Importance of Home Maintenance

Regular home maintenance is perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to keep your home in great shape. Read on to learn more about home maintenance, and how to save money with home upgrades.

Most Common Home Repair Costs

Many homeowners dread the unexpected major home repairs. You can put some home repairs on hold, but others must be done as soon as possible, such as roof repair.

When it’s time to do repairs on your home, you’ll need to find out how much you’ll be spending on the repairs.

Here are the average costs of the most common home repairs:

Foundation repair

Foundation issues are common in areas where soil swells during rainy seasons and contracts during a drought. The foundation is practically the heart of your house, and repairs can be complicated and expensive.

Foundation repairs cost from $450 to more than $10,000.

Electrical problems

While you can do most home repairs yourself, it’s advisable to leave electrical repairs to qualified technicians. Depending on the kind of electrical problems you’re facing, your repair costs could range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

You can expect to spend between $300 and $15,000 on electrical repairs and home rewiring.

Roof repair

It’s important to fix roof issues as soon as you notice it. Common signs that your roof needs attention include leaks and missing shingles.

Roof repairs are also best left to experts.

You can expect to spend between $600 and $10,000 on roof repairs or replacement.

AC maintenance and repair

The heating or air conditioning system needs regular maintenance. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending money on costly repairs or replacing the entire AC unit.

A 2014 study showed that the average AC unit repair is $320, and installing a new unit would cost you at least $5,000—a significant reason to schedule regular maintenance.

Basic Home Maintenance Tips

You can keep your home in good shape and avoid costly repairs by following these simple home maintenance tips:

Inspect the outside regularly

Walk around the outside of your home and check for any issues that need attention:

Does the concrete exhibit any cracks?
Is the driveway in shape?
Does the roof show sign of loose or broken shingles?
Are there any indications of wear on the chimney?
Does the foundation or façade show signs of cracks or pooling?

Inspect HVAC filters

If the filter is dirty, make sure you change it. Otherwise, inspect it again the following month. If you’re a small family without pets or allergies, you can change your HVAC filters at least once every two months.

Clean window wells

Window wells provide ventilation and allow daylight into the basement. It also keeps debris from your window fixtures. If not well-maintained, however, window wells make your basement susceptible to damage.

Debris can block the drainpipe, and prolonged rainfall can lead to intense pressure against the basement window. If not addressed on time, the pressure can break the glass and flood the basement.

Take care of your gutters

Keeping your gutters clean can save you a fortune on gutter replacement, as well as on roof repairs. Clogged gutters tend to overflow and breakdown, putting a strain on your roof.

Avoid these problems by cleaning your gutters regularly.

Deep clean your house

Take a day every six months to give the entire house a thorough deep-clean. Dust every nook and cranny, including the windows, appliances, and the basement.

Keeping things clean and preventing the build-up of dirt, grime, and dust will help keep your home in excellent condition.

Home Upgrades That Can Save You Money

Besides choosing affordable utility providers like Gas South, you can also save money by implementing the following home upgrades:

Installing a programmable thermostat

According to EPA, you can save about $180 every year on heating and cooling costs by installing a programmable thermostat. It will keep you home warmer in the summer or cooler in the winter while you’re away.

Some utility companies give their customers a rebate for installing such thermostats.

Updating your light bulbs

Another easy-to-implement money-saving home upgrade is to replace incandescent bulbs with more energy-efficient options. There’s a wide range of energy-efficient bulbs depending on your needs and budget.

Improve attic insulation

According to Energy Star, attic insulation often has the most potential for home energy savings. By upgrading attic insulation, you’ll not only improve your home’s comfort but also reduce your energy costs significantly.

Replacement windows

Replacing drafty old windows with modern, energy-efficient ones is a popular home upgrade that will save you money on your heating and cooling costs.

Home maintenance protects your investment and prevents costly emergency repair situations—a little time and planning for much reward.