Home Maintenance and Repair
As you decide if homeownership is right for you,
one thing you should consider is the ongoing
maintenance and repair of your new home. It's
important to note that not everything breaks or
needs repair at the same time so don't be overly
fearful of expense. The better you maintain your
property, the less likely you are to experience
surprise repairs. The nice thing about the
Montclair, New Jersey and Essex County region is
that we have seasons which act as reminders of
certain types of home maintenance. Here are a few
key areas on which to focus.
Heating and Cooling Equipment
If you have a steam heating system, your furnace
should be "bled" at least a couple of times a month
in the winter months to keep sediment from building
up and air out of the system. You can do this
yourself – it's not hard. Have your home inspector
show you how to do this when he inspects the furnace
at the time of purchase; or ask your plumber to
demonstrate it. Many types of heating systems
require filters to be changed regularly. If you have
baseboard heaters, you'll need to clear the dust on
the coils to ensure that they work properly.
Depending on the type of furnace, you may also need
to oil the pump on a bi-annual basis. All heating
and cooling systems should be serviced annually. If
you have a central air conditioning system, don't
forget to cover the condenser outside in the fall to
keep leaves and debris from getting into it. It’s
also important to drain the hot water heater and
remove any sediment build-up that has accumulated.
This can not only prolong the life of the hot water
heater, it can also help you save money on your
energy bill.
Electrical Circuits and Wiring
Ensuring that there are no shorts in the wiring of
your home is essential. The best way is to have the
system evaluated by a professional - although your
inspector will open the electrical panel at the time
of purchase to look for any potential problems. One
thing that you can do occasionally is to test each
circuit breaker in the panel. Turn each one off, and
back on again. If you notice one particular circuit
tends to shut down, consult a professional.
Faucets and Water Pipes
Drips are a relatively common in many homes.
Replacing a washer is often a simple fix. However,
it can sometimes be more complicated than that.
Check under the sink for water stains or for loose
tiles around your shower and bath faucets where
water can cause some hidden damage. If you have
water that isn't draining properly, call a
professional.
Water Drainage Problems
Check your basement after a rainfall for any
type of dampness or accumulation of water. If you
have only dampness, a dehumidifier may solve the
problem. Be sure to clean it on a regular basis.
Sometimes, installing a sump pump can remediate the
problem. However, water may be coming 'up' through
the foundation floor from the ground, or coming
'down' from a roof or clogged gutter problem. If
it's ground water, you may need a French Drain which
is, indeed, expensive. Although, it's not quite as
expensive as having repeated property damage every
time it rains! The water table in your community is
an ever-changing thing. If you – or your neighbor -
do any major landscaping, it could also change the
flow of water around your house. A home which has
never had water problems before may suddenly
experience basement flooding. Always consider a
French Drain before renovating or finishing a
basement.
Fireplace and Chimney
Clean the fireplace annually by having it
professionally swept, and make certain the damper
closes. Have the chimney lining inspected and check
the chimney for any loose bricks or mortar on the
outside. Repairing this is called 're-pointing' the
chimney and is a great thing to do every now and
then so it doesn't get out of control or cause the
structure to be compromised..
Roof and Gutters
Look for missing shingles or other problems on a
bi-annual basis. When the shingles are more than
about a thumb's width apart from each other, the
roof might be 'at the end of its useful life' where
it's not yet leaking but may soon cause you
problems. While you're up high, clean out both your
gutters and your drainpipes – especially in the fall
when leaves can clog them and cause water to leak
into the house.
Windows and Doors
If you have storm windows, remember to pull them
down and the screens up in the fall which helps to
keep heat in the house. Look for drafts around doors
or windows and use a weather sealer.
Smoke Detectors, Carbon Monoxide Detectors and
Fire Extinguishers
Most towns like Montclair, Glen Ridge, Verona and
West Orange, New Jersey require that you have
working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Check
the batteries twice a year for your family’s safety.
Don't forget to check that the fire extinguisher(
which should be mounted in or just outside the
kitchen) is working, too. |
