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Your Home, Your Investment: Simple Ways to Protect & Grow Its Value

June 9, 2026

Congratulations on the purchase of your new BIC home! Purchasing a new home is a major life event that comes with great joy, freedom, and responsibility. You have made the great investment and are now moved in, enjoying everything your BIC Home has to offer. However, there is still more work to do from time to time to maintain and protect your home. The benefit of this is that you safeguard your investment while simultaneously increasing the value of your home by keeping it in an optimal condition. Homebuyers are responsible for routine preventative maintenance from the first day and for the duration of homeownership. This blog post will go into detail regarding the maintenance of your home and what is covered under warranty.

Preventative Maintenance: 

There is a variety of important preventive maintenance procedures that are needed at different intervals throughout the year. Adhering to these procedures will help you identify and correct maintenance problems before they turn into a major expense. Adhering to the preventative maintenance will help you keep your home functioning as designed with minimal problems.

Tile & Grout Maintenance:

Ceramic tile and grout are relatively easy to maintain and water will not penetrate through them if maintained adequately. Over time, it’s possible for cracks to form in the grout and tile as the home begins to settle. This is normal and comes as a result of the home settling, temperature changes, and the amount of moisture present in every room, especially in places like bathrooms. Re-grouting and re-caulking are essential maintenance procedures to ensure tile and grout remain in optimal condition.

Seasonal Maintenance – To Be Performed During Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter 

• HVAC System
  • Air filters should be changed frequently based on individual living conditions. For example, if you have pets, you will have to change the air filter more frequently due to pet dander.
  • HVAC Units should be serviced by a professional.
  • Check for proper refrigerant levels (Freon). Low Freon levels are indicators of a potential leak.
  • Check the vent systems and turbine to ensure they are clear and turning. If the turbine on the roof had been covered with plastic during rain, remember to uncover it again.
  • Be sure to remove anything that may be blocking vents or ducts.

• Fireplace and Chimney
  • Regularly have your chimney cleaned to prevent soot and creosote build-up.
  • Gas fireplaces should be inspected annually by a certified gas technician with proficiency in fireplaces.
  • Check the chimney cap and the caulking between the cap and chimney.

• Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Check batteries regularly. If the unit emits a light to signal that it’s working, ensure the light is on.

• Electrical System
  • Repairs should be performed by a licensed electrician.
  • Inspect electrical service lines for secure attachment where they enter the house and ensure there is no water leaking into the house along the conduit.
  • Check exterior lighting for loose connections, faulty wires, or other deficiencies. Repair or replace as needed.
  • Check appliance and extension cords and replace any frayed or split cords.
  • Ensure that wiring in the attic is in a junction box with colored wire nuts placed on the connections.
  • Clean and adjust ceiling fans, ensure it is properly secured.
  • Test ground fault circuit interrupters on electrical outlets every month by pushing the test button.

• Exterior
  • Check exterior cement, wood siding, paint, and trim for any signs of deterioration.
  • Inspect caulking where the siding meets the trim, windows, and doors. If the caulking has cracked or shrunk, replace it to prevent insects and elements from entering.
  • Check for holes in the exterior that could be a possible entry point for pests.
  • Remove plants or roots that penetrate or contact the siding or brick.
  • Check stucco for cracks and repair as needed.

• Roof
  • Inspect roof at ground level for any missing material, signs of aging such as severe cracking and brittleness. Roof penetrations and flashing can dry out from continuous exposure to the sun and cold weather.
  • Inspect the roof for any sagging that can indicate structural problems.
  • Remove debris from roof and gutters on a regular basis.
  • Inspect attic and roof vents to ensure there is nothing obstructing them and to ensure these are functioning properly.
  • Secure any loose gutters.
  • Ensure that downspouts divert water away from the foundation walls.
  • Check for water penetration in the attic after rainy weather.
  • Check for any missing or broken shingles, repair or replace as needed.
  • Ensure your gable, soffit, and ridge vents are open to allow for proper ventilation.

• Windows and Doors
  • Inspect window sealant on the outside of the glass and replace as needed.
  • Check and replace damaged caulking and weather stripping around windows and doorways.
  • Sand and touch up the paint on windows and doors.
  • Clean and lubricate sliding glass door tracks/window tracks.
  • Inspect all the springs, hinges, and rollers on garage doors as well as the garage door track. If the door has a torsion spring to raise and lower the door, perform only a visual inspection and have a trained professional provide maintenance, adjustments, or replacement of the spring if needed.
  • Lubricate automatic garage door opener motor, chain, etc.
  • Check the safety reverse system on automatic door openers with a roll of paper towels, the door should reverse within 2 seconds of contact.

• Driveways, Walkways, Decks, and Patios
  • Resurface patios, walkways, and driveways if cracks have appeared to avoid water intrusion that can lift surfaces.
  • Check the security of all guardrails and handrails.

• Plumbing and Sprinkler Systems
  • Run water in fixtures that are not frequently used to keep water in the trap.
  • Look for leaks around pipe joints and anti-siphon valves.
  • Drain water from the water heater every season to remove dust and sediment from the bottom of the tank.
  • Test for full coverage of grounds while adjusting them to ensure water does not hit the house.
  • Check water supply lines and valves to sinks and toilets, tighten if loose or leaking.
  • Ensure overflow holes on tubs are clear and open to prevent water damage to floors and ceilings.
  • Never use caustic liquid drain openers on a clogged drain as it can severely damage your pipes.
  • If you’re unable to clear a clog after several attempts, contact a licensed plumber or drain-cleaning service.
  • Consider using a non-toxic biological drain cleaner to keep your drains clean.
  • Check toilet for leaks.
  • Clean out debris from tub drain assembly, inspect rubber seal and replace if necessary.
  • Clean jetted tubs according to manufacturer’s instructions to prevent soap scum from accumulating.
  • Fix leaky faucets promptly as leaks can waste up to 20 gallons of water daily.

• Miscellaneous
  • Disconnect the duct connected to the clothes dryer and vacuum lint from duct, the area around the dryer, and the vent hood outside.
  • Vacuum bathroom and laundry room fan grills
  • Change filter in ice maker.
  • Clean your garbage disposal with ice cubes or citrus peels; this helps clean deposits and get rid of odors. Be sure to do this with the cold water running.
  • Do not grind clam or oyster shells, highly fibrous materials such as cornhusks, or non-organic materials such as glass, plastic, or metals in the garbage disposal.

This post was written by Javier Medina.