As a high-quality Roanoke Valley home builder and Class A Contractor, there are two things that set us apart: the quality of our work and the way we treat our customers. Our customer service extends beyond the job itself. We want you to be happy with our work for the long haul, which is why part of our service always includes client education on home maintenance. 

Home maintenance can mean many things, from the work we (the home improvement pros at Frame to Finish) do to everyday cleaning. Today, we’ll share some of the items you should keep up with to make your home improvements last. Of course, we get into specifics after we’ve completed a job in your home, but this is a good overview to get you started. 

Cleaning

Everyone wants a clean home, but did you know that cleanliness does more than make your home look nice or even sanitation? Proper cleaning also adds to the longevity of your home construction projects. That’s why cleaning is an integral part of home maintenance. 

Of course, not every completed home improvement project should be cleaned the same way, and we can’t get into every single type of cleaning for your home, but we will share some of the home maintenance cleaning best practices for some of the most common home projects. 

Carpets

Carpeting is not as popular as it once was, but it still has a place in many homes, particularly in bedrooms. Who wants to step on a cold floor when they wake up in the morning? 

If you installed new carpets, you should vacuum them regularly and shampoo them (either professionally or with a home shampooer at least once a year). Keeping your carpets clean prevents dirt from building up and wearing out the fibers. 

Spot clean spills right away, and consider area rugs to protect high-trafficked areas. 

Bonus tip: Rotate your furniture to change which spots get the most traffic. 

Flooring

Like carpets, other flooring benefits from regular cleaning. That’s because dirt can grind into the floor and create scratches. Many wood flooring installers recommend not wearing shoes in the house. That may not be feasible for everyone, but it’s worth considering if you can. 

Different materials require different cleaning methods. For wood floors, a damp (but not super wet) cloth or mop is perfect along with proper cleaner. 

Also, use felt tabs under furniture to prevent scratching. You’d be surprised how much you move furniture without realizing it. 

Walls and Other Painted Surfaces

Painting does a lot to protect the materials it covers, but over time, paint can wear away. The first step to keeping a good paint job is painting correctly in the first place. The next is keeping your walls and other painted surfaces clean. 

Gentle cleaners, like soft non-abrasive cloths, work best. And remember that high-touch areas require more frequent cleaning. 

Weather Proofing

As we come out of winter, weather-proofing has been on many of our customer’s minds. If you didn’t start the season with it, you were probably wishing you had by the end of it.

While we build everything we do to last, there are certain home maintenance projects that should be completed (or at least examined) each year. 

Windows

One example is your windows. The weather stripping around your windows is not built to last forever. You should check to see if your windows need recaulking each year. 

Gutters

You should inspect your gutters for damage and debris every year and clean out when necessary to prevent leaks and water damage. 

Exterior Doors

Check for wear, especially around seals. 

We’re Just Getting Started on Home Maintenance Education

There’s so much more to be said about home upkeep, and while we promise we’ll give you more specifics when you hire us, we also intend to share more tips in future blogs. Remember that Frame to Finish always creates quality that you can come home to!