What You Need to Know About Home Maintenance
Owning a home is one of the most significant investments many people make in their lifetime. To protect this investment and ensure its value appreciates over time, regular home maintenance is essential. Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly repairs, decrease property value, and even pose safety risks. This comprehensive guide will cover the must-dos of home maintenance, typical costs for hiring contractors, and the consequences of neglecting your property.
Home maintenance is not just a chore; it’s a critical aspect of homeownership that protects your investment, enhances your quality of life, and saves money in the long run. Whether it’s cleaning gutters, pressure washing surfaces, or maintaining your lawn, regular upkeep is a small price to pay for the peace of mind and financial stability it brings. By creating a monthly and yearly maintenance plan and hiring professionals when needed, you can ensure your home remains a source of pride and comfort for years to come. Failure to invest into home maintenance will jeopardize your future finances and can void even your insurance. Many Canadians have bought condominiums where they don’t need to worry about property maintenance. But, is that so? While condominium owners don’t have the physical responsibility for property maintenance, they have to pay hefty fees in order for condominium management to run the show. Condominium owners pay anywhere from $400 to over $1000 per month in fees! Just imagine how much you could accomplish using that money towards home maintenance and even save much of that money for future renovations and even expansion.
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With this article, we want to help homeowners making better choices with their home and property maintenance, directly saving home owners money and reducing grief by reducing or eliminating unexpected failures and breakdowns. Purchasing a home is for most of us the biggest investment we make and therefore caring for our big investment should be one of our top priorities. Failing to do so brings financial instability down the road and surely more stressful living. Our article has been created with help of homeowners and property maintenance business professionals in order to have a overall value for readers. We have implemented homeowners experiences, hard facts and professional insider knowledge for your consideration. And here are top suggestions and top home maintenance schedules one could make:
Must-Do Home Maintenance Tasks
1. Gutter Cleaning
Why it’s important: Gutters direct rainwater away from your home’s foundation. Clogged gutters can cause water overflow, leading to foundation damage, roof leaks, and mold growth. Cleaning gutters is a very inexpensive must do maintenance especially where trees encircle the property. Do not skip this important task. If you don’t have time, know how or you just don’t feel like climbing tall ladders, contacting local gutter cleaning contractor is highly recommended.
How often: Twice a year (spring and fall).
Cost when hiring contractors: Professional gutter cleaning typically costs between $200 and $400, depending on the size and height of your home.
2. Pressure Washing Exterior Surfaces
Why it’s important: Over time, dirt, algae, and mildew can accumulate on your home’s siding, driveway, and deck, leading to discoloration and potential structural damage. Pressure washing is one of the best methods to remove stains and other contaminants from most of exterior surfaces. It is safe and efficient way when done by trained professionals. Homeowners should at least use this cleaning method with care and manufacturers specs and regulations.
How often: Annually for most surfaces; biannually in humid areas prone to mold.
Cost when hiring contractors: Expect to pay between $250 and $1000 for pressure washing, depending on the surface area and location.
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3. Maintaining Interlocking Pavers
Why it’s important: Interlocking pavers can shift over time, causing uneven surfaces, weed growth, and water pooling. Proper maintenance preserves aesthetics and functionality. This is another must do home maintenance! Investing in interlocking pavers could cost anywhere from few $1000 to over $50 000, depending on the size and paver cost. Proper interlocking paver maintenance is essential when protecting this expensive investment. Failing to clean and seal pavers could result in grass and weed growth, shifting pavers and fall hazard. Should paver start to shift, expansive repair is unavoidable.
How often: Annually for sealing; monthly for general upkeep.
Cost when hiring contractors: Sealing interlock pavers typically costs $3 to $5 per square foot, with repairs costing extra depending on the extent of the damage.
4. Window Cleaning
Why it’s important: Clean windows improve natural light, curb appeal, and prevent grime build-up that can lead to permanent stains or damage. Homeowners can use traditional window cleaning methods utilizing squeegee and window cleaning solution or contacting professional window cleaners who utilize water fed brushes and perfectly clean water. This new technique will not only leave your windows spotless and streak free, but your window frames will be also washed.
How often: Twice a year (spring and fall).
Cost when hiring contractors: Professional window cleaning ranges from $10 to $15 per window or about $200 to $400 for an average home.
5. Lawn Mowing and Landscaping
Why it’s important: A well-maintained lawn enhances curb appeal and prevents weed overgrowth that can damage nearby plants or structures.
How often: Weekly during growing season (spring to fall).
Cost when hiring contractors: Lawn mowing services typically cost $30 to $80 per visit, depending on the size of the lawn.
6. HVAC Maintenance
Why it’s important: Regular servicing of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems ensures efficiency, prolongs system life, and prevents breakdowns during peak seasons.
How often: Twice a year (spring and fall).
Cost when hiring contractors: Expect to pay $75 to $200 per visit for professional servicing.
7. Roof Inspection and Maintenance
Why it’s important: Regular inspections can identify issues like loose shingles, leaks, or mold growth before they escalate.
How often: Annually, or after major storms.
Cost when hiring contractors: A roof inspection typically costs $100 to $300, with repairs priced separately.
The Cost of Neglecting Home Maintenance
1. Financial Consequences
Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to:
- Foundation repairs: Ignored gutter issues can lead to water damage, costing $5,000 to $10,000 to repair foundations.
- Roof replacement: A damaged roof can cost $7,000 to $20,000 to replace.
- Pest infestations: Unchecked cracks and leaks invite pests, with extermination costs ranging from $200 to $1,000 per treatment.
2. Decreased Property Value
A poorly maintained home deters buyers and lowers market value. Potential buyers often overestimate the cost of repairs, leading to significantly reduced offers.
3. Safety Hazards
- Mold and mildew: Poor ventilation and leaks can lead to mold growth, which is harmful to health and expensive to remediate (costing $500 to $6,000).
- Structural collapse: Neglected roofs or foundations may result in partial or total structural failure, endangering occupants.
Monthly and Yearly Maintenance Checklist
Monthly Tasks
- Check for leaks under sinks.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Inspect HVAC filters and replace if necessary.
- Examine caulking around sinks, tubs, and showers.
- Clear debris from outdoor drains and gutters.
Yearly Tasks
- Schedule a professional HVAC service.
- Inspect the roof for damage.
- Pressure wash exterior surfaces.
- Seal interlocking pavers.
- Prune trees and shrubs to prevent damage to your home.
The Case for Regular Maintenance
Cost Savings
Investing in regular maintenance is significantly cheaper than emergency repairs. For example:
- Gutter cleaning vs. foundation repair: $300 vs. $40,000.
- HVAC tune-up vs. system replacement: $200 vs. $5,000.
- Interock maintenance vs. paver replacement: $500 vs. $30,000
Regular upkeep prolongs the lifespan of systems and structures, delaying costly replacements. A well-maintained home is safer, more comfortable, and healthier to live in. Clean windows, functional HVAC systems, and a tidy lawn all contribute to a better living experience. Efficient systems consume less energy, reducing your carbon footprint and lowering utility bills.
Your local home maintenance contractor can save you money by eliminating many costly repairs and reduce your stress levels. Local contractor will not only save you money by completing all tasks for you, but they will also inform you about maintenance schedules, best practices and professional tricks. Do not shy away from home maintenance as it will improve your quality of living and save your hard earned money.
