As a homeowner, sometimes it can feel like you have a never-ending to-do list of home repairs and maintenance. From fixing the pipes to replacing the gutters – when does it truly end? The truth is, it doesn’t. However, following practical tips and setting a schedule can help you save on costs in the future. Here are 4 ways to maintain your home and avoid costly repairs.
Inspect the Roof
The average roof lifespan can last 20 years or more, considering the conditions of the area you live in. A yearly maintenance schedule will help you avoid the costly repairs from replacements. If you have a loose shingle or a growing crack in your ceiling, now is the time to take action and fix the issues. Aim to inspect your roof every six months, prior to harsh seasonal weather. Look for signs of damage that includes:
- – Loose shingles
- – Cracks around the chimney and roof
- – Molds, leaks, and moisture in wood panels
- – Bubbled paint on the walls and ceilings
While roofs inspections might set you back at least $200, the damage will cost more in the future if not handled right away. Just be sure to consider the season for safety measures.
Deal With Repairs You Can Handle
Sooner or later, your perfect home will begin to start showing signs of aging – whether it be from leaking faucets or cracks on the wall. Learning the basics of home repairs you can do yourself can help you save money by hiring an expert. However, if you are not fully knowledgeable of the damage, hire the professionals to do what you cannot.
Termite Inspection
While pest control services usually provide a free home inspection, hiring a termite expert will cost an average $75. However, many homeowners tend to neglect their home’s termite growth and end up spending thousands on repairs. The longer termites reside in your home, the more it would cost to get rid of them. It is important to determine the early signs of pest damage, such as:
- – Mildew or mold scent
- – Mazes within the walls
- – Termite waste
- – Swollen ceilings and floors
- – Buckling wood
To keep termites at bay, hire a pest inspector at least once a year. Keeping your home maintained will save you from the high cost of fixing and replacing the damage.
Monitor Proper Drainage
According to the National Resources Defense Council, 3.5 million people become ill from infected sewage overflow. Pouring waste down the drain can damage your plumbing system and increase the risk of potential health hazards. In fact, exposure to contaminated water with toxic algae, bacteria, and sewage can result in skin and ear infections, diarrhea, and other illnesses.
Reports also claim that this poor practice can build solid lumps of fat and block the sewage system entirely. With a bit of maintenance and TLC, you can save money and prevent drainage issues altogether.
The process of maintaining your home can be costly. This is especially true when you consider the amount of upkeep required on a yearly basis. While maintaining the home can be expensive, ignoring the signs of damage altogether will protect you from the high prices of roof restorations and wall repairs.
About Author: Now working as a writer, Jackie Edwards started her career in finance and banking, but after becoming a mom refocused and decided to spend more time with her family. When she’s not writing, she volunteers for a number of local mental health charities and also has a menagerie of pets to look after.
