On average, homeowners spent $2,000 in 2018 on house maintenance services. Owning a home comes with responsibilities, which is why you don’t want to miss important maintenance tasks to prevent costly expenses and save time. If you keep your home beautiful, clean, and well-maintained, not only are you protecting your investment, but you also increase its value and create a home environment that is safe and comfortable to live in.
Maintain The Structure And Enhance Curb Appeal
An important external home maintenance task that you should not forget is to keep the roof and gutters clean and in a good shape. Inspect the roof to make sure there are no missing shingles and check for leaks. Ensure that gutters are not blocked to avoid water damage on walls and structures of the house. Stagnant water is also a breeding ground for mosquitoes, while debris and moisture invite critters that affect health and sanitation. Early detection of the problems can save you around $300-$1,100 in roof repairs and $1,600-$2,175 if you need new gutters.
The structure and foundation of a house are also critical parts that must be checked at least annually. Wash sidings and walls to remove dirt and mold and to see if there are cracks or rotted areas. Examine the front door, exterior windows, vents and dampers to see if they need repairs or replacement. Seal gaps around doors or windows for better insulation and to prevent pests from entering the house.
Keep Property Grounds Clean And Neat
It’s also important to maintain the garden – raking, mowing and trimming hedges are routine activities that you should do in addition to pruning trees or cutting stray branches on your roof. Verify that your fences are in good condition, and do not allow mold and mildew to grow that can lead to rot and decay. Clean the external unit of air-conditioners and remove mosquito pools from your property. Check your sprinkler system if it is working properly, and ensure that there are no leaks in your spigots. Slab leaks can easily cost you $2,000 to repair or replace.
Use Technology To Keep You Up To Date
Taking care of a home involves many chores and maintenance tasks, and it’s natural that you will forget things. However, existing technology can help you stay on top of things that need to be done. Consider housecleaning apps that remind you when tasks are due. You can make a checklist of activities, set deadlines, and use timers as motivations. It’s also possible to share the tasks with other household members to reduce the burden.
Looking after a home takes time and money. However, if you don’t forget to do the basics, you’ll avoid costly repairs and look after the health of your loved ones when living on a property that is clean, safe, and well-maintained.
