Being a homeowner comes with a host of responsibilities. One of the biggest (outside of paying the mortgage) is making sure that the house remains safe, healthy, and intact through home maintenance and repairs. As important as these tasks are, lots of homeowners either overlook them because they’re unaware or believe it’s too expensive to take care of.
There’s no doubt that it takes proper education and quite a bit of cash to keep up with your place, but it’s not impossible. Knowing what needs to be taken care of and doing it on a regular basis keeps your house intact and your wallets a bit heavier.
Make Your Home Efficient
High energy bills and dangerous home emergencies like house fires, power outages, and more can be avoided simply by making your home more efficient. Starting with a home energy audit every few years, have your home inspected by a licensed electrician every few years to ensure it’s efficient. Some of the recommendations they might have include:
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Adding more insulation to the attic or basement
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Installing new windows and doors
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Weather stripping windows, doors, and cracks
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Installing a programmable thermostat
Maintain Your Appliances
When your appliances are in working order, they help to conserve energy and save money. You should have your major appliances serviced by a contractor on an annual basis to ensure they are operating efficiently. This includes your furnace, water heater, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. If you’ve had these appliances for several years, it may be time for an upgrade to save more money. Investing in energy-efficient appliances like kitchenaid counter depth refrigerators, can reduce energy consumption for even more savings.
Inspect and Repair Plumbing Problems
Your plumbing system runs throughout your house and is very important for daily tasks and survival. To keep the costs of your water bill down it is ideal that you maintain your household plumbing. Periodically, it is recommended that you inspect all pipes and appliances for leaks. You should also be sure to inspect your basement thoroughly. If you notice dampness on the ground or walls of the basement, this is sign you could have slab leak. What is a slab? A slab is a very common type of foundation. If not checked periodically, the water damage could lead to mold buildup and other structural issues.
Roofing and Gutters
A very commonly overlooked area of the home is the roof. Your roof is constantly exposed to various elements of weather and, therefore, is at risk of periodic damage. Have your roof inspected annually by a professional roofer for any signs of damage or leaks. The same goes for your gutters. They are designed to catch rain and snow and properly drain it away from your home. However, debris like leaves and tree branches tend to get caught up in it too. The gutters need to be cleaned every few months to keep them free from debris. Doing so prevents the risk of water damage, mold, or foundation issues.
Routine home maintenance saves homeowners a lot of money each year. When your home is at its most efficient, you reduce a lot of waste and the savings start piling up. If you haven’t completed any of these home maintenance tips, there’s no time like the present to get started. Simply find the right contractors, or if you’re handy with tools and want to save a few more bucks, get your DIY on and handle the above-mentioned tasks.
