Keller Homeowner’s Guide to Home Maintenance Services
Can you imagine what your home would look like if you never bothered to take care of it? Gutters overflowing, lawn overgrown with weeds, siding that was once white disoloring into shades of black and green…the list goes on.
Yet, it’s not only the exterior of your home that would quickly fall into disarray if you didn’t take care of it. Your tiling would become old and dated, cupboards warped and any damage to your drywall would get worse and worse.
Suffice it to say, the little odd-jobs that seem to pile up are the very tasks that keep your home looking as cozy, welcoming, and safe.
That said, those little odd-jobs can also feel like a lot of work when you already have such a busy schedule. To help you stay on top of your home maintenance tasks, we’ve put together this checklist. We’ve broken it down so that you can stay organized and ensure your home gets the TLC it deserves—while also noting the home maintenance services offered by our Keller Handyman, just in case you need a little support getting it all done.
Home maintenance Services for Your Walls
Your walls are often one of the most overlooked areas of your home that requires regular maintenance. If you don’t have the time or availability to complete these home maintenance tasks on your own, we invite you to contact one of our expert technicians. Our qualified and friendly team is more than happy to help you out.
1. Apply a New Coat of Paint
Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference to your space. Whether you just moved into a new home and don’t like the color or you’re in the mood for a change, our experts can give your walls a fresh coat of paint that will make it look like you renovated—without having to complete any extensive home improvements.
2. Re-Grout Old Tiles
As time goes on, the areas of your home that are used often tend to get worn down. Your bathroom and kitchen are two such areas where the tiling can become old, dated, and dirty. However, you don’t have to completely install brand-new tile to make these areas look refreshed. Rather, remove the old grout and replace it with new grout. If you're not sure how, our technicians can help.
3. Hang Up Pictures
Hanging up pictures is one of those tasks that seems like it should be easy, but always becomes more challenging than initially anticipated. Getting your frames at the right height, making sure they’re straight, and not putting 50 holes into your walls in the process is no easy feat. Don’t let this task fall by the wayside. Our home maintenance service experts are pros when it comes to picture hanging.
4. Mount Your TV
Is your brand-new TV collecting dust sitting in its box because you’re nervous to try and hang it by yourself? We get it. Just like how our team are pros at picture hanging, we can also mount your TV safely and carefully. That way you can enjoy your favorite movie without the hassle of setting your TV up.
5. Fix Damaged Drywall
Cracked, dented, and stained drywall is an eyesore. Additionally, damaged drywall can negatively impact your home’s structural integrity. Be sure to fix your drywall right away so that the damage does not get worse. If you need help, our home maintenance services professionals can make your walls look like new—while also looking for any underlying structural concerns.
6. Dust Floorboards
You probably already regularly dust your shelves, pictures, mantels, and decorative items. However, when was the last time you dusted your floorboards? Every so often, make sure to take a few minutes and give your floorboards a wipe. You’d be surprised at how much dust they’ve collected!
Windows and Doors Home Maintenance Services
Although they are built to last, the windows and doors in your home require a little TLC every now and then. Regular maintenance for your windows and doors keeps your home safe from the elements and looking its best.
1. Seal Cracks and Gaps in Windows and Doors
Sealing any gaps or cracks in your windows and doors will help keep the elements and insects out of your home. The best way to seal any gaps in your windows and doors is through applying new caulking to areas that have seen better days.
2. Install Energy Efficient Windows
Energy efficient windows can make a very positive impact on both your energy bill and your carbon footprint. This is because energy efficient windows help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Call our home maintenance services experts and inquire about window installation to learn more.
3. Oil Squeaky Doors
Squeaky doors can be so annoying, but they are super easy to fix! All you have to do is remove the pin in your door’s hinge, smear a little petroleum jelly on it, and put it back in place.
4. Replace Damaged Doors
Your front door is integral to both the aesthetic of your exterior and for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Maybe your front door has seen better days or you simply want to update the entryway to your home. Our home maintenance services professionals can easily replace your front door so that you can boost your curb appeal and feel safe.
5. Tighten Door Locks
Ensuring your front door’s locks work correctly is key in ensuring you and your family are safe. If the locks have become loose, simply tighten the screws in your door handle. That should fix it!
Clean Your Appliances
Every so often, give your appliances a little love. Keeping your appliances clean will keep them working longer and more safely.
1. Vacuum Refrigerator and Freezer Coils
Vacuum out the coils at the back of your fridge a couple of times a year. These coils push hot air out of your fridge, so keeping them clean will help your refrigerator and freezer to work more efficiently—which increases their longevity and is good for your energy bill.
2. Vacuum Dryer Vents
Did you know that lint is very flammable? If too much lint accumulates in your dryer vents, there is a chance it might catch fire. It might be tricky to access this area, but our home maintenance service experts can help with cleaning your dryer vents.
3. Clean Your Dishwasher
While your dishwasher’s job is to get rid of food residue to keep your dishes clean, help it out every once in a while by cleaning the dishwasher itself. This will help it clean better, smell better, and prevent flooding.
4. Clean Out Your Microwave
Your microwave is one of those appliances that can get grimy pretty quickly. Fight back and keep your microwave fresh with regular cleaning.
5. Clean Out Your Oven
If you’ve never cleaned your oven before, prepare to be amazed. It’s amazing the difference a clean oven can make! Not only will it work better when clean, but you’ll also be able to keep a better eye on dinner without having to peer through blackened build-up.
Home Maintenance Services for Your Home’s Exterior
Maintaining your home’s exterior is just as important as upkeeping its interior. Be sure to complete the following home maintenance tasks at least once a year—perhaps in the spring when the weather is pleasant.
1. Power Wash Your Siding
Power washing can make your siding, deck, and patio look brand-new. However, it’s a dangerous task that should be handled by a professional home maintenance services expert. Power washing has many benefits, including: getting rid of discoloration, cleaning away years of grime on your cement walkway, and preparing your fence for staining.
2. Touch Up Exterior Paint
Just like how a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on the inside of your home, painting your exterior surfaces can do so as well—while boosting your curb appeal at the same time. Be sure to touch up any chipped, old, or discolored paint to make your home look as good as it did when you first moved in.
3. Repair Cracks in Your Stucco
Has the stucco on your home’s walls started to deteriorate? Call the home maintenance services professionals at Mr. Handyman of Keller, Flower Mound and Alliance. We can efficiently repair your damaged stucco and check to see if there are any underlying structural problems that causes your stucco to break.
4. Refinish Your Deck
Refinishing your deck not only helps create an outdoor space you can enjoy, but it also protects your deck’s wood from rotting. To give your deck a mini-makeover, call the home maintenance services professionals at Mr. Handyman of Keller, Flower Mound and Alliance.
5. Cleaning Gutters and Downspouts
Clean gutters and downspouts are very important to prevent flooding and damage to your home. When gutters are filled with debris and muck, they are not able to move water away from your house. This can cause the water to pool around the base of your home, which may cause structural problems. While gutter cleaning can be an unpleasant job, our home maintenance professionals can easily get it done so you can avoid the hassle and the mess.
Safety and Electrical Check
Take a moment once a month to complete a safety check in your home. After all, you rely on your home to keep you safe.
1. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are very important for your family’s safety. At least once a month, check to make sure both detectors are working properly and replace if needed.
2. Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
While you check that your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors are working, note when you last changed the batteries. You should swap out the batteries one to two times a year—just to be on the safe side!
3. Inspect Electrical Cords for Damage
Exposed wires can be very dangerous for your home. Not only can exposed wires cause an electrical shock, but also—in a worst-case scenario—a fire. Take a moment at least once a year to check that you have no exposed extension cords, frayed wires, or damaged phone chargers.
4. Inspect Your Fire Extinguishers
Check on your fire extinguishers a few times a year. Make sure:
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They’re visible and easy to access
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All your family members know where they are
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You look for any physical damage, leaking, and corrosion
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The locking pin is intact and the taper seal is unbroken
5. Replace Dead Lightbulbs
When your light bulbs start to go out, it can turn a pleasant and cozy space into a gloomy home. Replace your lightbulbs promptly to make your home look warm and inviting once again. If your lightbulbs are hard to get to, our skilled technicians can replace them for you.
Other Home Maintenance Services
Last but not least, continue reading to discover the home maintenance tips that often get overlooked by Keller homeowners:
1. Assemble New Furniture
Have you treated yourself to new furniture, but your lovely tables, chairs, or bed frames are still living in their boxes? Between the confusing instructions and fussy parts, furniture assembly can be a frustrating process. Let the pros at Mr. Handyman of Keller, Flower Mound and Alliance take this home maintenance to-do task off your list. We will assemble your new furniture efficiently and carefully so you can finally enjoy it.
2. Give Your House a Deep Clean
Staying on-top of household chores keeps your home in working order. However, your home could benefit from a deep clean a couple of times a year. You’ll be surprised to discover what parts of your home could benefit from a good scrub! Deep cleaning your home may seem like a big chore, but if you get your whole family involved everyone can pitch in to get it done faster.
3. Inspect Your Basement and Attic
Generally, most Keller families spend less time in their basements and attics than other rooms in the house. This means that you’re less likely to notice any issues with leaks, insulation problems, or cracked drywall. Take time every couple of months to check out your basement and attic to catch any issues before they become emergencies.
4. Install Handrails
Handrails improve the safety of your home and can make your house more accessible. Whether for your garage, basement, or in your bathtub, our home maintenance services professionals can help. Inquire about our handrail installation services today.