Both condos and single-family homes require routine maintenance in order to prevent costly repairs, create a comfortable living environment, and ensure the longevity of the property.
In this post, we’ll share insightful tips for taking a proactive and routine approach to your condo or house – ensuring you’re able to effectively safeguard your investment into the future.
Seeking an exceptional real estate experience? Our strategic advisory services can help you achieve a smooth home purchase or sale. Call us at 416.441.2888 or reach us by email at evan@christensengroup.ca.
Condo Maintenance
Be Mindful of Moisture
Conduct routine checks for water leaks, especially around plumbing fixtures, under sinks, and near windows. Undetected leaks can cause water damage, mould and other issues that lead to costly repairs. If you notice any signs of water leakage, address the issue promptly by contacting your condo board or a professional plumber.
Protect the Floors
Regardless of what type of flooring is found in your condo, it’s important to keep it in good condition. This includes regular cleaning with surface-safe detergents. If you have hardwood flooring, invest in furniture pads to reduce scuffs or scratches.
Check-in on Central Systems
In Toronto, condo units typically have centralized HVAC systems. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for regular filter changes and professional inspections. Properly functioning HVAC systems improve indoor air quality, maximize energy efficiency, and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Looking for more advice on condo optimization? Explore these related readings.
- Should You Keep Your Condo as an Investment Property?
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- Is Condo Living Right For Your Family?
Control Clutter
As condos are smaller than single-family properties, they can be more susceptible to clutter. While keeping your condo free of unnecessary belongings or furnishings may seem minor compared to other tips on this list, it’s a key step in keeping it in good shape. If your unit becomes over-cluttered you could accidentally conceal or mask potential issues. Therefore, keeping your unit clean and clutter-free whenever possible will be an important piece of your maintenance duties.
Communicate With Your Condo Board
As a condo owner, maintaining open communication with your condo board is the most optimal way to ensure potential problems are addressed quickly. Attend association meetings or keep an eye on digital platforms where updates are shared. It’s also wise to stay up-to-date about the building’s maintenance schedules, bylaws, and planned improvement projects.
Additionally, if you notice any maintenance issues within the building’s common areas, promptly communicate them to the condo board or the appropriate contact. Timely reporting can prevent problems from escalating and ensure that necessary repairs are made.
Maintenance for Single-Family Houses
Flush Hot Water Heater
Flushing a hot water heater is essential for extending its lifespan. Be sure to do this once a year to keep it in good condition.
Inspect Your Roof
Maintaining your roof is essential to protecting your home. Perform visual inspections of your roof to identify missing shingles, cracks, or signs of wear. Address any issues promptly to prevent water leaks and further damage. As a best practice, schedule professional roof inspections every few years to ensure its long-term integrity.
Clean Your Dryer Vent Duct
Lint build-up in dryer vent ductwork is a leading cause of house fires. With this in mind, homeowners should prioritize cleaning their dryer vent ductwork. This should be done about every six months.
Keep Gutters & Downspouts Clear
Like your roof, homeowners should regularly inspect gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging and water damage. Leaves, debris, and dirt can accumulate in the gutters, obstructing water flow and causing water to overflow onto the roof or walls – this can lead to leaks and structural issues. Keep downspouts clear and clean throughout the year.
Moving up from a condo to a single-family home? Click here to learn about 5 unexpected changes that can come with this type of transition.
Keep Windows Sealed & Clean Weep Holes
On top of potential damage, leaky windows and doors can lead to energy loss and higher utility bills. As a homeowner, you’ll want to inspect window frames and seals for any gaps or cracks that could allow air to escape – or all the elements in. If you spot any leaks, weatherstrip or caulk as needed to create a tight seal and improve energy efficiency.
Additionally, dirt and debris can collect in your windows’ weep holes, and insects often find them an ideal place to live. Use an unbent paper clip to clear debris out of the weep holes every six months.
Dust Refrigerator Condensor Coils
Dusty condenser coils can shorten the life of one of the most expensive components of your refrigerator, and if you don’t clean them off every three months or so, you could end up buying a new refrigerator much sooner than you need to.
Seeking more strategic insights about home ownership? Consider these other posts from our blog.
- An Essential Guide to Property Values
- What Home Buyers Should Know About Utilities
- How to Make the Most of Your Home’s Equity
Maintaining the Exterior
Protecting and maintaining the exterior of your home and surrounding property is essential for safeguarding its long-term value. Keep tabs on the condition of your home’s siding, paint, and landscaping. Repair or touch up any damaged areas to prevent further deterioration.
Seeking an exceptional real estate experience? Our strategic advisory services can help you achieve a smooth home purchase or sale. Call us at 416.441.2888 or reach us by email at evan@christensengroup.ca.
