5 Must-Do Maintenance Items Many Homeowners Overlook

Continue reading to see five must-do maintenance tasks for homeowners in San Mateo and surrounding areas.

1. Roof Inspection

Annual roof inspections are essential. But you may need more than one, depending on the damage that inclement weather can do to your roofing system. After a major storm, for example, it's a good idea to call a professional roofing company to inspect your roof. Nipping issues in the bud can prevent costly problems down the road.

According to the CDC, more than half a million people are treated for injuries sustained from ladder mishaps annually in the U.S. And approximately 300 die because of ladder-related accidents. The CDC adds that ladder injuries in the U.S. add up to annual losses of an estimated $24 billion.

Because of the potential risks of climbing a ladder and inspecting your roof independently, it’s probably best to leave that job to a professional roofer.

2. Inspect and Clean Gutters

It's also a good idea to inspect and clean your gutters at least once a year. Depending on how many trees you have on your property, you might need to do it more than once. The gutters and downspouts are essential parts of your roofing system.

When the rainy season hits, you want the rain to move through the eavestrough and down the downspouts. If the gutters are clogged, the water will have nowhere to go and could create clogs that cause extensive and costly water damage.

3. Inspect and Maintain HVAC System

It’s also vital to get your HVAC unit serviced routinely. Check the owner's manual to ensure it’s serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The last thing you want is for your HVAC equipment to fail. But that can easily happen if routine upkeep is an afterthought.

HVAC units can last 10, 15, or even 20 years as long as they’re cared for. Longevity can decline sharply, however, if you take the unit for granted and only call an HVAC technician when something goes wrong.

4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Don’t overlook the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. In addition to testing them regularly, you should change the batteries annually. Some people choose to replace batteries on Labor Day Weekend or over Thanksgiving Weekend so that it becomes a habit. That might be a good idea for you to adopt if you might otherwise forget.

Consider a statement by the National Fire Protection Association suggesting that 38% -- almost four in 10 -- home fire fatalities are due to "fires in which no smoke alarms are present."

You need smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. But they must be maintained if they’re to be useful should emergencies occur.

5. Clean Dryer Vents

It’s also a good idea to clean the dryer vents regularly. The lint that gathers in the vent is highly flammable and should be vacuumed out periodically to reduce the risk of fires. You don’t want to drop the ball on this essential home maintenance item.

These are some things homeowners in and around San Mateo should have on their to-do lists. Performing these maintenance items will safeguard your property and facilitate property value growth.

If you own a rental property and need help staying on top of maintenance and repairs, it’s a good idea to hire a property management firm. Find one close to home. If your investment property is in San Mateo, hire a property manager here. And if your rental property is based in Woodlands, Texas, find a Woodlands property manager.

The key thing to remember is the need to retain the services of a property management firm close to your investment property. That way, they’ll be close by when you need their help.