Homeowner Do It Yourself General Maintenance Guide

I am an Accredited Homes Staging Professional and a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. I also offer Home Watch Services, redesign of home interiors and project management to oversee the completion of the major projects by licensed & insured contractors, many of whom I have worked with for over 20 years. The first impressions of a home, whether selling a home or staging it for a vacation rental, is to update & stage appropriately to achieve the top selling price for the size and location of the property. Keep in mind, professional home staging is tax deductible as a marketing expense.

My experience in the hospitality business has provided me with the insights in helping maintain the homes and improve guest experiences, thus raising the property's visitor scores with Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and other booking websites in the vacation rental properties industry. Many have used my recommendations to improve occupancy goals for their properties, which has increased their income potential. We always try to advise owners to prevent risk management claims. I have also personally staged several of our vacation rentals and after complete home inspections, I consult with owners on how to update older properties. I work with a team of contractors, subcontractors, and vendors that are professionals in their various fields of expertise and are licensed with the state of AZ and insured/bonded if required for that field.

Index of Homeowner Do It Yourself Guide

Section I-Exterior 15

Breaker Box (label and spider webs) 15

BBQ Pit, Patios & Decks 16

Patio Furniture 18

Fencing, Sidewalks, & Stairs 19

Fireplaces, Fire Pits, & Chiminea 21

Gutters & Scuppers 22

HVAC/Swamp Coolers 25

Landscaping & Irrigation Systems 26

Pest Control 28

Property Drainage 31

Swimming Pools 32

Hot Tubs 33

Walls & Roofs 34

Vinyl or Other Types of Siding 35

Brick Siding Construction 36

Roofs 37

Shingle Roofs 38

Tile Roofs 39

Shaker Roofs 40

Section II-Interior 41

Air Vents & Filters 42

Bathroom (Shower & Sink Drain, & Toilets) 43

Flooring & Baseboards 45

Caulking & Weather Stripping 45

Ceiling fans & light fixtures 46

Light Bulbs 47

Electric Outlets & GFI Outlets 48

Fireplaces, Chimney & Flue 49

Gas Fireplaces 50

Gas Assist Fireplaces 50

Electric Fireplaces 51

Fixtures 52

Wall Mirrors, Wall Art, & Display Shelves 53

Essential Tools 54

Furniture Integrity 56

Interior Ceilings & Walls 57

Kitchen 58

Kitchen Large Appliances 60

Kitchen Small Appliances 62

Pest Control 62

Plumbing 64

Water Filtration Systems 64

Reverse Osmosis Systems 66

Wells 69

Septic & Alternative Systems 70

Section III-Safety & Security 75

Carbon Monoxide Detectors 76

Smoke Detectors 77

Fire Extinguishers 78

First Aid Kits 80

Ladders, Stepstools, Brooms, & Mops 81

Section IV-Recommended Contracted Services 83

Home Warranty Package 83

Property Insurance 83

Legal & Tax Advice 83

Professional Home Inspections 83

Professional Landscaper 83

Professional Pest Control Service 83

Chimney Cleanings 84

Dryer and HVAC Vents 84

Deadwooding & Proper Watering of Trees 85

Remodels, Redesigns, and Staging by a Professional 89

Section V-Do it Yourself Recommended Tool Inventory 90

Section VI-Monthly, Quarterly & Semi-Annual Maintenance Checklist 93