As with any home, maintenance is important to ward off the unexpected catastrophes from neglect. Remember, even though your modular home is better reinforced than a site-built home, this does not preclude the need for maintenance. Depending on whether you just moved in or whether you have lived in your modular home for years, different areas may need attention. The following include some recommendations for keeping your modular home in tip-top shape.

- Safety measures - Upon moving in, be sure fire extinguishers are located in necessary areas throughout the house. This should include one around the kitchen area, furnace area, electrical panel, and fireplaces. Also one near the bedrooms is important. Likewise smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be in place and checked biannually for proper functioning.

- Caulking - As the home settles over time, small cracks in existing caulking can occur around doors, windows, trim, etc. This should be assessed at least every 6 months using an approved caulk for the material for which it is applied. This helps maintain energy efficiency and keeps moisture from accessing unwarranted areas.

- Filters - Air conditioning filters should be inspected monthly and replaced or cleaned if needed. This promotes energy efficiency as well, and it also promotes cleaner, healthier air. Another filter to be considered is in the range hood. This collects cooking fumes and also benefits from frequent cleaning or replacement.

- Electrical - As part of routine maintenance, all grounded electrical receptacles should be tested every 6 months to be sure the ground interruption operates correctly. This is simply done by pressing the buttons on the receptacles while electricity is flowing to an appliance or device. Also, any extension cords around the home should be assessed for damage or overload.

- Plumbing - Likewise every 6 months faucets should have aerators cleaned, and all pipes and fittings should be checked and tightened as needed. Leaks need attention of course and may only need gasket replacement.

- Roofing - Tiles or shingles should be inspected annually and repaired as needed. This can prevent a leak before it develops and also limit the scope of the repair. Likewise, gutters should be cleaned and emptied at least annually. This may require more frequent attention if there is abundant foliage and debris present.

- HVAC systems - in addition to filter changes, HVAC should be inspected and serviced annually to ensure optimal functioning and energy efficiency.

- Wood care - cabinetry and other areas of finished wood surfaces should annually be attended to by placing a coat of wax protection to ensure durability and aesthetic appearance.

- Chimney and masonry care - annual inspections for cracks and shifting is important and chimneys specifically should be professionally cleaned once a year.

- Sealants - consideration of sealing tile grout to resist staining and mildew is strongly recommended. Driveway and garage floor sealants are also other are of consideration to protect from cracking. Depending on the product, this needs to be repeated at appropriate intervals.

By attending to these areas of your modular home, you will reduce the expense of repairs over time. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.