In the 13 years that we’ve been inspecting homes, we’ve seen it all: the beautifully maintained, the shockingly neglected, and everything in between. One thing that we experienced recently reminded us that there is something often neglected, but certainly helpful. Good maintenance records! 

You might think we’re talking about receipts for your big kitchen renovation, and while those are important, we’re actually talking about the simple, ongoing maintenance log of your home’s vital systems. Think of your home as a complex machine; for it to run efficiently and last, it needs regular, documented care.

Why Track the Small Stuff?

When we inspect a home, we look for signs of neglect, wear, and deferred maintenance. The condition of your major systems–HVAC, plumbing, and electrical–is paramount. But how does a potential buyer really know how well you’ve cared for them? That’s where your maintenance log shines, and we saw it in this recent inspection.

This homeowner went above and beyond. They logged their furnace filter changes, professional servicing of the furnace and AC, water filter changes, and even more. Imagine our surprise when we saw the extent of their record keeping, and imagine the buyers who learned how meticulously this home was kept!

When it comes time to sell, these meticulous records are an invaluable asset, essentially acting as the home’s “health history”. In a competitive market, trust is everything.  It’s not just about selling; it’s about making your home run better right now. The small effort you put into maintenance records will pay you back tenfold in comfort, lower utility bills, and ultimately, a much easier, more profitable sale down the road. This transparency builds confidence and minimizes the “what-ifs” that can often stall or derail a real estate transaction.  Start by creating a simple spreadsheet or even a dedicated notebook today—the best time to start logging is now! Happy logging!