As realtors, we see it all the time. A homeowner decides they want to sell their property, then comes the mad-dash to repair all the parts of the home that have been neglected over time. The homeowner completes all of the work and then inevitably says, “Why didn’t I do this when I lived in the home?” Now they’re unable to take advantage of the new pristine space. When it comes to making changes in 2022, consider adding regular property maintenance to your list of goals so that you can enjoy the best version of your home year round.

Resolution 1: Care for Your Countertops

Natural stone countertops are a beautiful addition to kitchens and bathrooms, however constant exposure to liquids, heat, or grease can cause unsightly staining. Depending on the type of stone countertops you have, you may need to seal them once a year. More porous stones (like marble) or lighter-colored countertops may stain more easily and need even more frequent sealing. Keep in mind though, that not all countertops need an annual sealant. There are brands now that include long-term sealers, leaving your countertops protected from usual wear and tear for years.

To determine if your countertops need sealing, you can perform this simple water test. This same site (www.archcitygranite.com) also offers step-by-step instructions on how to seal your countertops yourself. Taking the time to protect your counter surfaces will give you a cleaner, healthier, and more durable surface for your cooking and washing needs.

Resolution 2: Keep Your Grout Looking Great

Grout in your shower has an average lifespan of eight to sixteen years, depending on the amount of use and care. To keep your grouted areas in top shape, add grout sealing to your to-do list at least once or twice a year for frequently-used showers. Grout that has lost its seal can result in increased porousness, staining, and cracking, making the area prone to moisture and contaminants, resulting in mold and mildew. Most grout-cleaning companies will add sealing the grout as part of their service.

Lower-traffic areas, like guest bathrooms can typically go up to two years without needing a sealant. Kitchen backsplashes (particularly if they’re in an area that doesn’t require frequent wiping), may go as long as 10 years before they need to be resealed. You can either take this on as another DIY project, or consult a professional grout company for an estimate, as this is usually an affordable repair.

Resolution 3: Keep Stucco in Top Shape

If you are in a stucco home, that cement-based exterior is the barrier protecting your walls from the elements. Many people underestimate how vitally important it is to identify and treat stucco cracks in a timely manner. Cracks less than 1/8 of an inch in width, generally, do not need to be repaired. Anything larger, though, should be filled with stucco (not caulk).

If you’re seeing other issues besides cracks, like white streaks (efflorescence), peeling, or blistering of the surface, this may indicate an underlying problem like interior water damage that needs to be addressed first. It may be best to consult a professional to handle these problems and ensure that a quality external barrier is in place. Make stucco inspection an annual process; however, know that repair will not always be required every year.

Resolution 4: Keep Your Mind on the Gutters

It’s surprising to us that gutters are not always a given on every home. With the amount of heavy rain we get in Florida, gutters are essential to diverting water off your roof and away from your foundation and landscaping. If you do not currently have gutters on your home, this may be the year to invest in them. This may be a bigger-budget item, in the scheme of our home repair list, but protecting your home’s foundation (and flooring) is absolutely worth the cost.

If your home does have gutters, it’s recommended that you clean them at least two times per year to keep them free of debris and buildup. While we don’t have the risk of our gutters freezing here in the south, excess buildup can cause water to accumulate and back up into the shingles or tiles on your roof. We recommend scheduling one of your gutter cleanings at the beginning of hurricane season, in May.

Gutter cleaning can absolutely be a DIY job, if you have a good pair of work gloves and don’t have a fear of heights. Otherwise, you can usually hire a professional for approximately $100-$300, depending on the height of your home and number of gutters, to have it cleaned for you.

Resolution 5: Don’t Let Shrubs Run Wild

Landscaping can make or break the curb appeal of a home. However, maintaining your Florida plants is not as easy as one might think. With both a rainy and dry season, as well as intense summer sun, taking care of your shrubs can be confusing and costly if you’re inexperienced in local flora.

Pruning your shrubs and ornamentals is not a year-round job. It should be done in the spring and winter months, along with fertilizing and re-mulching, to keep the plants in top health. If you’re unsure of the best way to care for your landscaping, speak to a professional at a local nursery for tips on how to care for your plants throughout the seasons.

Resolution 6: Keep an Eye on Your Sprinkler System

Due to Florida’s subtropical climate there will be drastic changes in the amount of water your yard gets, having a sprinkler system is imperative to keeping your lawn and garden zones properly hydrated throughout the seasons. A neglected sprinkler system may result in high water bills, uneven watering, and wasted resources. Make it a habit to check your sprinkler system monthly, keeping an eye out for broken or missing parts, leaks, and obstructions. If your sprinkler head isn’t spraying properly, check for worn seals or clogging. If multiple heads are experiencing low pressure, there may be a leak in the system.

If you’re pretty handy, there are plenty of websites and YouTube videos to guide you through replacing parts or redirecting sprinkler heads. However, investing in the professionals to assess the situation may be your best bet, as a faulty sprinkler system can be costly to your utility bills and damaging to your landscaping.

Resolution 7: A/C Maintenance

If there is one service in Florida that is in high demand for most of the year, it’s air conditioning repair and maintenance. Just a few hours without proper A/C and you’ll immediately start to feel it on most days. Making a commitment to maintaining your equipment will leave you less prone to spending sweat-soaked days inside your own home throughout summer.

Make sure you change your A/C filters monthly, particularly if you have pets. Schedule an annual tune-up with an HVAC professional to make sure your coils are clean, ductwork is sealed, the blow motor is functioning, drain lines are clean, and the thermostat is operating properly. They can also test your refrigerant levels to ensure the unit is running efficiently. For more tips on taking care of your air conditioning, visit here.

Resolution 8: Dryer Vents

Often overlooked, an annual cleaning of your dryer vents is one of the best ways to protect your home from a potential fire. Vents accumulate highly flammable lint, which over time can narrow the channel to the outside. Additionally, if you’re purchasing a home where the dryer has not been run for some time, there is the possibility that insects, birds, or small animals could have built a nest in the vent, obscuring the airflow.

You can clean the vents yourself, however for around $120 a professional can take care of it for you, including making sure that lint and dust behind and under the dryer unit is also removed. A clean dryer vent will improve your clothes drying efficiency, saving you money on your electric bill, as well as protecting your family’s safety.

Making Home Repairs Happen

The hardest part of any New Year’s resolution is making it happen and sticking with it. If you’re committed to maintaining the value of your home, consider doing the following:

Take some time to mark your calendar for the entire year with the date that you want to complete each home project and set a reminder on your phone if need be, particularly if the job requires hiring a handyman, contractor, or specialist to complete the work. Keep in mind that some advanced planning may be needed.
Create a home maintenance budget at the beginning of the year. Collect pricing early, either by reaching out to vendors or Googling the average cost, so you can better estimate if all of the projects are within your budget. If your budget cannot accommodate all the necessary repairs and maintenance, prioritize them according to necessity and create a plan to set aside the money you will need for each, or if possible, consider opening a home equity line of credit for larger projects.

Head into this New Year by making your home your happy place. Taking care of this investment is money well-spent. As always, if you have questions about how to add value to your home or are interested in selling or buying a new one, please reach out to us at Anthony@MyTampaAgent.com and let’s talk.