Terri Ramsey Beavers 
It may not come as a surprise to some, but the latest surveys show that many new homeowners lack essential home maintenance knowledge and skills. As a result, less than 40% of homeowners regularly work to maintain their property. While many can complete easy DIY home repairs thanks to online video tutorials, overall knowledge of how to properly maintain a home is a learned skill.
Want to keep your space in top shape? If you are new to owning your home, explore three things you need to know about routine home maintenance.
When to replace various items in your home
Did you know that there are 12 different filters that can be replaced in most homes? Or that the average lifespan of an appliance is 10-15 years? Knowing when to replace various items in your home is essential for several reasons. The first of these reasons is cost. If you are not aware that something needs to be replaced in your home, neglecting the need could result in a sudden replacement cost, or an emergency repair. Second, items such as filters, smoke detector batteries, and air conditioning units are crucial for a safe and comfortable life. If you aren’t sure of where to start, explore professional resources online for what needs to be replaced in your home, and how often those things need to be replaced.
When to call a professional for routine maintenance and repairs
Think that you can repair or replace anything by simply following an online video tutorial? Although this definitely works in many cases, not every job can (or should) be tackled by the homeowner. Unless you have specific skills in a certain area, you should know when it is time to call an expert. From getting your home gutters cleaned to working with any kind of electricity, there are some tasks that are better left to the professionals. Generally speaking, if the repair or routine maintenance requires more tools or expertise than you can reasonably attain, it is time to schedule a service appointment.
How to keep the many tasks involved with your home organized
If the idea of keeping track of a routine maintenance and repair schedule sounds daunting, you are not alone. Trying to manage the tasks that need to be completed around your home without some kind of organized system is next to impossible. That’s why many homeowners (especially new homeowners) turn to maintenance checklists. Whether you find a template online, or create one yourself, checklists are extremely valuable in helping you keep your home in top shape. Not sure where to start? Begin writing your checklist by assessing what needs to be done in each room individually.
Home ownership is an exciting opportunity for families and individuals across the globe. However, for those who are new to this area, maintaining all of the parts in a home can feel extremely overwhelming. By taking the time to study, plan, and make checklists, you can quickly begin to learn what it takes to make your home run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
These are all important things to stay on top of. We have been in our home for a while now, but I will be writing a list. There are times I get busy and forget to replace a filter or batteries. If I write a list it will help remind me to replace these things at the right time. Thank you for sharing.