Regular home maintenance should be a priority for every homeowner. While it may be tempting to wait until something breaks to fix or replace it, you could be racking up a lot of unnecessary expenses by doing so. According to Landmark Home Warranty, every dollar you spend in preventative maintenance could save you $100 in repairs down the road.
First, you need to decide on a maintenance budget. Then you need to make an action plan for regular upkeep of your home. There are three main areas of your home in which regular inspections or tune-ups can help prevent breakdown or costly repairs:
- HVAC unit
- Plumbing
- Roof
Maintenance Budget
Your yearly household budget should take home maintenance into account. As a general rule, it’s smart to set aside 1-2% of your home’s value for maintenance and upkeep. For example, if your home is worth $300,000, you need to budget for $3000-$6000 in maintenance costs for the year.
There are a few factors that can help you decide where in that range your maintenance budget should fall. Older or larger homes usually have higher maintenance costs. If you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or weather, you should try to budget within the upper portion of that range.
HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system is responsible for controlling the temperature of your home. It also has a direct effect on the air quality. Regular maintenance can keep it working properly and help you avoid premature breakdown.
At minimum, you should schedule a tune-up twice a year. A heater repair company should look at the unit before the first major freeze hits to see if there are any parts that are worn out. Technicians should also look at your system in the spring to make sure that it’s working efficiently before the summer heat sets in.
Plumbing Maintenance
The pipes in your home and your sewer lines need special care, and there are several things you can do to take care of them. A water softener can help prevent buildup that hard water deposits inside your appliance and pipes. Avoid putting grease down the garbage disposal, as it tends to cause clogs and other complications.
It is also a good idea to have a plumber inspect your water heater every year. A yearly flush keeps your water heater working efficiently.
Roof Maintenance
Another yearly visit you don’t want to neglect is your roof inspection. Roofing professionals know exactly where to look for problem areas and can suggest small repairs that help you avoid larger ones in the future.
Keep your gutters clean throughout the year. You should plan to clear your gutters and downspouts at least once every fall and spring. It also makes sense to check them after a heavy storm, as debris and mud are likely to have gotten stuck.
When you take care of your home, it is more likely to stay looking and functioning like new for a longer period of time. By planning ahead for maintenance and upkeep costs as well as keeping up with regular maintenance tasks, you can protect your home from a lot of unnecessary problems.
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