Owning a home, of one’s own, is often, the best moment, of many people’s lives, but, it also requires planning, commitment, and a system of maintaining a house, in a well – planned manner, in order to reduce the potential for excessive tension and stress, in order to enhance the enjoyment. Most new homeowners believe they are, up – to, the task and responsibilities, while often, avoiding taking a closer look at what might be needed, and necessary, and planning accordingly. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly examine, consider, and discuss, a basic system, for getting necessary tasks done, but, doing so, without undo stress, tension, or anxiety, or becoming overwhelmed.
1. Winter: Prepare for this season, by examining the areas, especially exterior, which undergo extensive stresses, during colder weather. Examine concrete areas, such as walk – ways, driveways, foundation areas, steps, etc, and address, even the smallest irregularities, before they become major challenges, etc. In addition, if you live in an area, which gets much snow, bring your snow – blower, etc, in for its Preventative Maintenance, so it is in peak shape, when you need it. Do you have enough shovels, are your leaders and gutters, cleared of debris, leaves, etc, and have you inspected your roof, and addressed potential issues? Also check your insulation, etc, and address air – leaks, etc. Touch – up painted exterior areas, so they minimize chipping, etc, from the extreme weather conditions.
2. Spring: We have all heard of, Spring Cleaning, but, this should be, far more, than simply a concept, but an action plan! Do an interior clean – up, from the stresses, dirt, debris, etc, of the winter. It’s also a good time of year, to do, a few rooms, at a time, of interior painting. Examine any possible damage which occurred because of winter, and address these, sooner, rather than later.
3. Summer: Before the hottest weather, clean and/ or replace the air – conditioner filters, and check/ repair/ etc, if necessary. During Spring, you should have cleaned exterior windows, so you can enjoy summer’s beauty, and sunshine. Check areas, which might require exterior work, such as power – washing, your deck, etc.
4. Autumn/ Fall: After all the leaves have fallen, clean the grounds, and thoroughly remove, especially anywhere near drains, or roof areas. This is the ideal time of year, to have trees pruned, in order to make certain, winter’s snow, does not excessively weaken, the weakest areas. The goal should be safety, and reducing extra work!
This simple plan won’t work, by itself, so you must create, a system, to get it done, rather than procrastinating! Since our house, is usually our single – biggest financial asset, doesn’t it make sense, to protect it effectively and efficiently?
