What Homeowners Need to Know About Home Maintenance

Few homeowners actually enjoy home maintenance. Yet it’s essential for preserving your home’s value, longevity, and safety. A well-maintained home is also a more comfortable place to live. The’s why we’re providing this guide to what homeowners need to know about home maintenance.

Advantages of home maintenance

Regularly maintaining your home offers several benefits:

• Increases home value and boosts curb appeal, which can be beneficial when selling or refinancing
• Prevents problems from growing into major and expensive repairs
• Reduces the risk of accidents or hazards
• Improves the energy efficiency of your home
• Extends lifespan of HVAC systems, roofs, chimneys, and appliances, which can save you money in the long run

Top 10 things to know about home maintenance

There are many different considerations when it comes to maintaining your home. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up 10 important things it helps homeowners to know about home maintenance.

#1 Budgeting for maintenance helps.

Home maintenance can be expensive, especially when unexpected repairs arise. Putting aside home savings to deal with a plumbing problem or leaking roof can help you better manage the costs and inconvenience. Having budgeted for maintenance issues can also help cut the emotional stress.

#2 DIY is not for everyone.

Certain maintenance tasks may require specialized skills or knowledge. DIY maintenance can lead to mistakes if you’re inexperienced. Doing it yourself could save money, but knowing your limitations is important. Some tasks, such as electrical or structural repairs, are typically best left to professionals to avoid costly mistakes or safety hazards.

#3 Safety has to be a top priority.

You have many safety hazards to address when it comes to home maintenance. Be cautious about:

• Using ladders for tasks like cleaning gutters, painting, or accessing high areas. Make sure the ladder is stable by maintaining three points of contact at all times; have someone hold the ladder if possible.
• Electrical hazards. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker before working on electrical systems and hire a qualified electrician for complex electrical tasks.
• Removing mold or asbestos. Doing so without proper precautions can be harmful. Consult with professionals that can do removal and remediation safely.

#4 Pay attention to manufacturer guidelines.

When maintaining appliances or equipment, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and servicing. Experts who know the products’ intended function and safety guidelines make these recommendations to ensure their safe and proper use. Plus, neglecting the guidelines can void warranties and reduce the lifespan of your appliances.

#5 Materials matter

Using inferior or incorrect materials can lead to premature deterioration, structural issues, or even safety hazards. Make sure to use appropriate materials and follow recommended techniques for repairs and upkeep. This can help you not only protect your investment and your property’s integrity, but also avoid costly rework or repairs in the future.

#6 Structural issues typically need pro help

Structural problems often require specialized knowledge and skills to diagnose and repair correctly. Attempting DIY maintenance without the necessary expertise can lead to misdiagnosis or improper fixes, potentially exacerbating the issue. You might be able to rig up a temporary solution, but that may not address the root cause. This could lead to safety risks, further damage to your home, and more extensive and costly repairs in the future.

#7 There could be a code for that

How familiar are you with local building codes and regulations? Keep in mind that any maintenance and DIY work needs to meet these standards. If your modifications don’t, you could be creating legal and safety issues that can affect your property’s resale value and insurance coverage.

It’s a good idea to research building codes and regulations applicable to your area. They may encompass zoning, structural, electrical, plumbing, and safety requirements. You also need to determine whether you need a permit.

#8 Document everything

If you ever need to prove compliance, it helps to keep detailed records of your maintenance or repair work, including receipts, permits, and inspection reports. This documentation can also prove useful when selling your home.

#9 Research contractors and service providers

It may seem like a small thing that provider is doing for you, but it is always a good idea to check credentials, licenses, and certifications. Research online reviews and get multiple quotes before deciding on who will do the work. Then, insist on a written contract to outline the scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and any warranties or guarantees.

#10 Inspect regularly

Create a schedule of regular home inspections and stick to it. We’ve in the past offered checklists for your spring, summer, fall, and winter inspections. Doing these can help you catch issues before they become more significant and costly.

Own your home with confidence

In essence, home maintenance is a blend of diligence, awareness, and a commitment to the well-being of your home. A well-maintained home is a comfortable and secure place for you and your loved ones to thrive, and it’s a valuable asset that can endure for generations.

Find the right home for you in South Carolina or North Carolina with Saussy Burbank. We’ve been building some of the most distinctive neighborhoods in the Carolinas since 1989. See what we’re working on today!