Home Maintenance Tips for the Novice

If you are new to home ownership, there is much to learn, and as a property owner, you are responsible for the upkeep of your home, and seeing as it is likely to be the biggest single investment you will ever make, it does make sense to keep your home in good order. There’s an awful lot to building maintenance, from roof repairs to blocked drains, and with that in mind, here are a few tips to help you stay on top of property maintenance.

  • Roofing – The roof is probably the most important component of your home, as it protects the building against the harsh elements, and regular roof inspections are advised. This will identify minor issues, which can be repaired before turning into something more serious, and with an annual roof inspection, you will always know the status of your roof. You should check your upstairs ceilings for signs of dampness, which is an indication of a leaking roof, which is the result of a few missing roof tiles.
  • Climate Control – If you have a HVAC system that provides both heat and air conditioning, it needs to be serviced at least twice a year, and with affordable air conditioning in Central Coast, maintaining your climate control system is never an issue. When your climate control system is not regularly serviced, it quickly becomes inefficient, which means you need more energy to achieve the desired temperatures, and that equates to higher fuel bills. The ideal times to have your heating and a/c serviced are just prior to winter and summer, which will ensure that the system is working at optimum levels.
  • Plumbing – Your home is a complex network of water and waste pipes, which can be compromised at any time, and with an annual plumbing inspection, any potential issues can be dealt with before they cause any damage. Your drains should be power cleaned now and then, which ensures a clean flow, and as the plumber uses CCTV, you can get a close-up view of the status of your drainage system.
  • The Driveway – Whether your driveway is asphalt or pavers, it will eventually be in need of repair, and if your driveway has seen better days, consider having block paving installed. A block paving driveway will last for many years, and as the blocks are semi-porous, the water can drain away naturally. The same applies for your terrace, which is also at the mercy of the elements, and a power wash every year would help to keep the surface clean.

Exterior walls also need to be inspected on a regular basis, as does any exterior timber surfaces, and in the event any repair is necessary, it should be promptly carried out, as it will only get worse as time passes. Many homeowners commission their local builder to carry out an annual inspection that would include all of the above, and by carrying out prompt repairs, you can keep repair bills at an acceptable level.

 

Comments are closed.