15 Steps to Homeownership: 13. Maintaining and Protecting Your Home

Course Title: The Power of Ownership™: Easy Steps to Smart Homebuying

STEP 13: Maintaining and Protecting Your Home (Expanded Edition)

1. COURSE OVERVIEW

Step 13 of The Power of Ownership™ focuses on the critical responsibility of home maintenance and protection. After the excitement of moving in, the real work of stewardship begins. This module teaches participants how to proactively maintain their property, avoid costly damage, preserve equity, and build habits of wise homeownership.

Participants will learn how to set up regular maintenance schedules, identify common issues before they become emergencies, understand home insurance policies, and implement security measures to protect their investment. The goal is not just to keep the house clean—but to keep it strong, safe, efficient, and valuable.

A well-maintained home doesn’t just shelter you—it protects your peace, preserves your finances, and increases long-term resale value. This step is all about staying ahead, being informed, and taking pride in protecting what God has entrusted to you.

1. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this module, participants will:

• Create a seasonal and monthly maintenance plan
• Understand the most critical areas to inspect and maintain
• Know how to prevent common home emergencies (leaks, pests, HVAC failure)
• Interpret basic home insurance coverage and file claims if needed
• Implement home security strategies
• Budget annually for repairs and upgrades
• Learn to identify signs of damage and deterioration early

III. SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION

Proverbs 27:23 (NIV) – “Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.”

Your home, like a flock or field, must be inspected and cared for. This scripture reminds us that responsible ownership requires vigilance. Wise owners don’t wait for disaster—they prevent it through foresight and faithful attention.

1. INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE

“You don’t have to be a contractor to protect your home—you just have to be consistent.” — Coach Greb

1. 10 ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY TERMS

1. Preventive Maintenance – Regular tasks that prevent damage and ensure functionality.
2. Homeowners Insurance – A policy that protects against damage, theft, or liability.
3. Deductible – The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance covers the rest.
4. Claim – A formal request to an insurance company for reimbursement.
5. Home Security System – Equipment installed to protect against theft or intrusion.
6. HVAC Servicing – Professional checkup of heating and cooling systems.
7. Water Shutoff Valve – Device that controls water flow into the house.
8. Gutter Cleaning – Removing leaves/debris to prevent roof and foundation damage.
9. Foundation Crack – Structural damage that can lead to serious home issues.
10. Annual Home Budget – A financial plan for ongoing maintenance and repairs.

1. CREATING YOUR HOME MAINTENANCE PLAN

Break tasks into manageable timelines:

Monthly:

• Change air filters
• Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
• Clean garbage disposal with vinegar/ice
• Inspect faucets and toilets for leaks

Quarterly:

• Deep clean windows and blinds
• Vacuum refrigerator coils
• Run water in unused sinks or toilets

Seasonally:

• Spring: Clean gutters, inspect roof, service AC
• Summer: Check irrigation, inspect deck/fence
• Fall: Reseal windows/doors, service furnace
• Winter: Insulate pipes, test sump pump

Annually:

• Drain water heater
• Clean chimney
• Replace weather stripping
• Pest inspection

VII. INSURANCE: KNOW WHAT YOU’RE PAYING FOR

Key Coverage Areas:

• Dwelling (structure)
• Personal property (belongings)
• Liability (injuries on your property)
• Loss of use (if home becomes uninhabitable)

Common Gaps:

• Floods and earthquakes often require separate coverage
• Appliance wear and tear not usually covered

How to File a Claim:

1. Take photos of damage
2. Contact your insurer and open a claim
3. Meet with adjuster for evaluation
4. Receive repair/replacement funds

VIII. BUDGETING FOR MAINTENANCE

Rule of Thumb: Set aside 1%–3% of home value annually for repairs.

Budget Categories:

• Emergency Repairs (leaks, HVAC, electrical)
• Preventive Services (pest control, inspections)
• Replacement (appliances, flooring, roof shingles)

1. PROTECTING YOUR HOME

Security Measures:

• Install smart locks and doorbell cameras
• Use timers for indoor lights when away
• Join neighborhood watch groups or apps
• Trim hedges to expose doors/windows

Fire Prevention:

• Don’t overload outlets
• Store flammables safely
• Have a family evacuation plan

Water Safety:

• Install water leak detectors near washer, sinks, water heater
• Shut off water main before vacations
• Insulate pipes to prevent winter freezing

1. CASE STUDY: The Sanchez Family Prevents Disaster

The Sanchez family scheduled a spring maintenance day. While inspecting their attic, they noticed soft spots in the roof. A roofer confirmed water damage from a winter leak. Because they caught it early, repairs were under $900. Had they waited, it would’ve cost $8,000 in roof and ceiling replacement.

They also updated their home insurance policy after realizing their valuables weren’t fully covered.

Lesson: Prevention saves thousands—and peace of mind.

1. DO’S AND DON’TS

✅ DO:

• Track all maintenance with a checklist
• Keep receipts and warranties in a home binder
• Conduct seasonal self-inspections
• Update insurance as home value increases

❌ DON’T:

• Delay small repairs—they can grow into major ones
• Let gutters clog or pipes freeze
• Assume insurance covers everything
• Store chemicals near heaters or flames

XII. PRACTICE EXERCISES

1. Maintenance Schedule Worksheet

• Fill in tasks under monthly, quarterly, seasonal, annual columns

2. Home Insurance Review Checklist

• What’s my deductible?
• Is my roof covered for replacement value?
• Are valuables (jewelry, tech) protected?

3. Safety Audit Walkthrough

4. Faith Reflection Prompt

• Am I being faithful in caring for what I’ve been given?
• How does maintaining my home honor God?
• What can I do this season to strengthen my stewardship?

XIII. TEACHER’S MANUAL SNAPSHOT

Goals:

• Train homeowners in proactive care
• Demystify insurance and seasonal upkeep
• Cultivate a mindset of vigilance and protection

Tools:

• Maintenance planner templates
• Home audit sample forms
• Budgeting calculator sheet

Activities:

• Roleplay: Filing a claim with an insurer
• Peer review: Share maintenance hacks
• Small group: “What would you do?” damage scenarios

XIV. PARTICIPANT GUIDE SUMMARY

Includes:

• Seasonal maintenance calendar
• Home insurance glossary
• Emergency repair checklist
• Smart security tips

Assignments:

• Perform a mini home audit this week
• Gather all home warranty and insurance documents
• Create a 6-month repair and maintenance budget

1. CONCLUSION

Homes don’t maintain themselves—owners do. What you ignore will decay. What you invest in will flourish. This is not just home maintenance—it is life stewardship. Let your diligence be worship. Let your home become a fortress of peace, not panic.

Scripture Reminder: “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” — Proverbs 24:3–4

Steward what you’ve been given. And watch your home become a testimony of care, preparation, and legacy.