home maintenance?

Question

my husband and i recently purchased a new home (first house), but now he's gone for military reasons. i'm looking for a good guide/checklist of what maintenance to do when and maybe some how-to's. most of the things i've found are for older homes and don't explain things very well.
thanks in advance!

Answer 1

First of all, A big thank you to your husband for making this a great country to live in. In answer to your question, the main items to watch for maintenance is the machines you use the most. The furnace has a filter that needs replaced monthly, the dishwasher needs jet-dry put in it monthly and sinks that are not used should have water put down the drain so the traps don't dry out. Other tougher issues are landscaping, gutter cleaning, tree trimming and lawn care. A good word of advice for maintenance is to visually inspect your home from time to time (monthly) to see if it is showing signs of wear. (water leaks, spots in ceilings, cracks in walls, caulking checking or shrinking or leaks under sinks and around toilets). If you find anything abnormal or that has changed contact a local, trustworthy contractor to make the repairs or suggest a plan of action.
It is also a good idea to do what you have done here. Contact people for advice about what a contractor has said.
Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I would suggest you hire a home maintenance contractor.

Answer 3

Check out this guide:

http://www.tarion.com/HOME/New+Home+Buyers/Maintaining+Your+Home/

On the left there are links for each season, and what to do for each.

Here is a sweet PDF checklist that you can print out:

http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/images/pdfs/Maintaining.pdf

Here is another (very detailed) guide:

http://www.homeinspectorlocator.com/resources/Inspection_maintain.htm

Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Also go to your Home Improvement Stores (Home Depot, LOWES, Menards) and they can also give you how to tips and advice on how to complete these things as well as point you to people to do them if your not up to the tasks yourself. Best of Luck and hope your husband is safe.

Answer 5

This little guide should be able to help: http://www.houselogic.com/maintenance-repair/

Answer 6

Try this first.
http://www.affordableguttercleaningservice.com