfortable and safe place to live.