Owning a home is no small investment. It’s typically one of the largest investments a person will make in their lifetime. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to protect your investment and keep your home in tip-top shape. So, what are some of the best ways to upkeep your home and make it last longer?
Inspect Regularly
One of the best things you can do for your home is to inspect it regularly, both inside and out. This will help you spot any potential problems early on and take care of them before they become bigger, more expensive issues. Inspect your home’s foundation for cracks or other damage. Check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they’re clear and functioning properly. Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles. And, take a look at the exterior paint job to see if it’s time for a new coat.
Make Repairs Immediately
If you do spot any problems during your inspection, don’t wait to make repairs. The longer you wait, the worse the problem will likely become, not to mention the added stress that arises from having unfinished maintenance tasks piling up on your to-do list. Taking a proactive stance is good for you, and good for the longevity of your home.
Maintain Your Exterior
The exterior of your home is its first defense against the most aggressive assailants: the sun, wind, rain, and snow. Regularly pressure wash your home’s siding to avoid premature deterioration and repaint or restain every few years to ensure a good layer of protection from the elements. Be mindful of your landscaping. Some plants, trees, and shrubs can damage your foundation or siding if they’re not properly cared for.
Maintain and Upgrade Systems
There are a few key systems in your home that need to be regularly maintained and, occasionally, upgraded. These include your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical system. Your HVAC system and plumbing should be inspected annually for maintenance and to prevent issues. As for your electrical system, be sure to upgrade any outdated wiring and install new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every 8-10 years.
Keep Things Clean
It’s important to keep your home clean, both for your comfort and to extend the life of your home. Grains of dirt, dust, mold, and mildew all damage your surfaces. These substances take a toll on paint, flooring, counters, and cabinetry. Keeping things clean helps maintain the structural integrity of your home and everything in it.
Protection From Extreme Weather Conditions
Major storm types and their severity varies depending on your location. No matter where you live, it’s important to take steps to protect your home from extreme weather conditions. This includes things like hurricane-force winds, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, and more. Trimming any trees or shrubs, and reinforcing windows and doors with impact-resistant glass and storm shutters help protect your structure.
Invest in Quality Materials
Getting a good deal can be a real win, but purchasing cheap materials won’t feel much like a victory if they need to be replaced sooner than expected. It’s better to spend a little more on quality materials that will last longer and require less maintenance over time.
Hire Professionals
There are plenty of tasks that are easily within the average homeowner’s skill set, and then there are tasks that are best left to the professionals. When it comes to your home, you want to be sure that any major repairs or renovations are done correctly. That’s why it’s important to hire professionals who possess the tools and expertise to do the job well.
Two business man professional engineer worker at the house building, happy feeling.
By properly maintaining your home and having plans in place to handle the unexpected, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. Ultimately, your good upkeep will preserve your beautiful home for generations to come.