Home maintenance: 6 reasons why it's a priority

​While performing home inspections and 4 Point Inspections in and around Pensacola, FL the biggest problem I find with home inspection issues are, the total lack of past home maintenance. This is a problem, a BIG problem especially if you plan on the resale of your home in the future.  I think the reason for the lack of home maintenance is simply because the homeowner doesn't realize how important it really is. People believe a home will maintain it's itself but in reality it will not. Iv'e made a list of items found within a home that should be prioritized annually. Here they are:

1. Roof; the roof is one of the most important components of a home to keep maintained. It helps keep water out of the home. If water gets inside of the home, you'll be paying for a lot more than just a roof. But, a new roof is expensive right? Even if you notice a leak, this doesn't mean you need a new roof. Maybe a simple repair is all that's needed. Always hire a roofing contractor to do repairs. NEVER do roof repairs yourself. You don't want to risk getting hurt.                                                  
   
2. Exterior Siding; This is just as important as the roof. It keeps out water, wind, dirt, insects, etc...Most brick homes maintain themselves but wood, vinyl, cement board, and paint need some TLC from time to time. Wood can rot from excessive moister or from wood destroying organisms. Vinyl can dry rot from excessive years in the sun. Paint chips or peels, exposing unprotected siding material.                                           
3. Windows; Just like siding and the roof, it helps protect from outside elements. Seals around windows can dry rot after many years causing moisture to enter between double pane window panels, making it look fogged. This is a good way to loose energy efficiency.
4. Plumbing; look periodically for leaks under bathroom and kitchen sinks and in the laundry room behind the washer or around visible plumbing around the water heater. If leaks are not repaired you could be looking at expensive repairs in the future.
5. Electrical; listen for a weird buzzing or popping noises coming from the electrical panel or noises coming from light fixtures when turning them on or off.
6. Tree Limbs; branches overhanging the roof could eventually damage the roofing material or siding.

Always have a licensed contractor preform any maintenance on your home. Never do this on your own to prevent injuring yourself of others.