Creating A Healthy Home

At the beginning of every year we spend time preparing for great things such as a new exercise program to get in shape or a healthy eating plan to get on track. The intention of eating right, exercising and becoming a healthier version of ourselves are good things to strive for.

​​​​​​​While all that planning is taking place for the better you, have you given any consideration to the health and well-being of your home?

​​​​​​​We take for granted all the things our house provides for us until something like a plumbing issue or heating and air conditioning problem crops up.

​​​​​​​While the resolutions are starting to take shape on the new and improved you, it might be a good time to plan for the not necessarily new, but could be improved version of your home. There are things that can be done year-round to keep the health of your house in tip-top shape, no matter what the season.

​​​​​​​The following are some ideas for monthly home improvements that will keep the maintenance of your house on track and easier to manage.

• Changing the air filters and cleaning the dust from the vents
• Clean kitchen sink disposal
• Clean range hood filters
• Inspect your fire extinguishers
• Clean faucet and showerheads to remove mineral deposits
• Inspect the tub and sink drains for debris; unclog

Once you are in the groove with a monthly plan, you can now move on to bigger and better projects that can be tackled on a half-yearly basis. Here are some that come to mind:

Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors. Pro tip: make the habit of changing the batteries when you change your clocks during Daylight Savings Time.

• Check your roof to see if any shingles are missing or if trees need to be trimmed away from the roofline.
• Give your house a deep clean. This can include windows, carpets, gutters, and appliances.
• Check grout in the bathrooms, kitchen, etc. and repair if needed. 
• You might also have your fireplace checked out on an annual basis to make sure it is in good working order.

You may you want to consider things that an inspector might look for while inspecting a house to keep your house in tip-top shape. Here are the top potential home issues to be aware of: 

• Electrical: make sure all outlets, GFCI, and switches work properly. Burned out light bulbs should be replaced. 
• Water and Plumbing: Drippy faucets, leaking plumbing, water damage and mold are red flags for greater problems. 
• HVAC: Replace filters as needed.  HVAC tune-up services should help identify any issues that should be repaired. 
• Windows should open and close freely and be free of cracks and fogging between panes. 
• Pests: Visual signs of pests should be investigated for signs of infestation. 
• Foundation: Cracks in foundation walls, uneven flooring can point to foundation issues. Doors should open close and lock properly. Garage doors must have working safety features.

All of these things big and small will help make the space you call home feel like a healthier version of itself.