American homes come in all shapes and sizes. For example, some people live in mansions, while others live in small apartments. There are also a lot of different styles of homes in America. For example, some people have traditional homes with white picket fences, while others have more modern homes.
However, one thing is constant among all types of homes, and that is home prices are rising more than ever. The average price of a home in America is now $380,000. This is an increase of $30,000 from last year, and it doesn’t seem like prices are slowing down anytime soon. Therefore, the rising home prices are the prime reason home maintenance is more critical than ever.
Home maintenance is an essential responsibility for every homeowner. It is vital to keep up with the maintenance of your home to prevent any more significant issues from arising and keep your home’s value high.
Here are seven tips for maintaining your home:
Keep up with your roof
Your roof is one of the essential parts of your home, and it is also one of the most expensive to replace. That is why it is crucial to keep up with the maintenance of your roof. You should have your roof inspected at least once a year by a professional, and you should also be on the lookout for any signs of damage, such as missing or lost shingles.
It’s also essential to keep it clean. That’s why it’s good to hire a roof cleaning service at least once a year. A clean roof is less likely to depreciate, and it will deduct the cost you need for maintenance.
Clean your gutters
Your gutters play an essential role in protecting your home from water damage. Therefore, it is vital to keep them clean and free of debris. You should also check your gutters for any signs of leaks or damage, and you should have them repaired as soon as possible if there are any issues.
You can clean your gutters yourself, but it is a dirty and dangerous job. It is best to hire a professional gutter cleaning service to do you.
Inspect your windows and doors
Your windows and doors are other areas of your home that is susceptible to water damage. Therefore, it is crucial to inspect them regularly for leaks or damage. If you find any damage, it is best to have it repaired as soon as possible.
You should also check the seals around your windows and doors to ensure they are still intact. If the seals are damaged, it can allow water and air to leak into your home, leading to higher energy bills.
Maintain your HVAC system
Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive systems in your home, so it is vital to keep up with its maintenance. You should have your HVAC system serviced at least once a year by a professional. This will ensure that it is running efficiently and that there are no issues.
You should also change your air filters regularly. Depending on the air filters you have, you may need to change them every month or two. Again, this is an easy task that you can do yourself, and it will help keep your HVAC system running properly.
Clean your appliances
Your appliances are another essential part of your home, and they can be expensive to replace. Therefore, it is crucial to keep them clean and good working order. You should wipe down your appliances regularly, and you should also vacuum the coils on your refrigerator at least once a year.
It is also a good idea to regularly have your appliances serviced by a professional. This will ensure that they are running efficiently and that there are no issues.
Paint your home
Painting your home is a great way to make it look nice, but it is also an excellent way to protect it from the elements. You should paint your home every five to seven years to ensure that the paint is in good condition.
You can either hire a professional painter or do it yourself. If you decide to do it yourself, use high-quality paint and follow the proper painting techniques.
Save For Maintenance
Lastly, it’s good to save for maintenance. As a rule of thumb, it’s good to keep one percent of the overall price of your home. So, if your home is worth $200,000, you should have $2,000 saved for maintenance.
You can use this money for any unexpected repairs or replacements. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency fund for anything else that may come up.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is well-maintained and will last for many years to come.
