To maintain your property’s value and functionality in the long term, maintenance work on the building is essential. Regular checks and regular maintenance create the house’s best conditions and technical systems’ long service life. The earlier damage is detected, the lower its impact and the costs associated with its removal.

Home inspection and maintenance should not be taken lightly. A regular inspection tour through the house costs little time and effort. In the event of anomalies that are not recognizable for the layperson, building experts can be consulted. For instance, they can enlighten you on the average lifespan of materials and components last.

The life span of materials architectural elements

With normal use, a house’s technical lifespan is stated to be between 80 and 100 years. Even so, the average renewal times of elements are different:

5 – 15 years

Paints, wallpapers, floor coverings, paints on walls, roof coverings, windows, wooden structures, and pumps can last for up to 15 years.

15 – 30 years

If well maintained, gutters, downpipes, metal sheet cladding made of zinc sheet, external components sealing with joint material, oil tanks,  external glazing, boilers, oil tanks and thermal baths, electronic control devices, tile coverings outside can last for up to 30 years.

30 – 50 years

Regular inspection and maintenance should be planned for chimney heads, lightning protection system, roof coverings, external windows, doors, external plaster, sanitary pipes, external stairs, electrical sockets, switches, equipment of kitchens and bathrooms, and tile coverings inside.

Since the life span is influenced by diverse factors such as material quality, environmental impact, and wear and tear, regular inspection can be a reliable approach to avoid high repair and maintenance costs.

What to Inspect in Home Maintenance Routines?

Regular checks are primarily a preventative effort to keep the maintenance costs as low as possible. What should you prioritize during the inspection?

Plumbing

Plumbing problems are among the most popular and costly in homes today. That is because many plumbing issues remain undiscovered for a long time. You can avoid the high costs and frustration with a comprehensive plumbing inspection and maintenance checklist.

Check sinks and faucets for leaks and poor drainage that may need to be repaired immediately. Learn how to unblock a drain using a plumber’s snake or DIY solutions – cola, soda, baking powder, and hot water.

Check whether tree roots are growing near the main sewer drain. You may need an expert plumber to do a camera inspection.

Check the water heater for corrosion or rust. Sandy and muddy water coming off the hot water tap may be signs of problems that need immediate attention.

Track your water meter numbers to detect consumption anomalies—turn off all taps and check if the water meter stops or continues to run. The latter indicates that there is a leak somewhere in the home.

Roof

It is also recommendable to hire an expert to inspect the roof.

Are the roof tiles complete and in the right position?
Are the snow guards, the standing stones, or the playpen for the chimney sweep functional?
Are there any abnormalities at the connections and penetrations (ventilation pipe, antenna)?
Is the roof drainage OK?
Is the roof structure including the beam heads and ceiling beams free from mold and pests?
Are there noticeable marks on the roof’s inner lining that look resemble water stains?
Are there cracks or damage on the sealing membranes?
Are there dirt, leaves, and debris on the downpipes and gutters?
Is there rusting or signs of leaks on the gutter and downpipe that indicate dampness?
Are there cracks or signs of damage on the chimney tops, or are there cracks in the chimney masonry joints that allow moisture into the roof structure?

Doors and Windows

To maintain the functionality of the windows, you should check, for example, whether the seals are intact.

Are the door and window seals intact?
Are the doors windows frames intact so that cooling/heating efficiency is not affected?
Are the window or door fittings functional, or are they jammed?
Do your wooden fixtures need a fresh coat of stain?
Are there any signs that the glazing is drawing in air, making the windows lose insulation capabilities?
Are the joints between the walls and the doors and windows still intact?

Exterior Walls

Is there any flaking or sanding on the finish that suggests moisture penetration?
Are there cracks in the finish, and what are the causes?
Do the paint and coating adhere well?
Can you see salt efflorescence on the finish?
Are there visible chippings at the masonry joints?
Is the base of the house protected from splashing water?

Balcony and Terraces

Are your terraces free of dirt or leaves?
Do stone slabs or tiles have any cracks that could cause moisture to penetrate the substructure?
Are the joints to adjacent components or the house exterior intact?

Basement

Does a stale smell emanate from the basement? Learn how to unblock a sink because the eventual backflow of water damages the structure of the home. In worst cases, flooding can occur in the house, leading to costly damage on floors and walls.

Is there any discoloration on the ceilings, walls, and floor that can be traced back to the effects of moisture?
How free is your basement space from free from fungus?
Are there any cracks on the floor or walls?
Are your basement windows holding strong? Do they need a fresh coat of paint?
Do you see cracks between the brickwork and the window?

Heating and Water Heating

The annual maintenance of the heating system by a specialist extends its service life.

Are the heaters as well as the water and sewage pipes free of calcification?
Are the pipes adequately insulated?
When was the last time you had maintenance done on the water heater?
Are there abnormalities in the pipe connections?
Are the fittings working properly, are they dripping, or are they calcified?

Chimney sweeps can help with heating system safety and efficiency. Property owners must have the facilities inspected and swept regularly.

Experts recommend that chimneys, fireplaces, smoke exhausts, ventilation systems, or similar devices must be cleaned or checked at least once every five years.