If you’re a homeowner and you’ve got one foot on the property market, then well done! Owning property is nothing to be sniffed at, and there’s something wonderful about being able to choose what you do with your home. It’s a huge investment, especially when you consider the initial cost, but owning a home is usually worth it.
However, new responsibilities come along with owning a home. While you save on rent, you do now need to maintain your home. If you leave things for too long, it can be easy for your home to fall into disrepair.
This means that it could become dangerous to live in and expensive to fix. General maintenance will prevent this, but some easily forgotten jobs might pass your notice. Make sure that you don’t neglect these tasks.
Any Small Leak
So your faucet drips a bit, that’s not a big problem, right? Well, other than the fact that your dripping faucet wastes a surprising amount of water, this leak could be the first sign of some major issues. So, fix the dripping faucet and make sure that there isn’t a more sinister reason.
Even if your faucet looks okay, make sure that you check underneath the sink regularly. If you store things under there, this might be a bit annoying, but you’re also more likely to knock the piping and cause a leak. If you leave a pipe misaligned, that drip could easily turn into a flood. Also, mold and mildew can form, damaging your cupboards and posing a potential health risk.
As well as checking any dripping faucets, look out for any leaks or blockages in your gutters and downspouts. It’s an annoying job, but it only takes a few minutes and can save you some serious damage.
The HVAC System
Most people have a habit of ignoring their heating and cooling system until it stops working. This is frustrating at the best of times, but having no heating in the dead of winter can be dangerous. Even worse, repairs can be costly and take time, leaving your family sitting in either an icebox or an oven.
It’s recommended that you have your system serviced twice a year to keep it performing efficiently. Yes, the service costs a bit of money, but it’s worth it. A faulty HVAC system can make your house less energy efficient and may even reduce your air quality. Also, a repair or replacement job is far more expensive.
Check Your Roof
Finally, it can be surprisingly easy to take your roof for granted. Unfortunately, roof damage might not be immediately obvious until you’re got a major leak, which could damage your belongings. Regularly check your roof for damage at least twice a year and especially after a storm.
Older roofing will eventually need to be replaced, and it’s best to get this done before it completely goes. Besides, you’ll save on the heating bill and maintenance costs as your new roof will need repairing far less often.