Your Essential Oregon Home Maintenance Checklist

Key Areas of Exterior Home Maintenance

Let’s start with a quick walk outside.

Exterior Painting: Nothing is more exposed to the elements than the exterior of your home. All that siding bears the brunt of Oregon’s paint-deteriorating weather, from relentless rain to hot summer sun. Regularly maintaining your exterior paint is crucial, protecting against mold growth and material degradation caused by moisture and UV light. We have plenty of both here in the Pacific Northwest!

Deck and Fence Care: Decks and fences are another significant exterior feature that require regular maintenance to retain their beauty and functionality. Staining and sealing these wooden structures protects them from warping, fading, water damage, and wood rot.

Windows and Doors: Check and make sure seals around windows and doors are not cracked or beginning to fail. If you have older windows or doors, upgrading to newer, energy efficient models can have a dramatic effect on your home's comfort, value, and efficiency. 

Concrete Care: Concrete surfaces, like garages, driveways, and pool surrounds, require protective coatings to resist wear, staining, and moisture. Plus, the right coating can look fantastic, too.

Interior Home Maintenance: Projects that Make a Difference

Time to swing through the interior! Here are a few key areas that are too important to overlook. 

Painting: Regular painting is a great way to maintain the aesthetic and functional quality of your home's interior. A fresh coat of paint not only revitalizes the appearance of your rooms but also serves as a protective layer that minimizes wear on walls, helps cover up daily bumps and scuffs, and can improve light reflection.

Drywall and Plaster Repair: Before undertaking a painting project, it is crucial to address any underlying issues with your walls, such as cracks, holes, or water damage in drywall and plaster. Proper repairs ensure a smooth, beautiful finish and prevent further damage by sealing gaps and reinforcing the material's integrity. It pays to do it right!

Kitchen Cabinet Painting: Updating kitchen cabinets with fresh paint is a fast way to transform the look of your kitchen without the need for a costly and time-consuming remodel. Plus, cabinet paint also serves as a protective coating that extends the life of the materials.

Flooring: Here’s another significant, yet often overlooked, aspect of home maintenance. A quality, waterproof floor won't just transform your interior, it will protect it from water damage and mold growth. Or, if you have a wood floor that just needs refreshing, it might be time to sand and refinish.

Maintaining Historic Oregon Homes

When it comes to maintaining a historic home, there can be some unique challenges. Here are a few things you might want to keep in mind: 

1. Preservation of Original Features: One of the primary goals in maintaining a historic home is to preserve its architectural integrity and original features. This can include woodwork, flooring, fixtures, and windows.

1. Compliance with Local Regulations: Historic homes often fall under specific local, state, or federal regulations that govern renovations and repairs. It’s important to check with local preservation societies, heritage groups, or government bodies for any restrictions or required permits before starting work.

1. Expert Consultation: Given the complexities involved in maintaining historic properties, consulting with experts such as historians, architects who specialize in historical buildings, and contractors experienced with older construction can provide valuable guidance and help you avoid costly mistakes.

What’s the Takeaway? 

Every Oregon home is unique, and they don’t all need the same maintenance at the same time. But one thing is sure: every home needs to be taken care of. So, keep an eye out and make sure your home is up to date and feels the love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I repaint my home to keep it in good condition? A: Typically, an exterior paint job should last 8-10 years, depending on the climate and the quality of the paint, while interior paint might last even longer.

Q: What are the signs that my home needs professional painting services? A: Signs like peeling, cracking, or fading paint indicate that professional services are required. Our best advice? Don’t wait until you have a major problem on your hands - investing in routine touch-ups, inspections, and maintenance will save you money in the long run.

Q: Can the same company handle both small residential and large commercial projects? A: Many professional painting companies are equipped to manage both small and large projects, ensuring quality outcomes regardless of the project size.

Q: What are the advantages of hiring a professional over doing it myself? A: Hiring a professional provides access to their expertise, equipment, and ensures adherence to local regulations, which might be challenging for DIY projects.

If you have any additional questions about your Oregon house painting or construction projects, please feel free to contact us at Fitzpatrick Painting and Construction. We’d love to chat with you.