If you’re a new homeowner, it’s more important than ever to tackle any outstanding issues from your inspection report and commit to a regular maintenance routine. This is particularly important, if you waived any contingencies to purchase your home in a tight market.
This is the second part in our Home Maintenance Series, so be sure to check out our other posts:
Part 1: Tips for Maintaining Your Home (exterior)
Part 3: Tips for Maintaining Appliances
The good news? You don’t have to do it all at once. Consistent, small efforts can keep your home in great shape—without becoming overwhelming. And thanks to university of YouTube and other resources, learning basic home repairs is easier than ever.
Click here to download our Home Buyer Guide
Kitchen Maintenance Tips
Older Plumbing
If your home was built before 1980, test your tap water for lead—even if you’re using a refrigerator water filter. Not sure? Run the tap for a minute to flush out standing water before using it for cooking.
Garbage Disposal
Garbage Disposal
A jammed disposal is the most common issue.
Fix it:
- Find the hex key under the sink (it fits the bottom of the disposal).
- Turn it manually to free the blades.
- Press the reset button if needed.
Never reach into the disposal.
Cooking Grease
Keep FOG (fats, oils, grease) out of your pipes. Let it cool, wipe it out with a paper towel, and toss it. Preventative care is much cheaper than a plumbing bill.
Dishwasher
When’s the last time you cleaned your Dishwasher? Exactly! Help preserve the life of your machine and prevent undesirable build up by cleaning your machine once a month.
Cleaning hack: Run a cycle with powdered lemonade mix (instead of detergent). The ascorbic acid helps break down buildup and freshens your machine.
Refrigerator
No one wants to find out their fridge is in disrepair the hard way. Stay on top of regular maintenance to save a big grocery run, and the fridge itself.
- Replace the water filter when you move in. Write the date on it with a Sharpie.
- Pull out the fridge to vacuum the coils and check for leaks.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Countertops
There are many types of countertops out there, but it’s especially important to take care of natural stone countertops. Ask your real estate agent if you are not sure what kind of counter you have.
Granite Countertops
Granite countertops are a beautiful and fairly common feature in homes on the market. They are also an expensive investment that you’ll want to maintain with regular care.
- Seal yearly to prevent stains (granite is porous).
- Avoid heat and cutting directly on the surface.
- Wipe up spills immediately.
Cultured Marble Countertops
It’s not always the most practical counter top to have in a kitchen because it can scratch and burn easily.
- Use gentle cleaners only—avoid abrasives.
Marble Countertops
Like granite, marble countertops should be sealed to protect them from water and stains.
- Requires professional sealing every 1–2 years.
- Blot spills right away to prevent permanent stains.
Quartz countertops
Quartz is a great manmade product. It’s actually harder than granite which makes it more durable. It also isn’t porous like granite and will not absorb liquids.
- Avoid placing hot pans on quartz counters.
- Quartz is pretty expensive so observe proper care to avoid footing a large repair or replacement bill.
Laminate Countertops
Once a relic (note not retro chic) of the past Laminate Countertops have enjoyed a recent resurgence. have . This is a great inexpensive and durable option.
- Avoid heat and sharp objects
- Don’t let water stand in the seals as it might seep into it and cause bubbling.
Tile Counter tops
While tile rarely makes an appearance in newer builds and Pinterest boards, it is durable and repairable. If you have tile tops make sure to:
- Regularly seal the grout in order to protect it from water and discoloration.
Related Reading: Update your home without major renovations
Bathrooms
Jetted Tubs
Jetted tubs can harbor bacteria. Clean before first use.
How-to:
- Fill the tub 2 inches above the highest jets.
- Add dishwasher detergent and 2 cups vinegar or ½ cup bleach.
- Run jets for 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and wipe out debris.
- Refill with clean water and run again for 10–15 minutes.
- Drain and rinse.
Mildew
Even in dry Colorado, bathrooms can grow mildew. Make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated
If you find mildew in the bathroom:
- Mix ½ lb trisodium phosphate (TSP) with 1 gallon water.
- Use a toothbrush or putty knife to get at hard to reach spots
- Rinse thoroughly and dry the area.
- Re-caulk if needed.
To prevent mildew:
- Open a window or run the fan when you shower.
- Replace your fan if the current one is weak. There is a chance you’ll have to have your fan vented to the outside to comply with new building codes. Get an estimate and see if the venting to the outside is included in the offer.
Related Reading: Steps to Buy a Home
Around the House
Wobbly Ceiling Fan
Fix that annoying wobble:
- Tighten blade screws and mounting hardware.
- Use a fan balancing kit from your local hardware store to stabilize.
Doors and Latches
Latch Issues
- Humidity and use can cause misalignment.
- Adjust the strike plate with a screwdriver, for a simple remedy.
Sticking Doors
The most common cause of a sticking door is the natural expansion of lumber due to changes in humidity.
- When sticking is due to swelling during a damp season, do not plane (shave the wood on the side of the door) or sand the door unless it continues to stick when drier conditions persist.
- Before you sand a door, you can try rubbing some candle wax or a bar of soap on the part of the door that is sticking. Then tighten the screws that hold the door in the door frame to see if that helps.
Flooring
Carpet
Still popular, especially in bedrooms—but it requires care.
- Follow builder care instructions to preserve warranties.
- Remove bathroom carpet in older homes, it’s usually a haven for all manner of nasty build up and not worth the hassle (swap for inexpensive laminate).
- Call a pro to re-stretch buckled carpet.
Hardwood Flooring
Wood reacts to humidity. Here’s what to watch for:
- Seasonal cupping or shrinking
- Scratches from pets, furniture, or shoes
- Warping from repeated moisture
- White, filmy spots from standing water
Wood Floor Care
- Dry mop or sweep regularly.
- Use BONA or ZAP for safe cleaning.
- Avoid steam mops and all-purpose cleaners.
- Mop up spills immediately.
- Lay towels or rugs at exterior entries—avoid rubber-backed mats.
We’re committed to helping you not just buy a home—but thrive in it. We want your homeownership journey to be successful, sustainable, and stress-free. If you need recommendations for trusted local contractors or just have questions about maintenance, we’re here for you. Contact us any time!
