Home maintenance

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has a checklist of simple home maintenance tips and repairs that can help you put a stop to the most common and costly problems before they occur, often in as little as a few minutes a week, including:

Check and clean your range hood filters on a monthly basis.

Use a dehumidifier if necessary to keep the relative humidity level in your basement at or below 60 per cent.

Check basement pipes for condensation or dripping, and take corrective action if needed.

Refill the basement floor drain if the trap doesn't have enough water in it.

  Run water briefly in fixtures that aren't used frequently, such as the laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower.

Deep clean carpets and rugs, and vacuum the bathroom fan grille.

  Unplug the dryer and disconnect the duct connected to your clothes dryer and vacuum lint from the duct, the areas surrounding the dryer and the vent hood outside.

  Check all windows, door hinges and garage door opener hardware for smooth operation, and lubricate doors and hinges as required.

  Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter the house, and make sure no water is leaking into your home along the electrical conduit.

Check the exterior siding and clean, replace or refinish it as needed.

  Seal off any holes in the exterior cladding that could become entry points for rain or pests ? except for the vent holes located in brick walls.

  Check your roof for sagging or damaged shingles, and examine all roof flashings at chimney and plumbing penetrations for signs of cracks or leaks.

  Repair the driveway and walkways if needed, and repair any damaged steps, guardrails or handrails that could present a safety problem.

Home maintenance tips courtesy of Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation