Family & LIFE a guide to home maintenance 1
our mission The mission of The USAA Educational Foundation is to help consumers make informed decisions by providing information on financial management, safety concerns and significant life events.
table of contents Making The Most Of Your Home... 02 Repair Warning Signs... 04 Ongoing Maintenance Checklist... 07 Seasonal Checklists... 08 1
making the most of your home You spend most of your time in your home. It only makes sense to take good care of it. With ongoing and preventive maintenance, you can increase the value of your home, control upkeep costs, and maintain a healthier, happier and safer environment for you and your family. This publication provides information on how to keep your home safe and operating efficiently. You will find: Tips for identifying disrepair or safety issues with your home. Maintenance checklists for every season. Important safeguards for preventing damage from natural hazards. 2
Is your contractor on the level? Do it yourself or hire an expert? Before you begin any home maintenance or improvement project, be honest with yourself. Can you handle the job on your own? Do you have the tools, and more importantly, the skills to finish the project with little or no expert help? Quite often, smaller projects can be handled by most homeowners. However, home maintenance can turn into a nightmare filled with unexpected costs without the proper tools and expertise. Consider hiring a licensed professional if the following apply: You need help or are physically unable to complete a task. a job is potentially unsafe (involves climbing tall ladders, completing electrical work or using power saws or other dangerous tools). a job requires skilled electrical, structural or other work that must meet building safety codes. you own an older home built with lead- or asbestos-based materials or outdated wiring. When it comes to home repair, there are few things that cause a homeowner more stress than having to hire a contractor. Countless questions come to mind. Are they reliable? Are they affordable? Will they get the job done right? If there are problems, will they stand behind their work? Here are some tips that can help you avoid becoming another nightmare story: Get a referral Talk to family or friends who recently had home repairs done. Were they happy with the contractor? If so, you may want to speak to them. Ask for referrals Any good contractor should be able to provide you with a few solid references from prior clients. Contact them to learn about their experience. Don t be afraid to go and inspect the work in person. Get several bids Provide the same project parameters to at least three qualified contractors. The bids should be provided to you in writing and be fully itemized. Review each bid carefully to make sure each contractor understands the project and can deliver the desired results. Do a background check Check the contractor s credit history and bank references, verify that the contractor carries both worker s compensation and liability insurance, and make sure there are no complaints against the contractor filed with the local consumer affairs office, builders association, or Better Business Bureau. Get it in writing Most contractors have a standard contract for every job. However, you should be able to write in changes that you both agree to before the job commences. A good contract will have a start and finish date, a procedure for handling change orders, a statement that the contractor will provide lien waivers for himself and all subcontractors and suppliers, and a payment schedule. Source: pbs.org 3
repair warning signs Whether it s roofing, plumbing, or repairing appliances, each home project has its own challenges and risks. It helps to know what to look for: Appliances Note the age and condition of the appliances, including the hot water heater. Look for cracks or rust. Electrical System Check wall outlets to see if they are discolored or feel warm to the touch. A burning smell or unusual odor coming from an appliance or wiring may indicate an electrical system problem. Foundation Check inside your home for cracks or gaps in hard flooring and drywall, especially in corners and around windows. These may indicate a foundation problem. Outside, look for cracks in the driveway, garage floor or foundation. Cracks wider than oneeighth of an inch may be a concern. Natural Hazard Risk If you live in a high-risk area prone to hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, wildfires or other natural hazards, pay attention to the home s yard, structure and building materials. Take steps to improve its ability to resist damage if needed. Plumbing Check faucets and fixtures for drips, low-water pressure or rust stains. Low pressure can be a sign of sediment buildup in your water heater or rust-clogged or undersized supply pipes. Rust stains in sinks or bathtubs can indicate serious pipe corrosion. Roof Damage Outside, look for cracked, ripped or missing shingles. Inside, check the attic, ceilings and skylights for signs of water damage. See if light comes through the roof. Water Damage Look for ceiling stains, warped or damaged wood, soft, swelling or discolored walls or a musty smell in the attic or basement. Yard Note the current and future size of trees growing near your home. Roots could cause cracks in the foundation. View the landscape s overall condition. Is the soil compacted and cracked? Does the lawn and shrubbery appear healthy and well maintained? Year Built Older homes can include lead-based paint, asbestos insulation (particularly around pipes or on exterior siding) and faulty or outdated plumbing and electrical systems. 4
Check into a home warranty service A home warranty can help you offset, or completely avoid, major repair expenses. It can also be a valuable tool for home sellers. Buyers are covered for a year and the warranty is generally transferrable. Consider the following: Check your home s major systems to see if they are covered by the builder s or manufacturer s warranties. For an annual fee, home warranty companies generally offer repair and replacement for major home systems, including heating and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical. For a higher fee, they also may provide service for refrigerators, washers and dryers and other major appliances. Read the entire warranty service contract carefully to understand what is covered and what is excluded. Be prepared to pay an extra service fee for each repair, generally performed by a local company chosen by the warranty provider. Record expenses Keeping track of repair expenses will help you maintain your home s upkeep, control costs and plan for future repairs. Keep a list of completed maintenance, repairs and improvements. Keep it handy for easy referral on a regular basis. Note the item, date, cost and who completed the work. This record will help you plan ongoing maintenance, update your homeowners insurance each year and help substantiate your home s value if you sell. Repair or replace? Your old furnace is always acting up. You need to replace it or do you? You ll want to weigh the original cost of the appliance with the time and money it will take to repair it. (Hint: Professional repair costs can get expensive quickly.) Here are a few basic guidelines to determine whether you should repair or replace an appliance. If your appliance is more than eight years old, it s usually best to replace it. High-end models may be an exception. if the repair is more than half the cost of replacement, replace it. If you paid $150 or less for the appliance, replace it. If your appliance is still under warranty (partial or full), inquire about a repair. Be persistent with the manufacturer. Want to be green? Repair your appliance and help reduce the amount of old appliances that wind up in landfills. Source: consumerreports.org Maintain an emergency fund of at least 3 to 6 months worth of basic living expenses to pay for any unexpected maintenance costs. 5
THE Bottom LINE Taking care of the little, day-to-day things can help you avoid expensive home repairs. Follow these routine steps to keep your home well maintained throughout the year. 6
ongoing maintenance checklist Check washing machine hoses every 6 months. Consider replacing rubber hoses with steel braided hoses. Clean clothes dryer lint screen after each use. Clean the lint screen housing monthly to improve efficiency and prevent fires caused by overheating. Have a professional inspect and clean dryer exhaust duct every 1-3 years. Check hot water heater for rust or cracks. Drain every 6 months to remove sediment and more often for hard water. Have a professional inspect and maintain the heater s anode rod every two years, then every year after the warranty has expired. The anode rod attracts corrosion to protect the steel tank. Clean garbage disposal to improve efficiency and prevent odors. make sure refrigerator door seals are airtight. Clean coils on coil-backed refrigerators. Check the icemaker water supply line for leaks. Clean mineral deposits and calcium buildup from faucet aerators and showerheads. Replace cracked or missing caulk around sinks, showers, bathtubs and toilets. Look for and repair leaks in plumbing fixtures, hoses and appliances. install a water alarm to alert you if water accumulates in your basement. Clean or change filters every 2 to 3 months or as needed in the range hood, central air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and unblocked by furniture or draperies. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters, radiators and cold-air returns. Vacuum and dust at least weekly to reduce allergens and extend the life of rugs and carpets. Clean ashes from fireplace or wood burning stove daily, or after each use. Ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to 7 days. Place them in a metal container, never in paper, plastic or cardboard. Leave outside 7 days or until cold. Check for and repair roof leaks around vents, skylights and chimneys. Inspect basement for dampness. Check dehumidifier and/or sump pump, and clear debris from screens and drains. use mold-killing products to clean areas where mold might grow. Correct water problems immediately to prevent mold damage. Keep rain gutters, downspouts and drainpipes clean. Make sure they channel water away from the house. Prune dead branches from shrubs and trees. Trim branches away from the roof and foundation. Check with utility companies on how to locate and turn off gas, electric and water main controls. Instruct adult and teenage family members as well as anyone who may care for your home in your absence. Keep appropriate tools readily available. 7
seasonal checklists cold weather checklist: Inspect and service heating systems (furnace, fireplace, wood-burning stove and/or space heater). Turn on gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights, as appropriate. Check for gas leaks and adequate ventilation. Change furnace filters monthly throughout the heating season. Inspect and clean chimneys and flues. Check chimneys for loose or missing mortar. Make sure the damper closes securely and remains closed when fireplace is not in use. Remove or cover window air conditioners. Remove window screens and install storm windows, if applicable. inspect roof for damaged, loose or missing shingles that could leak during winter storms or from melting snow. Clean gutters and downspouts frequently to prevent rotting, foundation damage and other costly damage. Tighten loose gutter supports to keep water from getting behind gutters. Home maintenance requirements change with the seasons. Prepare a regular schedule of seasonal maintenance to protect your home and stop the most common and Clean and store or cover garden tools, outdoor toys, furniture and grills. Test generator to prepare for winter storm-related power outages. Use it only outside your home. Fertilize lawn with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage root growth. costly problems before they occur. 8
CONTINUED mulch planting beds to insulate roots from cold temperatures. Keep mulch away from foundation to prevent rotting and insect damage. Clear leaves and debris from lawn, under decks, steps or patios. Insulate exposed pipes. Keep house heated to at least 55 degrees to help protect pipes. Check pipes for cracks. Repair damage immediately. Caulk cracks or holes in outer walls and the foundation. Drain and turn off outside faucets in areas prone to extreme cold. Drain and store outdoor hoses. Keep a trickle of water running indoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Drain irrigation system pipes and turn off the system to avoid freezing and leaks. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors if temperatures drop below freezing to keep pipes warm. Trim trees and shrubbery. Keep outside vents clear of snow or debris. if you have a well, test the water for quality. Well water should be tested for bacteria twice each year. if you have a septic tank, empty it at least once every 3 years. Ask a professional about routine maintenance requirements. Clear snow and ice from your house number and driveway so emergency responders can identify and access your home. Turn off space heaters when you leave the house or go to bed. Prepare swimming pools or hot tubs for the cold season. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries every 6 months. Check gauges on fire extinguishers and recharge or replace, as needed. Keep the attic cold, no more than 5 to 10 degrees warmer than the outside air. A warm attic can melt snow on the roof causing dangerous ice dams to form. inspect and repair insulation in the attic, basement and crawl spaces to prevent heat loss. 9
warm weather checklist: Service air conditioning system before the first hot day of spring or summer. Prepare swimming pools or hot tubs for the warm season. Turn off gas furnace and fireplace pilot lights, as appropriate. Check gauges on fire extinguishers and recharge or replace, as needed. Protect electronics from lightning strikes by plugging them into surge protectors. Test ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets throughout your home. Test sump pump for proper operation, if you have one. Check wood decks and fencing for raised nails and loose or decaying boards. Clear accumulated debris from under decks. Check outdoor play equipment for raised nails and loose or damaged parts. Clean windows, screens and hardware. Inspect exterior siding and paint for cracks or holes. Touch up paint or caulk, as needed. Test and lubricate garage doors. Recalibrate garage door openers, if needed. Replace or repair weather stripping and caulking around drafty windows and doors. look for cracks in asphalt or concrete around your home and repair or reseal them. inspect roof or have it inspected for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing and damaged mortar around chimneys. Check attic fan for proper functioning. Turn on outside faucets or irrigation system to check for leaks. inspect attic, basement and crawl spaces for signs of leaks, or insect or rodent infestation. Reset sprinklers as needed to water your lawn. Regrade soil around the foundation to slope away from the home. monitor basement humidity. If necessary, use a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity levels below 60 percent. 10
Leaving home? be prepared Prepare for a power outage Every season brings the chance of stormy weather and power outages. Here are some things to consider so you re ready if the lights go out. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in every room. Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for light. To prevent fire risk, do not use candles or oil-burning lamps. Have a backup heat source ready, such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Never leave the fireplace or stove unattended when in use. Never use a camp stove, grill, generator, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning device inside your home, garage, basement or any partially enclosed area. These devices produce odorless, deadly carbon monoxide fumes. Use them only outside your home, away from vents, windows and doors. If leaving for an extended period of time, the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) recommends the following steps: Before You Leave: During cold weather, set thermostats to no lower than 55 degrees to keep pipes from freezing. During hot weather, set thermostats to no higher than 85 degrees to keep heat and humidity from harming furniture and other possessions. Turn off main water supply valve to keep water heaters, appliances and pipes from leaking or bursting. Turn off power or gas to your water heater, or have the gas company do it for you. Leave electricity on, but notify utility companies when your home will be vacant. Ask them to notify you via e-mail or text messaging of high usage or an emergency. Notify your insurance company. Turn off and unplug all appliances. Dispose of trash and recycling. Clean dirty dishes, which can attract insects and rodents. Consider installing indoor and outdoor motion lights or timed lighting to give the appearance your home is occupied. When You Return Turn on main water supply valve and carefully check each plumbing fixture for leaks. Turn on power or gas to your water heater, or have the gas company do it for you. Inspect your attic, basement and crawl spaces for signs of leaks or insect or rodent infestation. 11
Maintain & protect your home Home maintenance can seem overwhelming. Dividing the work into ongoing and seasonal checklists will help keep your home safer, more energy efficient and enjoyable for you and your family. For More Information: American Red Cross (800) REDCROS (733-2767) redcross.org Federal Alliance for Safe Homes, Inc. (FLASH ) (877) 221-SAFE (7233) flash.org Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (202) 646-2500 (800) 621-FEMA (3362) fema.gov disasterassistance.gov Insurance Information Institute (III) (212) 346-5500 iii.org Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) (813) 286-3400 disastersafety.org National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (888) 379-9531 floodsmart.gov 12
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