Even if you consider yourself a jack of all trades, there are likely to be projects that you simply cannot take on yourself. When these occur, you’ll want to have a reliable handyman on speed dial.
When selecting a handyman, try to find one that offers a warranty on their work. This is a sign of good faith and will be useful in the event that anything goes wrong.
Inspect Your HVAC System
Whether you are buying a new home near Berlin, MD or you are already the owner of one, an HVAC inspection is a must. Getting an inspection can help you determine the current state of your HVAC system as well as how much it will cost to maintain. It can also reveal any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
Investing in routine maintenance for an HVAC system can save you money and prevent major problems in the future. It is a great way to keep your home safe and comfortable all year round.
In addition, routine maintenance will ensure that your home stays as energy efficient as possible. This is especially important in Texas where the summer temperatures can reach 95 degrees Fahrenheit. A professional HVAC technician can make sure your air conditioning system is working correctly and efficiently.
A professional will evaluate the condition of your system as well as determine its age and overall life expectancy. Then, they will provide a report that includes their findings and recommendations.
The most important thing to remember about an HVAC inspection is that it should only be done by a licensed professional. Attempting to perform an inspection yourself can void your warranty and lead to expensive repair bills down the road.
When performing an HVAC inspection, it is helpful to clear away any debris or obstructions that may be in the area of the unit or ductwork. This will make it easier for the inspector to access the components and determine their current condition.
It is also a good idea to replace your filter regularly to ensure that the air quality in your home remains at a high level. Changing your filters can make your air conditioner run more efficiently and prevent damage to the system in the long run.
It’s also a good idea to clean your evaporator coil with commercially available no-rinse coil cleaner to reduce dust and dirt buildup. Additionally, you should check to make sure your ducts are free of any obstructions and that they are properly air sealed.
Clean Your Gutters
Clogged gutters may not be the most pleasant household chore, but they’re certainly not something you want to ignore. Without a functioning gutter system, water can flow over the sides of the house and onto the foundation, potentially leading to structural damage and even mold. A simple task like cleaning your gutters can help prevent these problems.
However, the task can be tricky and dangerous if you don’t know how to do it properly. For starters, it’s important to use a sturdy ladder and make sure that it is securely in place before you climb up there. It’s also recommended that you put on heavy-duty work gloves and a pair of safety goggles. Additionally, it’s wise to lay a tarp down underneath your ladder to protect the ground below from any falling debris. Before starting, it’s also helpful to have a gutter scoop or small garden shovel on hand to remove the gunk from the gutters and to deposit into your bucket. You can also use an old plastic kitchen spatula or similar tool, as long as it won’t damage the gutters. Once the gutters are clean, you should use a hose to flush them down and make sure that downspouts are fully functional as well.
You can use the same hose that you used to spray down your gutters to also rinse out any remaining dirt from the surface of your roof and walls. This will also give you the opportunity to re-seal any areas of your home that need it.
It’s also a good idea to paint over any rusty or chipped spots of your roof and siding that are showing wear, as this will help preserve them and keep them looking great for years to come. If you’re not comfortable or able to do this job yourself, hiring a professional is a great option.
These 11 essential home maintenance tips for new homeowners are a great way to get started with keeping your property in top condition. While it’s never enjoyable to tackle these tasks, they’re far more worthwhile than dealing with the costly consequences of ignoring them.
Inspect Your Siding
Siding is one of the most important parts of a home, but it’s not something that people tend to think about too often. If you neglect your siding, however, it can become damaged and lead to water infiltration. That’s why it’s so important to inspect your siding regularly. This can help you spot any problems that need to be addressed before they cause further damage and cost you more money.
One of the most common problems with siding is rot. This can be particularly problematic in areas that have contact with soil, where roofs and walls meet, and around windowsills and trim. To check if an area is rotting, you can visually inspect it or poke at it with a screw driver to see if it’s soft. If it is, it may be time for a replacement.
It’s also important to look for any cracking or holes in your siding. These can be a sign of water infiltration and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Additionally, if you notice any paint that’s cracking or flaking, it’s important to have it repainted as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Siding isn’t usually something that homeowners do on their own, so it’s important to hire a professional for any siding repair or replacement. A professional will be able to inspect your siding and recommend any repairs or replacements that you may need.
Inspect Your Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are one of the first lines of defense against fire danger. However, they only work if they are functioning correctly and if their batteries are fresh. It is recommended that you test your smoke detectors regularly, using the test button or by following the manufacturer’s instructions. You should also change your batteries regularly, or as soon as you hear the chirping that indicates the battery is low. Depending on the type, you may also need to clean your detectors or vacuum them. You should replace your detectors every 10 years.
A lot of homeowners are busy and don’t have time to keep up with routine maintenance. This is where a local handyman can help. A good handyman will have a portfolio of past jobs and can provide references you can contact. They should also have liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.
As a professional handyman, you should always have a contract for your services, even for small weekend projects. This will protect you in case something goes wrong or the client is unhappy with your work. The contract should include the work that will be done, a start date and a finish date. It should also detail any materials that will be used, how much the job will cost and any payment terms.
Whether you are working on a home or a commercial property, it’s important to be able to visually check that the safety detectors look like they are able to operate properly. This includes not having any physical damage to the unit, and that it isn’t obstructed in any way that would limit smoke from entering the sensing chamber. Examples of obstructions include leaving the bright orange shipping cap on a detector or taping over the sensor, both of which can render the detector inoperable.
Keeping up with these basic maintenance tasks can help prevent costly repairs in the future. It’s best to get in the habit of these routine tasks early on, before a problem arises. Many of these tasks can be easily com