4 HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

Maintaining your home now can save you later

You can save a lot of money and avoid expensive home repair projects by performing regular maintenance tasks around your home and spending a bit of money on professional inspection checkups and cleaning.

1. Clean the gutters?

There’s a reason why cleaning gutters is often at the top of most home maintenance lists. Ignoring this basic chore can lead to a cascade of issues that could cost hundreds or even thousands in other repairs. Clogged gutters can keep water from draining off your roof, leading to roof damage and leaks, which in turn can cause ceiling and wall damage, and even mold and foundation problems. Get the picture? Sure, it’s a big pain in the you-know-what to get up on a ladder to blow the leaves and dig debris out of the gutters, but this is one chore you don’t want to ignore.?

2. Avoid costly roof repairs and extend its life

If you’re cleaning the gutters regularly, you’ve already taken the first step to preventing roof damage. Since replacing a roof is one of the most expensive home maintenance costs, you want to do everything you can to add years to its life. Not to mention the fact that your roof is a critical line of defense from high winds, rain, and heavy snow for your home, and your family. As a result, taking care of your roof is an important part of disaster preparedness.

3. Flush out your water heater

Once a year, you’ll need to drain your water heater or have a professional plumber come in to do it. Draining your water heater will flush out any minerals or debris in the system, ensuring it runs more efficiently.

4. Look for early signs of foundation problems

When the weather warms up, take the time to do a thorough inspection of the exterior foundation of your home. Cracks in the foundation of your home can reduce its value by as much as 15%, and taking care of these issues as you see them will ensure less costly repairs in the future. Large cracks in your foundation should be inspected and addressed by a structural engineer.