Homeownership is a great achievement, but it comes with so many responsibilities that you probably never thought of when you were a renter. From inspecting the roof to cleaning dryer vents, property owners have a lot of things to do to keep their homes in good condition. Preventative maintenance is essential to ensure smaller problems don’t develop into bigger ones. You can save more money by regularly conducting maintenance checks around the home and investing in the right professionals to fix things up. Here are some tips to prevent costly home repairs.

Keep up with the landscaping

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Dead trees may pose hazards to your family and home. You can reduce the risks of trees falling in your yard by pruning them, which also encourages healthy growth. Homeowners’ insurance may cover removals if a huge tree lands on your property. It would be best to get rid of dead branches to save your home from damage. Another idea to maintain the landscaping is to prune shrubs regularly.

Replace the batteries in your fire security system

According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 31% of fire deaths happened in homes without smoke alarms, and 16% occurred in homes with alarms that failed to activate. Although a regular home insurance plan may cover fire damages, one event can increase your premiums and possibly lead to an end to your coverage. Smoke alarms are vital security devices, so you have to ensure they always stay functional. Replacing the batteries will minimize the risks of losing your valuable belongings, including the home, in a fire disaster. If you have fire extinguishers, remember that they often require replacement every ten to twelve years.

Clean out dryer ducts

One thing that clogs up dryer ducts is lint. If left unchecked, it can accumulate in your dryer and increase fire risk and lead to poor air quality. Additionally, stuck exhaust hood flappers outside your home can create costly issues. If you detect strange odors or unusually long drying times, vacuum your ducts. You may be able to remove clogs using a flexible rod from a home improvement store. Otherwise, call in professionals to do the job for you.

Clear out gutters

Choked gutters can become an eyesore. Debris, such as leaves and sticks, may prevent gutters and downspouts from carrying water away from the foundation of your home and the walls, which can lead to water infiltrating your basement. Consider conducting regular checks on your gutters. One simple way to verify if they are working correctly is to go out with an umbrella to check them as it rains. Scheduling routine gutter cleanings a few times annually is a good idea.

Use smart technology to develop a maintenance calendar

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Keeping up with maintenance is easy if you have a digital calendar that helps you set up alerts and stay on top of issues. You can schedule routine home maintenance checks with many professionals, such as electricians, plumbers, chimney specialists, HVAC contractors, and heat pump replacement experts. One way to create alerts for yourself is to use smart home technology. Smart speakers such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant can remind you to run annual checks. Just instruct the device about what the task is, and you will not miss the job. You can even use the device to search online for electrician near me to connect you with professionals in your area. You can use smart home tech to monitor the overall health of your property. For instance, install sensors to watch for water leakage, broken glass, and mold. Free apps like HomeSavvy can let you set property maintenance reminders throughout the year.

Fight termites

Termite infestation is a serious problem that can result in expensive home repairs. Fortunately, you can detect them early with regular visual inspection. Look for any signs of damage to the wood in your home, especially around the windows and walls, where termites may invade the home. A magnifying glass can help you get a better view of these critters. Have a protection plan for all wood-frame structures in your home. You can get termite control services from most pest removal companies. These professionals can inspect your home inside-out to catch signs of termite damage and install deterrents to make your home pest-free.

Sweep your chimney

Dirty chimneys may constitute fire hazards; they can also increase energy bills and even cause carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s time to call a professional if your fireplace produces an abnormal odor or causes some buildup on its inner walls. Using cleaning services can save you from costly repairs. However, if you want to DIY the job, you may buy a chimney sweeping kit.

Keep an eye on the roofing

The roof is a vital component that protects your home from debris and harsh weather conditions. That said, problems can arise if it gets too old, broken, or starts to leak. The cost of a roof inspection is far lower than that of a replacement. When performing DIY roof inspections, make sure you follow safety precautions. While professionals may charge you for their services, spending a little money can save you from bigger problems in the future, such as damaged walls and furniture decay. Therefore, consider inspecting it every six months to avoid this problem.

 Examine the foundation

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Rain and wind can threaten the structural integrity of your home’s foundation with time. Therefore, give it a regular examination to ensure the surrounding soil is intact. You may not discover serious foundation problems immediately, but cracks may be easier to see since they allow water to accumulate in the area. Not addressing flooding, mildew, and decaying support beams may result in significant property damage. Therefore, instead of overlooking the foundation examination, check it twice annually. One proactive measure is to create trench drains in the driveway, garden, and around your patio. This contraption will stop water from weakening your home’s foundation. You may also want to fill any gaps with soil to protect the structure.