5 tips to stay on top of your home maintenance
Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments of your life. It's natural to want to protect and maintain your property. Wear and tear is a normal part of any house and this can be avoided or patched up as best as possible with these easy steps.
Before you embark on a complete overhaul you should make a home maintenance checklist of what needs attention in ranking order. This ensures it becomes more of an enjoyable project and a less stressful task to be completed in haste. Take your time and savour ticking items off your list.
1. Work from the outside in
The outside of your home must be sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. Your roofing, walls, windows and doors all play a part in keeping your home safe so do a routine check to make sure these are all in order. Consult with a roofing company to determine whether any tiles need replacing and how much to budget if repairs are needed. If your home has undergone renovations in recent years, chances are you can use the original contractors to do bi-yearly checks on your windows and doors to check for waterproofing.
If your house is painted and not of the low-maintenance brick or stone tile type, it is a good idea to apply a new coat of paint every two to five years depending on the chipping or fading. This is also affected by weather patterns, so if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, severe heat or storms and can't afford the upkeep of paint, brick wall is your most affordable, sustainable option.
2. Check for water damage regularly
Water damage is one of those things that seem to creep up on you until the problem becomes hazardous and very expensive. Here's what you need to know about preventing it before it happens:
- Check that your bathtub, shower, sinks and toilets are all sealed properly
- Check the drains and gutters for blockages
- Have a plumber check your geyser every few months for damage and avoid unexpected flooding
- Ensure that the water you use for your garden flows away from your house instead of toward
3. Clean your air
Your air conditioning and heating systems all have filters that trap dirt and dust that are invisible to the naked eye. Removing these and giving them a thorough cleaning every few weeks makes all the difference in the quality of the air you breathe and helps extend the longevity of these systems.
4. Fix your floors
One of the most common maintenance issues has to do with flooring. Make sure you choose long-lasting materials such as wooden floors, or ceramic tiles. Pay extra attention to the doorways of rooms as these see a good amount of foot traffic and are likely to show signs of scuff marks first. Place welcome mats at these points to pick up dirt from shoes and sweep and mop your floors regularly to avoid dust settling into the grouting and corners. Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning your floors and opt for gentle solutions that lift dirt without damaging your flooring.
If you have carpets, get a good quality vacuum cleaner to keep them fresh and clean. A professional carpet cleaning service is ideal for a deep clean and removes stubborn stains and discolouration.
5. Electrical matters
Check that your wiring is done in a safe way and that your energy switchboard, electricity metre and light switches are in good working condition. Flickering lights are never a good look, so invest in easily changeable energy-saving lightbulbs or spotlights that are bright enough to light up the entire room.
While these tips ensure your utmost comfort while living in your home, it is also attractive to potential buyers when you put your house on the market. A well-maintained home is every property practitioner's dream and at RealGlen we pride ourselves on having immaculate listings for you to browse through. Contact us today.