How many of you moved into your home more than three-years ago? Quite a few I would guess, and I am wondering if you have had your roof inspected? Drained your water heater? Had your HVAC system checked out in the past two-years?

I imagine most would not even think about the roof. After all, the builder said it came with a lifetime tile warranty. Why that may be true for the tiles in most cases, it does not apply to the tar paper underlayment, which, over time, begins to show some wear and tear. That is where the problems begin. If the tiles shift and slip, they can cause abrasion to that protective sheeting which then allows rain to penetrate the base of the roof and cause home interior leaks.

If caught early, it can be an aggravation but if the leak goes undetected, it can lead to major expense and inconvenience. Most roofing contractors are happy to provide a free roof inspection and it should be done on a routine basis every two-years to ensure maximum results.

Water heaters are another one of those items most people think do not need attention. Like any other home system, these should not be considered maintenance-free. At least every other year they should be drained to remove any built-up sediment which can prohibit your softener systems from working properly. It’s a pretty simple task and well worth the short amount of time required to get it done.

Living in the hot desert, having your home’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) checked annually is as important as having an annual checkup with your doctor. Filters need to be cleaned, freon levels checked and thermostats tested to make sure all are in good working order. Some of the original units are over 20-years old and, if maintained properly, can give years of service. While you are making an appointment for this, also consider getting your dryer vent checked and cleaned at least every three years. You certainly don’t want to see your home go up in flames because of lint buildup!

You should also be checking your windows to ensure no vacuum leaks are present which can cause your HVAC system to work overtime, reducing the number of productive years resulting in a very costly replacement. Garage door systems are another item to put on your check list to avoid not being able to raise or lower the door.

These are simple tasks that every homeowner should be aware of and setting in place. Don’t get caught in a situation that could have easily been avoided simply because you didn’t have time or were not aware… now you are!

Jo Parsons is a Real Estate Concierge with the Make Your Move Matter Team.


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