If you are like most new homeowners, you may have thoroughly inspected your property before you finalized your purchase plans and signed on the dotted line. Now that the home is yours, it is up to you to keep it well-maintained over the years.

Some homeowners will wait until systems and features are damaged before working on the components, but a better idea may be to maintain your property on a regular schedule. Doing so may help you to avoid having to deal with some types of expensive repair work in the future. These are some of the leading maintenance steps that you should take regularly as a new homeowner.

Install and Maintain Gutters

At first glance, gutters may seem like a rather unimportant feature on a home, but they offer tremendous benefits. Without gutters, water would fall straight down off of your roof on all sides. Heavy or frequent rains can result in water damage and wood rot on your home’s siding, fascia, and other wood elements.

Mold growth could become an issue as a result of this. In addition, foundation damage related to excessive moisture and erosion around the home’s perimeter can be problematic. Through the installation and maintenance of gutters, these features can channel water away from the home in a thoughtful way.

Schedule Routine Maintenance on Appliances

All home appliances will eventually need to be replaced, but this may not be for many long years. Routine appliance maintenance service can keep many repair issues from developing. It may also help your appliances to enjoy their longest life while keeping energy costs as low as possible. In some cases, one appliance technician may be able to service all of your appliances with a single visit to your home.

Test the Soil Periodically

Soil testing is a maintenance step that many homeowners overlook, but it is critical. Keep in mind that some soil issues, such as radon, can be deadly and may not show any obvious or noticeable signs. If your home is located next to a gas station or another potential environmental hazard, the soil may need to be tested more frequently for land contamination. This is essential for your health going forward.

Repaint Regularly

Many homeowners view painting the interior and exterior of the home as a superficial or cosmetic task that should not rank high on their list of priorities. Paint is actually an important material that can seal the wood and extend its life. For example, when the paint on your home’s siding begins to flake and peel, water damage is more likely to occur. In addition to repainting necessary surfaces regularly, you should regularly seal wood features, such as your fence and deck.

While homeownership is an amazing experience, it can also be hard work. You understandably want to keep your home maintained in great shape over the years. These important tips should be included in your regular maintenance schedule.