Once you've purchased your florida home there are several very important and new responsibilities you inherit. The maintenance of your Florida home is a top priority.The correct Preventative maintenance can save you thousands in home repairs ofver the years. Here are several steps you should take on a monthly, bi-annual, and annual basis.

Monthly Checklist

CHECK AIR FILTER IN A/C AND CLEAN OR REPLACE AS NECESSARY. VACUUM AIR SUPPLY AND AIR RETURN REGISTERS TO REMOVE DUST. CHECK FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO ENSURE THEY ARE FULLY CHARGED. CLEAN DISPOSAL BLADES BY GRINDING UP ICE CUBES. FRESHEN WITH CITRUS FRUIT RINDS AND BAKING SODA. CHECK FOR CRACKS AND SEPARATIONS IN CAULKING AROUND THE FOLLOWING: SINKS, BATHTUBS, TOILETS, FAUCETS, COUNTERTOPS, BACK SPLASHES, CERAMIC TILE WALLS, CERAMIC FLOORS, WINDOW SILLS AND ANY OTHER AREAS. CLEAN OR REPLACE DIRTY FILTER IN RANGE HOOD FAN. ADJUST SPRINKLER HEADS FOR PROPER COVERAGE.

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6-Month Checklist

CHECK EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS CAULKING. INSPECT EXTERIOR PAINT SURFACES, TOUCH-UP AS NEEDED. CHECK SCREWS ON DOOR LOCK SETS AND HARDWARE, TIGHTEN UP. TEST AND CLEAN SMOKE DETECTORS AND CHANGE THE BATTERIES IF NEEDED. LUBRICATE BI-FOLD AND BY-PASS DOORS IF NECESSARY. CLEAN SLIDING DOOR TRACKS, APPLY SILICONE SPRAY. (NOT OIL) OIL MOVING PARTS OF GARAGE DOOR. CHECK FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO ENSURE THEY ARE FULLY CHARGED. CHECK ELECTRICAL EXTENSION AND APPLIANCE CORDS. VISUALLY INSPECT ROOF FROM GROUND FOR BROKEN SHINGLES. CHECK AND CLEAN GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS. HAVE CONTRACTOR PERFORM SEASONAL CHECK-UP ON YOUR A/C. CHECK WATER SUPPLY LINES AND VALVES FOR LEAKS. INSPECT WINDOWS AND SCREENS FOR CONDITION.

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Annual Checklist

REPEAT YOUR SIX- MONTH INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE. CHECK ATTIC VENTS FOR INSULATION BLOCKAGE. INSPECT INSIDE ATTIC FOR SIGNS OF ROOF LEAKS. CHECK CABINET DRAWERS AND HINGES FOR PROPER ALIGNMENT. HAVE CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED AS NECESSARY. REMOVE WATER HEATER RESIDUE. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN PLUMBING SECTION OF YOUR HOME MAINTENANCE MANUAL. PRESSURE CLEAN ROOF TILES, POOL DECK, DRIVEWAY AND WALKS.