4 Home Maintenance Tasks Worth Putting Money Aside For
Monday, October 23, 2017, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
A mortgage and the cost of bills are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the expenses of owning a home.
Home ownership involves repairing unexpected damage to the home as well as routine maintenance that keeps it in good working order. Setting aside a bit of money for your routine maintenance costs is a smart move when you are a homeowner.
As you plan your yearly budget, you should factor in these four important home maintenance costs.
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Yearly Roof Inspection
Your roof provides a waterproof hat for the structure of your home. Without a solid roof, the wood bones of your home would begin to rot. Keeping a well maintained roof should be a priority in your budget. Each year, have your roof inspected by a professional for signs of damage.
Minor damage can include worn shingles, small holes or compromised flashing. This damage is easy to quickly repair and can add years to the life of your roof. Shingle roofs are generally good for around 20 years, but spending a little each year on proper maintenance can add an additional few years. Your roof specialist will let you know when it is time to replace your current roof.
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Pest Control Costs
Pests cause massive amounts of damage to your home in the worst cases and are embarrassing annoyances in the best cases. Either way it’s best to stop them before they become an infestation.
For instance, pest control in Utah, or in other areas, is absolutely essential if you want to avoid bigger potential problems. A pest control professional will inspect your property and let you know what pests are a risk to your home. They can offer the best prevention measures and recommend ones that fit in with your lifestyle. This service is well worth working into your maintenance budget.
The damage pests inflict range from carrying terrible diseases to causing structural damage to your home. Rats, termites, and ticks are common, destructive pests that are easily prevented from becoming a danger to you or your property.
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HVAC Maintenance
An alarming number of homeowners neglect to regularly maintain their heating and cooling systems. Homes with central air and heat have ductwork that runs throughout the house to provide climate control. If not properly maintained, this system can cause terrible problems.
If you live in a humid climate, HVAC maintenance can prevent a mold problem. Leaking ductwork is dangerous for a heating system that runs on gas.
Having your system serviced twice a year at the beginning of each season is a reasonable investment to prevent larger problems. A technician will clean your ductwork, service your air conditioner unit, and ensure that your furnace is in perfect working order.
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Carpet Cleaning
Carpets collect dander, dust, pollen, and dirt. Vacuuming your carpets every other day is a housekeeping necessity. It is also wise to save money to bring in a professional carpet cleaner once a year.
A professional uses machines that go deep into the pile of the carpet and remove the fine particles that sift down and can’t be reached by your vacuum. If left untouched, these particles grind away at the carpet’s fibers any time pressure is applied, breaking them down unnecessarily.
Hiring a professional carpet cleaner removes the risk of having your carpet wear out before it’s time. Replacing your carpet is pricey, so regular maintenance is money well spent.
Setting aside money for critical home maintenance tasks helps you preserve the value of your home and prevent damage. You can save money on emergency repairs due to maintenance neglect and extend the life of important features of your home. Spending a little money up front can help you save a lot in the long run.
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Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter and Facebook.
