Homeownership comes with many responsibilities, one of the most important of which is home maintenance. While it may not be the most exciting task, maintaining your home can save you money in the long run by preventing major repairs. It can also help to improve your home’s value and make it more comfortable to live in.
Failure to prioritize home maintenance can lead to several regrets, such as unnecessarily high repair costs, decreased home value, and reduced comfort. Homeowners who take the time to properly maintain their homes, on the other hand, can avoid these consequences.
With that in mind, here are five home maintenance lessons every new homeowner should know:
Keep Up With Basic Home Maintenance Tasks
Basic home maintenance tasks may not seem like they make a big difference, but they can have a profound impact on your home. Take regular cleaning of your gutters as an example. This can help to prevent water damage to your home’s foundation.
Maintaining your home’s HVAC system is another basic task no homeowner can afford to ignore. Regular HVAC maintenance can improve your air quality and prevent breakdowns that could lead to expensive repairs. You can be sure that your family will thank you for it, too, since they won’t have to suffer through a hot summer or a cold winter without heat or air conditioning.
When doing basic home maintenance tasks, consider hiring the pros instead of doing everything on your own. For instance, hiring a local company for your HVAC maintenance needs can save you time and money in the long run. This is since they have licensed mechanics to keep your HVAC system running like new.
Set Aside a Plan and Budget for Repairs and Upgrades
No matter how well you take care of your home, there will come a time when you need to make repairs or upgrades. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan and budget for these projects. This way, you can avoid going into debt when something needs to be fixed.
One of the best ways to stay on top of home repairs is to create a “home maintenance fund.” This is a savings account that you can use to cover the costs of any unexpected repairs or upgrades. Experts say homeowners should save at least one to four percent of home value for maintenance and repair.
If this is too much for your current situation, you can start small by setting aside $50-$100 per month. Over time, you can increase this amount as your budget allows.
In addition to setting aside a budget for repairs, it’s also a good idea to create a list of priority projects. This way, you can focus your efforts (and money) on the most critical tasks first. For instance, if your roof needs to be replaced, this should be at the top of your list.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
If you notice any warning signs around your home, you must take action immediately. Ignoring these signs can lead to much more serious problems later on.
For example, if you notice a water stain on your ceiling, there’s a good chance there’s a leak in your roof. Ignoring this problem will only worsen and could eventually lead to a collapsed roof. Be sure to address the issue asap.
Other warning signs you shouldn’t ignore include cracks in your foundation, peeling paint, unusual noises, and unexplained spikes in your energy bills. If you notice any of these, be sure to contact a professional right away.
Keep Up With Regular Inspections
It’s also essential to keep up with regular inspections. This is one of the best ways to prevent minor problems from turning into big ones. For instance, if your home is inspected once a year, this can help you identify potential issues early on.
During your inspection, have a professional check your roof, gutters, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical system. They should also look for any signs of pests or water damage.
Fixing problems early on can save you a lot of money in the long run. So, if you want to avoid costly repairs, keep up with regular inspections.
Invest in Your Curb Appeal
While it’s essential to focus on the inside of your home, don’t forget about the outside. After all, your curb appeal is the first thing people will see when they drive by your house. Studies show that curb appeal can increase property value by up to five percent.
Some simple ways to improve curb appeal include power washing your siding, trimming your hedges, and planting flowers. You can also add a fresh coat of paint to your front door or garage door. If you want to take things a step further, you can install new windows or siding.
No matter what you do, don’t forget about your front porch. This is one of the first things people will see when they come to your house, so keep it clean and inviting. Adding a few pieces of furniture, like a bench or chairs, can also help give your porch a more welcoming look.
Taking care of your home can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it in the long run. By following these tips, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your home looking its best. You can even keep your family’s comfort and maintain your home value. So, if you want to protect your most significant investment, keep up with regular maintenance and repairs.
