Caring for Your New Home: Annual Maintenance Tips

Helping you get the most out of your home starts the day you move-in, and with the right attention and care throughout the year, you’ll be able to keep the things that make your everyday running smoothly.

That’s why every year, we recommend giving your home a thorough and thoughtful top-to-bottom review—both inside and out.

These annual maintenance care tips help improve energy efficiency, increase the value in your home, and build peace of mind. All of this in just a few friendly reminders!

Before we get started, always review your Customer Care and Owners’ Manuals for more information.

And remember: certain types of care and inspection may require a professional consultation.

Let’s begin inside.

Annual Home Maintenance Care Inside Your Home

1. Replace smoke and fire alarm batteries
2. Remove and clean faucet aerators (replace as needed)
3. Repair loose or cracked caulking around tiles, sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, and countertops
4. Vacuum dust and debris from registers
5. Drain 3–5 gallons from your water heater tank: this flushes out sediment and other debris that may prevent the appliance from functioning properly
6. Inspect weather stripping around doors (and replace as necessary—a small improvement can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bill!)
7. Call and schedule an annual HVAC system inspection by a professional

Annual Home Maintenance Care Outside Your Home

1. Check and lubricate garage doors as needed
2. With a hose or shop-vac clean air conditioner grills (check your manual for safety tips)
3. Inspect and clean all rain gutters
4. Have your roof inspected by a professional
5. The area at the base of your exterior may change slowly over time: be sure to check the grade around your home for continued positive drainage and always maintain a foot or more of clearance between any trees or plans and your home
6. Wash the exterior and paint as needed

From ceiling to floor, outside to in, front yard to back, your new home is uniquely you, and these friendly reminders will help you enjoy every moment—because home means more at M/I Homes.

Author

Bruce Borden

Author

Bruce has been with M/I Homes for over 20 years, has been the National Customer Experience Manager for over 10 years, and has been in the home building industry for over 30 years. Happily married and a proud father, Bruce enjoys outdoor activities and home improvement projects, and has never met someone he didn't like.

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