If you’ve just purchased a home or condo in south Florida or will soon, know what to expect to keep your investment in tiptop shape when you move in and for years to come.
The good news is that you’ll never have to worry again about snow on your roof or your pipes freezing up. But Florida has a whole different set of “needs to know” for homeowners.
For instance, South Florida isn’t just warmer, it’s in the subtropics. So, it’s more humid and there are seasons, just not the ones you’re used to. The rainy season is from May through October, and rainfall is always intermittent, so you get short downpours. By late October, the dry season sets in and lasts until late April. The implications for this weather pattern means there’s different home maintenance tips for new homeowners.
Here’s your Florida home maintenance checklist:
- Most arrange for at least an annual air-conditioning checkup to make sure your system is up to date and reliable.
- Swimming pool owners hire a regular service.
- If you don’t live in an association whose dues cover landscaping, that’s another service company.
- It’s imperative to have a monthly pest control service.
- Check your home for termite damage or mold.
- Most homes in Florida have hurricane shutters and you may want to replace them with newer, easier to close models.
Most homeowner associations have lists of reliable vendors. and neighbors are a good source of information. Always make sure to check the license and legitimacy of any service provider before you hire.
