{"id":25633,"date":"2021-07-30T06:12:17","date_gmt":"2021-07-30T13:12:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=25633"},"modified":"2026-03-25T21:40:18","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T04:40:18","slug":"buyer-home-maintenance-services","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-home-maintenance-services\/","title":{"rendered":"Home Maintenance Services by the Season: What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

For many of us, the fun part of moving into a new home is decorating. Arranging furniture, choosing paint colors, and buying new curtains are likely way more fun than thinking about home maintenance services.<\/p>\n

Go ahead, order the new curtains, but don\u2019t forget to set aside some time to find out more about these essential services. They\u2019ll help keep your home in top condition by extending the life of your roof, HVAC, and other systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cHomebuyers are getting savvy and understand they need a four-point inspection for homeowners insurance,\u201d says Leah Herzwurm<\/a>, a top real estate agent in St. Petersburg, Florida.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat inspection typically covers roof, AC, plumbing, and electrical. I recommend having a service come out at least twice a year for maintenance. It’s going to give you longevity with your systems and peace of mind.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Home maintenance services range from simple filter changes that even a novice DIYer can handle to those best left to the professionals, such as roof repair. Herzwurm says, \u201cIf you’re not getting the roof inspected [regularly], you may not know that shingles are loose and you have a leak. With an inspection, you may be able to do a roof repair instead of a full replacement.\u201d<\/p>\n

For the best results, budget time and money for home maintenance services to protect your investment.<\/p>\n

While this might seem like it would be common practice, 80% of homeowners<\/a> aren\u2019t prepared for a home maintenance emergency. Yet, HomeAdvisor<\/a> says, a typical roof repair can range from $364 to $1558, depending on materials and size.<\/p>\n

To assist you with planning, we\u2019ve put together an overview of the home maintenance tasks that can help you keep your home in the best condition possible.<\/p>\n

\"what<\/a>
Source: (The Toidi \/ ShutterStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What are home maintenance services?<\/h2>\n

Home maintenance services touch on every aspect of your home. From plumbers to roofers, to lawn care, having a good home maintenance routine<\/a> will give you peace of mind.<\/p>\n

If you think of them as seasonal tasks, you\u2019ll be able to spread them out and make them more manageable. Plus, if you get your air conditioning serviced in the spring and your furnace inspected in the fall, you\u2019re less likely to face an air conditioning breakdown in the middle of a heatwave or a broken-down furnace in the middle of winter.<\/p>\n

How much do services cost?<\/h2>\n

Home maintenance costs range from air filters<\/a> starting at $19.99 to a full roof replacement. HomeAdvisor estimates new roof costs to range from $5,574 to $11,44<\/a>, depending on size and materials. According to HomeServe, a new furnace can run $1,500 to $6,500<\/a>. However, regular furnace maintenance<\/a> will only run you around $100.<\/p>\n

How much to budget for your home maintenance depends on your home. \u201cMaintenance on a new construction property is going to be very different than on a 1950s home,\u201d Herzwurm says. \u201cSo it depends on your property, the age of your system, the condition that it was when you purchased it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"finding<\/a>
Source: (ronstik \/ ShutterStock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finding the best home maintenance services<\/h2>\n

Start your search by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can look online to find licensed area professionals<\/a> with excellent recommendations. There are also a lot of handy home maintenance apps<\/a> to help you find home maintenance services in your area.<\/p>\n

Top services by season<\/h2>\n

If you implement a rotating series of seasonal checks, you can keep your home maintenance services manageable. Here are some top tips for every season.<\/p>\n

Spring<\/h3>\n

Spring is a time of renewal, which makes it the perfect time to clear away the old and make room for the new. You can start outside with your yard.<\/p>\n

Lawn, garden, and trees<\/h4>\n

Start with a lawn cleanup, like clearing away any fallen branches or dead leaves. You can lay mulch in your flower beds to prevent weeds and decide on any new plantings you want for the season.<\/p>\n

If you use a lawn service, early spring is the time to renew your annual contract.<\/p>\n

Outdoor home inspection<\/h4>\n

Your home is your first line of defense from the elements. It also establishes your first impression to your neighbors. Keeping your home well-maintained on the outside not only enhances your curb appeal but can help prevent expensive fixes later. Once you\u2019ve cleaned up your yard, you can check the exterior of your home from roof to HVAC.<\/p>\n

Roof<\/h4>\n

Check your roof for loose or broken shingles. Ben Sutterfield, owner of 1st Capital Certified Roofing<\/a> in Austin, Texas, advises staying on top of this to help avoid more substantial damage. \u201cReplacing loose or missing shingles keeps water from seeping under the shower angles and causing water damage,\u201d he says. \u201cMany times we will be called to a leaky roof only to find the culprit was a few missing shingles.\u201d<\/p>\n

In addition, get a professional inspection to ensure the winter months didn\u2019t cause any other roof damage. Spring showers may not be kind.<\/p>\n

Foundation<\/h4>\n

As the first piece of your home\u2019s structure, the foundation literally supports your home. It\u2019s a good practice to look for cracks both inside and out. Foundation cracks<\/a> can come from drainage issues, problematic engineering, general house \u201csettling\u201d over time, and much more.<\/p>\n

Siding<\/h4>\n

If your home siding<\/a> is cracked, warped, or otherwise no longer adhering to your home, then your home is at risk of water damage. Like roof shingles, siding is meant to protect your home from leaks, mildew, and mold.<\/p>\n

Gutters<\/h4>\n

Clearing your gutters of fallen leaves and other debris gives rain and melting snow a targeted place to go. Clogged gutters can lead water inward and result in water damage to your walls and ceilings.<\/p>\n

Paint<\/h4>\n

Paint problems are some of the easiest issues to spot. If it\u2019s chipped or peeling it\u2019s not only unsightly but can also lead to mold and mildew damage. If it\u2019s painted wood, such as a deck railing or window trim, not maintaining it can lead to rotting and more expensive fixes later.<\/p>\n

Areas with more extreme weather can add additional concerns. For example, Herzwurm notes the impact the harsh Florida sun can have on exterior paint. \u201cKeeping your exterior property painted every seven to 10 years is something you should consider.\u201d While the hot sun can bleach the paint, flaking or cracking paint can indicate potential water damage.<\/a><\/p>\n

Patio, deck, and pool<\/h4>\n

Each of these has its own set of checklists depending on the construction material. In general, you\u2019ll want to look for loose bricks or boards, note paint coverage, and clean the pool to get ready for a summer of swimming \u23bc or relaxing.<\/p>\n

Power washing<\/h4>\n

If your siding or patio is dirty or showing signs of green mold, a good power-washing session can make it sparkle like new again.<\/p>\n

HVAC system<\/h4>\n

Keeping your HVAC system well-maintained can pay off in lower energy bills and year-round comfort. Darcy Lee, a senior product manager at Trane<\/a>, says, \u201cit\u2019s very important to schedule yearly service visits to ensure the system doesn\u2019t fail you when you need it most. Keeping a clean filter can help lower your energy bill and keep your unit operating at peak performance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Plumbing<\/h4>\n

Check your pipes for rusting and leaks. If you see anything that may be problematic, don\u2019t wait on contacting a plumber. Allison Goodbee, co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing<\/a> in New Orleans, Louisiana, offers an essential tip to homeowners: \u201cLearn where your water main is located,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\u201cGetting familiar with your home\u2019s water main can save you some headaches in the future. If you find yourself in a plumbing emergency or need to start any major projects, shutting off the water main is generally your first step.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sump pump<\/h4>\n

Your sump pump is designed to pump excess water away from your basement and toward a storm drain. When your sump pump is functioning well, it hums along and keeps your basement dry. But if it\u2019s rattling or making strange noises, that\u2019s a sign that it may need repair or replacement. Don\u2019t wait for your basement to flood to call in an expert.<\/p>\n

Septic tank<\/h4>\n

According to the Environmental Protection Agency<\/a>, most homes require a professional inspection every three years at a minimum. Septic tanks are usually pumped out every three to five years to remove sludge. You can help your septic system stay healthy by using water efficiently and not flushing anything down the toilet except for waste and toilet paper.<\/p>\n

To find a septic service professional in your area, you can consult The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Spring DIY home maintenance tasks<\/h4>\n