Five Things to Add into your Budget to Extend the Life of your Home
Your home is an asset that typically increases in value, but it must be cared for diligently. From repairing an appliance to power washing the exterior siding, you know that a well-oiled machine sells for higher prices. If you don’t plan on selling your home any time soon, but want to keep it in top shape, there are several things you can add to the budget to extend the home’s lifespan.
Roof Inspection
Because of its location, the roof is often ignored for basic maintenance. However, leaks often originate at the roof level, making it critical to find these problems before they damage the interior. Mold, mildew and other water damage issues can slowly eat away at wood beams, making the home vulnerable to pest infiltration and possible health problems. Hire a roof inspector each year to walk and inspect the entire area. They should be able to patch any worrisome areas or offer a suggestion on re-roofing strategies for homes requiring a new roof. Preserving the roof protects the rest of the home from severe damage. Replacing shingles when the damage first occurs can keep your roof in good repair and keep it from needing premature replacement.
Pest Control
One of the most damaging pests for any home is the termite. You should save up for termite inspections and termite control services each year to keep their population from harming your structural wood. For example, any exposed wood gives termites a chance to burrow into the grain and form colonies. You may not know that you have an issue until wood is literally breaking apart. Rapid eradication and yearly inspections help you preserve your home. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damages to the structure of your home, so paying a little bit of money now for inspections and pest control will save you from extensive damages in the future.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
Dirty and neglected carpets add age to a property, making it difficult to sell against other newer homes. Keep your home looking brand new with yearly or bi-annual carpet cleaning. Professionals use strategic chemicals to pull dirt and stains out of the carpet, making the home brighten up. You can steam clean your carpet yourself, but generally the products and tools that professionals use are more gentle on your fragile carpet. New carpet is expensive and cleaning carpets before they stain can prevent you from needing a total carpet replacement when your home goes on the market.
Adding New Windows
Update your windows with double-pane models that increase your energy efficiency in both the summer and winter. Although this is an expensive addition, your home’s lifespan is greatly increased with this investment. Your air conditioner and heater do not have to work as hard, preserving appliance lifespans as well. If you don’t want to spend too much at once, consider adding enough to your budget to replace just a few windows each year until you have completed the project.
Chimney Cleaning
If you have a chimney, hire a professional to clean it each summer to prepare for winter. Creosote residue adheres to the chimney’s interior, making it possible for a fire to occur. If the chimney is backed up, the smoke won’t leave your home efficiently. A chimney that is not in good repair can cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up in your home without a way to leave. Keeping the chimney in safe working order increases your home’s value and lifespan. This is also an essential to keep your family safe during winter when you use the fireplace frequently.
When you allocate your monthly or yearly budget, be sure to allocate a set amount aside to pay for your home’s maintenance needs. Many people may put basic home maintenance aside when they find they don’t have extra money in their budget. Your home is most likely your greatest investment, so you will want to rework your budget and find a way to keep your prized possession in good working order. Extending the life of your home benefits you and your children over time. Not only will you save yourself from expensive maintenance later on, but a well maintained home will give you a greater return if you need to put it on the market.
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Category: Home Improvements
