Owning a home is a double-edged sword. Yes, mortgage payments can be lower than rent payments, and it’s nice to know you are investing in a property rather than just writing checks for someone else’s investment. It’s also wonderful to have a place that you can call your own. There is a lot more freedom with your own home and, at the end of the day, you have a piece of physical property that you can sell or rent out to improve your finances. But, you need to make sure to take care of the home, and the most important home maintenance tasks should be at the top of the list.
So, what are some of the most important maintenance tasks to keep on top of?
Plumbing Issues
There are a lot of potential plumbing issues that could crop up in your home, and all of them can be a cause for concern. That’s why it’s one of the most important home maintenance tasks for homeowners.
For example, let’s talk about the most minor and common plumbing problem that might crop up, a dripping faucet. While it seems like a small thing, this drip can waste gallons of water per year. These are gallons that you’re paying for. Thankfully, it’s not too difficult to fix a leaky faucet. Usually it’s just a matter of replacing a washer or a cartridge.
But you could have other issues that are more difficult to deal with and more catastrophic when they go wrong. Leaks can lead to floods, and plumbing problems rarely fix themselves. Even blocked pipes can cause major and expensive problems if they’re ignored.
If there’s a problem, work out what’s causing it and how to deal with it. Even better, call a plumber.
Roof Maintenance
Your roof is oddly easy to forget, considering that it’s literally above your head at all times and the biggest part of the house’s exterior and facade. But that’s exactly why you should keep on top of roof maintenance. A damaged roof can lead to leaks and, in extreme cases flooding or further damage to your home. Your roof literally protects your home from the outside weather, so it makes sense to take care of it.
Regularly check your roof by inspecting it from the ground, and take special note of it after a storm or a harsh winter. If you notice an issue like missing tiles or signs of damage, call roofing services to more closely inspect your roof and fix any damages. This will extend its lifespan significantly. And if you need to replace the roof, consider all of the roofing options before settling on the least expensive.
Doors and Windows
Speaking of protecting your home from the harsh elements of the outside world, your doors and windows are another one the most important home maintenance tasks for homeowners and should also be regularly inspected. You can do this yourself, simply open and close them and take note of any issues.
If the hinge is stiff, apply oil. You should also check the seal, as this is the first part of most windows to fail. A bad seal will cause a draft and potentially damp issues. Oftentimes, homeowners may think there’s an air leak or gap, but locking the windows is actually needed to create the air seal.
Eventually, you may need to replace your doors and windows, but regular maintenance will keep them going for longer.
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