Most Americans are aware that their most important assets are their house and property, yet few realize just how important home maintenance is to preserve their overall value. Regular and thorough improvements to your home is a sound investment that will undoubtedly save you heartburn in the future when you comfortably survive the wintertime and those heavy rainfall months without incident. Here are six tips to help you maximize your equity and minimize costly repairs.
Roofing
Depending on where you live and whether you experience all four season or not, periodic roof inspections can be invaluable. Spotting damage and leaks before they cause even nastier problems like dry rot, flooding, or pests can help you avoid several thousands of dollars in repairs. It might also be handy to gets some extra shingles so you can patch cracks or replace defective shingles need be. Also, be careful around ventilation tubes, chimney stacks, and window roofs because they tend to be more vulnerable to decay and suffer leaks and other damage.
Gutters
Made to collect runoff debris and divert water away from your home’s siding and foundation, one of the most undervalued pieces of protection your house has is your gutters. Water accumulation and exposure to the elements can weaken and decay multiple parts of your property, so you should aim to clean your gutters at least once a year by scooping out the leaves and other sediment and flushing them with a hose. Another preventative measure to consider is to install a gutter guard to help against accumulation in the first place. You will also want to make sure your gutters are correctly secured below your roofing and do not leak so there is less chance of ensuing water damage.
Doors, Screens, and Windows
Warped and off-kilter doors, hole-ripped screens, and cracked windows can be surprisingly devastating to your energy bills in both the winter and summertime. You should be diligent in checking each of these before every new season to ensure that your warm or cool air isn’t escaping while pests are infiltrating. Doors are typically a larger project so feel free to call for some assistance to make sure you are getting a good replacement and installing it properly. As for faulty windows, inspect the caulking that seals the window and need be, slice the old crumbling caulking out with a razor and apply fresh caulking. For busted screens, you may either use tape or a thin fabric to patch tears in a pinch, otherwise you should purchase and install a replacement screen.
Pest control
Regardless of the time of year, there will always be a plethora of animals and insects waiting to turn your beautiful property into their own personal feeding and breeding grounds. You should familiarize yourself with your area’s pests and learn what preventative measures there are to protect your home. If you are too late and are already experiencing an infestation, you should consult a professional to eradicate them as soon as possible. It may also be wise to do a follow-up inspection to see if any other damage occurred that needs to be repaired so it does not happen again.
Wood Treatment
Whether it’s the siding of your house, the deck, a patio, or your fence, it is important to preserve your property’s wood so you can cut down on time and money for replacements. Instead of letting your wood split and lose structural integrity you should apply a stain or sealant. These preserving chemicals help ward off water damage, termites, and extend overall longevity. Also, be aware that wood finishing is one of the top ways to accent a beautiful house. Keeping your trim, siding, baseboards, crown moldings, and carpentry work sanded, treated, and painted can really add a nice aesthetic to your domicile.
Remodeling
One of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to take charge and do renovations. Whether it is a new kitchen, redoing the bathroom, taking out a wall to increase space, or adding a nice patio in back, a remodeling project done economically and efficiently can yield great results, both for your family’s enjoyment and your bank account. Be diligent, however, in choosing how and what you decide to revamp. If you lack experience, you should not be shy to consult someone to appraise what kind of value can be added and if it will realistically be a worthy investment.
All in all, it is crucial to remember that your house is not just a place to lay your head at night, but it is an asset too. If you plan on selling your home next year or in the next decade, you should be cognizant of your home’s needs and be prudent with regular upkeep to maintain its value. When it comes to bigger projects where consultations are a smart idea, make sure you call a handyman so that your home will be in safe hands. Professionals should be insured, background-checked, and registered with some kind of a building industry association. Although it is hard to loosen those purse strings initially, be mindful of the fact that you are merely protecting an investment and actually saving money in the long-term.