Top 10 Things Every Homeowner Should Do Once a Year

Homeowners Yearly Checklist

Jacque Vaughan, Real Estate Strategist

Homeowners in Richmond City and Surrounding Central Virginia, like homeowners in any other state, should perform regular annual maintenance to keep their homes in good condition and prevent costly repairs down the line. Here are some common annual maintenance tasks for homeowners in Richmond Virginia:

1. Gutter Cleaning: At minimum clean out gutters and downspouts in the spring and fall to prevent clogs that can lead to water damage.

2. Wood Destroying Inspection: Or popularly known as a termite inspection is essential, especially if you do not visit your crawl space regularly.  Since it is required when selling your home in Virginia, you may want to contact the same company that completed the initial inspection.  Ask your inspector if they noticed any items of concern like leaks, or falling down insulation that you should also address.

3. HVAC Maintenance: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection and maintenance service before the start of the heating and cooling seasons to ensure your system is running efficiently.  Changing your filters monthly will greatly improve the life of the system.

4. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly.

5. Roof Inspection: Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles, as well as signs of wear and tear. Repair or replace damaged shingles as needed.

6. Landscaping: Prune trees and shrubs, clean up debris, and maintain your lawn to keep your property looking its best.

7. Chimney Inspection: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional annually to prevent chimney fires.

8. System Inspections:  If you have a septic system, schedule regular inspections and maintenance as recommended by a professional.  If you have an irrigation system,  sump pump, or tankless water heater add these to the list!

9. Safety Checks: Review your home safety measures, including fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and emergency plans. Deep cleaning of bathroom exhaust fans, and dryer vents is also safety preventative maintenance.  Ensure all are up to date.

10. Review Home Insurance: Review your homeowner's insurance policy annually to make sure you have adequate coverage.  If you haven’t already - consider life insurance, and consulting with an estate planning attorney about setting a plan regarding your house, living will, and other important conversations before it is too late.

Virginia experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, so tailoring your maintenance tasks to the seasons is essential. Regular maintenance can help protect your investment and maintain the value of your home over time. Additionally, consider creating a maintenance schedule or checklist to help you stay organized and on top of these tasks.

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Jacque Vaughan

Licensed Associate Broker in the Commonwealth of Virginia