This Toronto Star article by Heather Greenwood Davis suggests an unorthodox New Years resolution. Instead of trying to lose weight or quit smoking, Davis encourages homeowners to adopt a more proactive approach to home maintenance. 

Bob Jewett, Vice President of Claims at Tarion Warranty Corporation, agrees with Davis about the importance of home maintenance. He recommends that homeowners should educate themselves about their homes by reading their Homeowner Information Packages (provided by the builder prior to closing), attending new home buyer educational seminars and gathering information from www.tarion.com.

Graham Clarke, Vice President of Engineering for Carson Dunlop Consulting Engineers, outlines a check list to help homeowners effectively maintain their homes. The most commonly reported problem is excess water seeping into the basement. This can be caused by poor grading, clogged eavestroughs or alterations such as the addition of flower gardens. Water in the basement can be rectified by making sure the sump pump is plugged in and working. Homeowners should also make sure the insulation in their attic is at least 10-12 inches thick. To properly manage air quality, air ducts should be cleaned directly upon moving in and once every five years thereafter. Bob Jewett recommends a portable humidifier to balance the levels of humidity within the home. This approach allows you to add humidity exactly where it’s needed and to limit use to specific targeted areas. Homeowners also need to conduct regular maintenance checks of their heating and electrical systems as well as their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.   

Another item that homeowners need to be aware of is the extent of their new home warranty coverage. Too often new homeowners fill out their 30-day and year end Warranty Protection Forms, but forget about their second and seventh year coverage. Monitoring the time lines in which homeowners can send in their Warranty Forms is also an important part of home maintenance.

For a complete list of new home warranty coverage (including Warranty Forms and their timelines) as well as a seasonal home maintenance checklist, Davis encourages readers to visit www.tarion.com.