Custom Home Maintenance: A Guide for New Homeowners

Owning a new custom house offers a more enjoyable life with personalized designs and high-quality materials. However, these features require special attention and care to keep your home beautiful and functional for years. To simplify maintenance, let’s discuss the essential tasks at varying intervals.

Monthly Chores

Certain parts of your home require regular monthly upkeep. Start by inspecting your plumbing for leaks or damage, whether under sinks, around toilets, or near appliances. If you spot an issue, contact a professional promptly to address it.

Next, clean or replace your HVAC filters to maintain the system’s efficiency and ensure good indoor air quality. In the kitchen, clean accumulated grease from your range hood filters. This reduces fire risks, eliminates lingering odors, and improves ventilation.

Test your ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets, typically found in kitchens and bathrooms, to confirm they are functioning properly and providing protection against electrical shocks. Additionally, check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. If they emit a chirping sound, it’s time to replace the batteries.

Quarterly Chores

Every few months, run water in guest or seldom-used bathrooms to prevent stagnation and avoid plumbing issues. Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, or loose shingles and flashing, especially after storms. Additionally, clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage—an essential task following the fall and spring seasons.

Annual Tasks

Every year, inspect the caulking and weatherstripping around your windows and doors. If they are loose or damaged, replace them to prevent drafts and water intrusion. Schedule professional inspections and servicing annually to catch potential issues early on and receive expert recommendations.

Book professional cleaning and maintenance for your HVAC systems, water heater, and other appliances. Similarly, while you may clean your floors and carpets regularly, hiring a professional ensures a deeper and more thorough cleaning.

Long-Term Tasks

Re-paint or stain your exteriors, ideally every five to seven years, to maintain your home’s pristine appearance and protection from the elements. However, the frequency varies depending on your climate and materials.

Have professionals inspect and maintain your roof, insulation, and foundation every few years. Similarly, get your driveways and walkways checked and re-sealed if there are cracks. Doing these reduces the risk of further damage and other potential problems. Moreover, clean your deck or patio to prevent fading and preserve your outdoor space’s pristine appearance.

Give Your Personalized Home the Care It Deserves

Custom homes require consistent and proactive upkeep to remain stunning and last many years. With our breakdown of tasks above as your reference, you can plan a maintenance schedule that works for you.

If you’re seeking more insights on home maintenance or considering building a new house, call Bay to Beach Builders. We’re the trusted builder of custom homes across Delaware and Eastern Shore, Maryland.