Maintaining Your Home: The Benefits Now and in the Future

Maintaining your home improves the look and feel of any room. It just feels great to relax in a nice space at the end of a long, hard day too. That’s not all. There are actually many other benefits of maintaining and updating a home that you may not have considered.

A Home Renovation

Remodeling a kitchen or a bathroom improves functionality, saves energy and may increase the price when you want to sell the home. New energy-efficient appliances reduce costs on utilities and have features that make the environment enjoyable. An update done well can also improve the functionality of the rooms.

If you’re considering a remodel, do a quick internet search of “remodeling contractors near me” to help you find a qualified person for the job. Make sure to acquire several quotes and conduct thorough background checks.

Updating Windows and Doors

Older windows and doors can enable moisture to settle inside your home. Over time this could lead to the development of soft spots on sheetrock and wood leading to pockets of potentially harmful mold and mildew.

Many older home windows contain single-pane glass that enables air to enter creating a draft. The good news is that you can replace them slowly so you can absorb the costs easily.

HVAC System

Your HVAC system works daily year-round to keep you comfortable. It provides heat in the winter and air conditioning on a hot summer day. The equipment will begin to slow and become inefficient if it’s not maintained properly.

Filters need changing, vents need cleaning and your HVAC needs annual maintenance to function at peak capacity. If you neglect any of these, you’ll end up uncomfortable and with higher utility bills. On top of that, you will need to replace your unit rather than make minor cost-effective repairs.

Sealing Cracks and Crevices

Taking a walk around your homes’ exterior prior to fall to look for any small cracks is important. Address any issues you find quickly. You can do that by adding caulk to the problematic areas; that can help in a few different ways.

First, it will prevent moisture from entering which can lead to rot and mold. Second, it will prevent bugs, spiders, snakes and small rodents from seeking refuge inside your home. Don’t underestimate the level of damage that insects and rodents can cause. Mice and rats chew constantly and they love wood. They also leave droppings everywhere including inside cabinets and drawers. Ingesting any of these droppings accidentally can lead to a serious illness.

Thankfully, if you think you may have a problem you can contact a pest control company to do a thorough inspection of the property.

Roof and Gutters

Your roof acts as an umbrella that protects your family and belongings from the elements. It shelters you from the outside world. Clogged gutters and branches leaning against or over the roof can lead to leak spots, compromising its integrity.

Having your gutters cleaned a few times a year as well as cutting back tree limbs and branches away from the roof will extend its life.

Preserve Your Plumbing

Water can cause extensive damage to your home costing you tens of thousands of dollars. To prevent water damage in your home, you should check faucets, toilets and pipes for leaks.

Moisture on any pipe is a true sign that it needs replacing. If your home is more than 20 years old, schedule an appointment with a certified plumber to do a whole house inspection.

Increased Resale

Home maintenance may cost you hundreds of dollars each year. However, when you maintain your home it’s attractive to buyers. Move-in condition is what most buyers look for when searching for a home. Your small yearly investment will save you money now by avoiding major repairs, and in the future by increasing your home’s value and enduring a quick sale.

Home maintenance is important for every homeowner. Upgrades lower utility bills, reduce the cost of homeowner’s insurance, and increase your level of comfort. When it comes time to sell your home, buyers will prefer yours over others that need attention.

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