The cost of homeownership is real. Utility bills and property taxes are just the start. When a major element of the home fails and has to be fixed, homeowners are often forced to unwillingly fork over tens of thousands of dollars for the repair.
The good news is that with regular maintenance, you can stay ahead of many costly home repairs. Keep reading as we explore some of the best ways to keep the cost of homeownership under control with preventative maintenance.
Start at the Foundation
When the foundation goes, so will the rest of the house. It is simply not possible to have a quality construction home on an inferior foundation. The problem is that once foundational issues start, they are difficult, costly, and (sometimes) impossible to remedy.
As such, it is vital to take proactive measures to protect the foundation. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through advanced foundation waterproofing methods. Modern below-grade waterproofing uses a series of self-adhering mats that fit snugly on the foundation walls. As water passes through these permeable barriers, it is directed to a drainage board and away from the home using a subterranean pipe system.
This guarantees that powerful hydrostatic forces will not damage the foundation or cause erosion to the surrounding substrate, protecting the home’s structural integrity in even the wettest conditions.
Treat the Siding As Necessary
Siding is one of the most important components of a quality home. When it becomes degraded, not only does curb appeal suffer, but the building envelope does not perform as intended. Stay ahead of potential issues by painting wood plank siding and sealing masonry siding at least every other year.
If this is too much of a time commitment, look into upgrading to lower maintenance steel log or fiber cement siding. These engineered cladding options can be manufactured in a variety of styles that closely resemble natural wood or stone. However, they require far less intervention on the part of the homeowner, usually maintaining top performance for more than 50 years with basic care.
Regularly Assess the Roof
Too many homeowners take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to roof maintenance. The roof can be difficult to access, so if there is no apparent problem, why bother? The problem with this train of thought is that small roofing issues–such as leaks, blistered shingles, and wind-torn tiles–can quickly spiral out of control and create a trickle-down effect through the rest of the home.
Therefore, it is crucial to make roof inspections a routine component of your home maintenance regimen. If there is dirt, dead foliage, or any other standing debris, gently brush it away to get a better look at the roof. A word of caution: unless your roof uses Class 4 impact resistant shingles, be very careful when pressure washing a roof. Incorrect pressure washing can do more harm than good to delicate roofing materials, opening the door for leaks to take hold.
Keep HVAC in Top Condition
Not only does running HVAC increase utility bills, but replacing a degraded HVAC system will cost around $10,000, depending on location. Therefore, it is homeowners’ best interest to keep the HVAC from going kaput. Some basic maintenance items include replacing the HVAC filter every 3-6 months and scheduling professional duct cleaning each year.
Fortify the Insulation
Investing in insulation tools and adding R-value to the building envelope does more than promote energy-efficiency–it can actually lower maintenance requirements as well. Some insulation materials, such as icynene spray foam, help resist moisture infiltration, which decreases the walls’ risk of mold and rot.
Other materials, such as mineral wool, provide wonderful protection from fire and pests. There is also the trickle-down effect of top-quality insulation. By promoting a stable interior temperature during all weather conditions, homeowners can reduce the risk of over-burdening the HVAC system.
Replace the Garage Door
It is estimated that there are up to 30,000 garage door injuries in the United States each year. Not only will this lead to costly medical bills, but it will cause significant damage to personal property and the home itself. As such, have any garage doors that are more than 5 years old professionally inspected. The torsion springs used to open and close the door are typically only good for around 15,000 cycles, so staying ahead of a failure can prevent catastrophic damage.
Stay Ahead of Emergent Issues with Meticulous Attention to Detail
The costs of homeownership can add up quickly–even more so when an unexpected repair rears its ugly head. From waterproofing the foundations to replacing a degraded garage door, consider any of the preventative maintenance ideas listed above to thwart more serious repairs from ever taking shape. For more of the latest home improvement and DIY trends, explore the resources at Handyman Tips for ideas and inspiration today!
