Work With a Pro on These Home Maintenance Tasks

by Marsha Charles 07/04/2021

Ensuring that your home is well-maintained is critical and gives you the best chance at a solid resale price in the future. There are many maintenance tasks that can easily be handled on your own and, for those who consider themselves handy around the house, there are quite a few tasks that can be done yourself. But even for the handiest homeowner, there are some maintenance tasks that should be left to a licensed contractor. Here are three projects that should always be left to the professionals.

HVAC Maintenance

Bi-annual HVAC maintenance can help keep your HVAC system running longer, improve the energy efficiency of your home and reduce the amount of dust that accumulates on floors and furniture. An HVAC maintenance visit typically involves checking filters and parts for repair or replacement, cleaning all the components of the system and checking for any restrictions in airflow.

While this may seem simple, HVAC systems are fairly complicated and sometimes dangerous to work on. Gas leaks and electrical problems can pose potential fire risks, so it is crucial to have someone certified in HVAC repair check for and address these issues. 

Plumbing Maintenance

Plumbing issues can occur for many reasons. In some homes, the piping is old, which means it could be the inappropriate size to handle the flow of water or waste. It could have also become damaged through corrosion or interference by root systems. These issues, along with seal and pressure problems, account for a large part of chronic plumbing issues. Unfortunately, many of these problems are not always apparent.

While it may seem simple enough to fix a leaky faucet or a clog if the problems recur, there is likely to be worse problems farther down the line. If you notice water where you shouldn’t, repetitive leaks or constant backups, call in an experienced plumber to check your system before it results in a major issue such as backed-up sewage or significant water damage. 

Roof Repairs

A vital part of your home is the roof. It not only protects your home against weather, but it also helps to keep your home insulated, making it more comfortable inside. Unfortunately, it is one part of your home that is most subjected to the elements and may need some maintenance and repairs from time to time. Leave these tasks in the hands of the pros for a couple of reasons. Working on a roof can be dangerous if you are not familiar with industry and safety best practices and could cause serious injuries if you fall. Proper materials, procedures and products should be used on your roof to prevent water from leaking in. Be sure any materials can be properly warrantied.

When you need to deal with the maintenance issues above, be sure to call in a professional to get the job done. Paying a little more for maintenance could save you a lot of money and time in the long run. 

About the Author
Author

Marsha Charles

Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018. 

I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.  

Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022. 

Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.