As we all know, owning a home is a great investment and source of security for you and your family. However, there’s something important you should know: if you want your home to retain (and grow) in value, you have to take care of it. A home, as it turns out, comes with a lot of work! In this article, we’ll provide you with a beginner’s guide to home maintenance and explain how the right approach to upkeep, remodeling, and home services can help you save money.
Invest in tune-ups and inspections
It’s right there in the name: preventative maintenance can help you avoid major performance and efficiency problems in your home. If you want to save money and avoid headaches, we recommend you schedule spring and fall professional HVAC tune-ups. A tune-up and inspection for your air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace can help ensure it’s running at its best in the season ahead. When it’s time for a tune-up, be sure to call a trusted company for heating and cooling repair in Hayward, CA.
In addition to having an HVAC expert look at your systems, you should also have a roofer out to take a look at your home’s roof—especially ahead of spring and winter rains. Left unrepaired, roofing issues—including missing shingles and tiles—can lead to a costly roof leak and shorten the overall lifespan of your roof. Finding and fixing these issues early can save you a lot of time, money, and stress.
Cut your one-time project costs
Thinking about making a change in your home? You can save money on your remodeling or replacement project by taking on some of the work yourself. After all, it doesn’t get much easier than interior painting: as long as you have the time and the money to buy paint and materials, almost anyone can paint the inside of their home. Laying many types of flooring is also relatively beginner-friendly. Many of today’s laminate and vinyl floors are formed from interlocking pieces, making installation a snap.
However, be careful: not every project is a great candidate for a do-it-yourself approach. Anything involving your home’s plumbing, electrical, HVAC, roof, or foundation should be left to a professional. At any point, if you feel you do not know what you are doing, or suspect that what you might be doing is unsafe, stop and call in an expert. Without the right approach or attention to detail, a DIY remodel can end up going over budget by thousands of dollars as you have to pay a pro to redo your work.
Reduce your recurring costs
In most cases, it’s the recurring monthly costs that weigh down your household budget, not the one-time projects. Paying contractors for things like landscaping, carpet cleaning, pool maintenance, and window cleaning can all add up. With the right training and tools, you can do many of these projects yourself. These days, it’s easier than ever for homeowners to tackle their own home maintenance: there’s hundreds and hundreds of instructional videos and guides available online.
If you’re looking to save money, you should rent a carpet cleaner from the local hardware store instead of hiring a professional. Many stores offer by-the-hour rentals, so watch the instructions ahead of time to maximize your savings. If you own your own pool, caring for it yourself can keep upkeep costs down. Purchase a chemical testing kit from your local hardware store so that you can measure and adjust your own pool chemicals.
Plan out your home maintenance
Maintenance and upkeep are an essential part of owning a home. Neglecting care for your home will inevitably lead to trouble and higher repair costs. If you want to minimize the costs of homeownership, be proactive and build a calendar for seasonal home maintenance. For a great starting point, be sure to check out this helpful infographic.
