Becoming a homeowner is an incredible accomplishment, but it also comes with plenty of new responsibilities you need to be aware of, including home maintenance. Some maintenance projects are required in order to keep your home compliant with local regulations and safety standards, but most of the time, you’ll have to hold yourself accountable for taking care of your property.
Failing to maintain your house properly can cause your utility bills to skyrocket and result in a decrease in your home’s value should you ever decide to put it on the market. Maintenance and repair are essential parts of owning property, and neglecting to address issues when they arise can result in everything from property damage to severe legitimate health and safety concerns. Read on to learn more about why home maintenance is so important.
What does home maintenance entail?
If you’re new to owning a home, you might not be aware of what maintenance needs to be done on a regular basis. Some examples of tasks that it’s best to do at least yearly are gutter cleaning, HVAC filter replacement, and repair and cleaning of your windows and doors. Exterior work, like gutter cleaning and maintenance of your doors and windows, is important both for protecting your home from damage and the effects of weather, but also for helping to keep your energy costs reasonable and consistent. Water can also get in through poorly maintained gutters or windows, creating the possibility for problems like stains, mold, and mildew inside your home.
It’s a good idea to look for companies that can save you money by providing multiple services. Some of the best pressure washing professionals near Cary, NC also perform other services like window and gutter cleaning that you can invest in at the same time. A contractor can likely provide a free estimate if you need to get an idea of what services like gutter repair and pressure washing would cost you.
When you’re buying a new home, talk to your realtor about what kind of maintenance the home will require. If you’re wondering what to look for in a luxury real estate company, one thing you need is someone who knows how to take a property and turn it into the home of your dreams. If you’re selling your home, you might find yourself what maintenance you should have done before you jump into the real estate market. A qualified realtor can help you make those decisions, though exterior maintenance that can have a meaningful effect on your home’s curb appeal is always a good idea.
Why is home maintenance so important?
Neglecting your home and caring for the appliances and fixtures inside it is a recipe for disaster for any homeowner. The risks are significant and can vary in severity from needing a minor repair to having a fatal accident as a result of a failure or malfunction. While the safety risks are obviously the primary concern, not maintaining your home can almost end up costing you money. If you ignore your windows and doors, for example, the cracks and crevices that develop will let in drafts that increase the amount of energy your HVAC system needs to heat and cool your home. All of this has the practical effect of driving up your utility bills.
Home maintenance also includes maintaining your decor. If you have floor plants or other greenery in your home, you need to keep up with their care. Houseplants that aren’t artificial generally have specific care instructions that will cause the plant to wilt or die if they aren’t followed, so be sure to read them thoroughly when you purchase any plants for your home.
Figuring out what type of maintenance your home needs and how to address those needs without breaking the bank is a common challenge that all homeowners have to navigate. Keeping up with regular maintenance is worth the investment, not only does it keep you and your family safe, maintenance is the best protection against having to deal with a more expensive repair or replacement in the future. Even absent the need for a repair, maintenance is what ensures that your energy costs don’t skyrocket as a result of your appliances not operating at peak efficiency. Ultimately, there’s no replacement for the peace of mind that comes with spending the time and energy required to make sure your home is safe and well-maintained.