Owning a house comes with many responsibilities, most of which can put a dent in your savings. Knowing which areas you can save on, whether through preventive maintenance or DIY projects, will help you keep your home beautiful and comfortable without spending too much money.
Preventive Home Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is routine upkeep that aims to make sure damaging elements are kept away from your home. Maintenance, carried out on a set schedule, helps you identify potential issues that can compromise your property’s performance.
Lawn Maintenance
Your lawn takes the brunt of the changing seasons, making it prone to factors that lead to its deterioration. Practicing preventive maintenance in this space will help you avoid lawn problems that will cost you time and money to address.
- Mowing your lawn every week will help the grass grow healthier and prevent weeds from taking over.
- Giving your plants the right amount of water will prevent under and overwatering them, prolonging their lifespan.
- Pruning your trees will help you control their growth. It will also prevent accidents caused by broken limbs and falling branches.
Structural Maintenance
Take the time to inspect your home regularly for minor issues that can evolve into major problems. This is especially important before a new season starts and before extreme weather conditions occur.
- Unclogging your gutters, especially before a rainstorm, prevents water from pooling and spilling over onto your roof. It prevents water damage to the ceiling and walls and prevents pests from using the wet leaves and debris as a breeding ground.
- Avoid accidents, such as falling, by straightening the screws and bolts in wobbly porch and stair railings. It will also prevent water and small debris from entering the open space.
- Prevent minor cracks from expanding and creating spaces where water can seep into by repaving your pathways and driveway. In effect, you also avoid tripping hazards and loose pieces of asphalt that can damage the underside of your or your guest’s car.
Seasonal Maintenance
The changing seasons bring new sets of problems. By preparing your home for these shifts, you protect the structure, protecting your family, and keeping them comfortable as well.
- Inspecting the weather-stripping around your doors and windows prevents cold air from entering and warm air from escaping your home.
- Changing your HVAC system’s air filter prevents dust and debris from accumulating and creating allergens.
- Changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors prevents technical issues that put you and your family in danger.
General Home Safety Tips
In addition to preventive maintenance, there are other tasks you can accomplish to save money. These will also keep your home and its inhabitants safe from potential risks.
- Don’t overload extension cords and electrical outlets to avoid blowing a fuse and triggering electrical fires.
- Turn off all electronic devices and appliances when they’re not in use to prevent overheating.
- Keep flammable liquids and materials in the appropriate storage to prevent them from catching fire or exploding.
DIY Home Repairs
Although you should always call a professional to handle major repairs (such as electrical and plumbing issues), there are fixes you can do on your own.
- Tighten faucets to prevent or stop leaks.
- Replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives.
- Unclog the drain or pipes to prevent waste backup.
- Caulk the areas surrounding windows to prevent air leaks.
- Remove oil stains from the driveway to avoid corrosion.
Maintaining your home will take a lot of work, but being proactive about it will help you save on professional fees down the line. It also enables you to know the nooks and crannies of your home better so you can maintain and beautify it well.
