10 Maintenance Tips for New Madison WI Homeowners

Moving into a new home is indeed one of the most exciting times of your life. That’s why it’s important to start out on the right foot and start caring for your home – and protecting your investment – right away. Living in Madison, WI – the greatest city ever – we get the benefit of four seasons! Which means some extra maintenance and a watchful eye as you care for your home. If you are still searching for the perfect house, we have a great search tool for you: search Madison homes here.

Our clients often ask us what are the most important areas of a home to consistently maintain so our team at the Alvarado Real Estate Group has come up with 10 key trouble spots to watch for. If you regularly check on these areas you might be avoiding larger, more expensive, problems down the road:

1. Windows and doors – Be sure to regularly check seals around all your doors and windows to keep drafts out. This simple measure can result in big savings when it comes to your heating and cooling bills. We highly recommend an energy audit with a Focus on Energy contractor.
2. Safety devices – Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries twice a year. Also, keep small fire extinguishers in appropriate places. A great tip is to make sure you change your smoke alarm batteries at daylight savings!
3. Roof – In early fall, check around vents, skylights and chimneys for cracks or leaks and repair or replace tiles as necessary.
4. Gutters – Keep gutters clear of leaves and debris to prevent clogging, and always make sure they drain away from the house.
5. Fireplace – Have a chimney sweep assess any fireplaces to check for cracks and creosote build-up that can cause chimney fires.
6. Filters – Clean or replace furnace filters once every month or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood and room fans regularly.
7. Air conditioner – When you cover your outdoor furniture for inclement weather, be sure to cover your air conditioning unit as well.
8. Refrigerator – Test door seals to ensure they are airtight. If you have a coil-back fridge, the coils should be vacuumed twice a year.
9. Faucets – Check for leaks in kitchens and bathrooms and replace washers as necessary.
10. Siding and paint – Look for cracks or peeling areas. Repaint or replace caulk as necessary.

These are just a few home maintenance tips to be aware of. For more information, feel free to contact one of our team members and feel free to pass these tips along to your fellow new homeowners or make comments if you have more tips to share!