Importance of Regular Home Maintenance

Anyone who has bought their own home knows the challenges that come with purchasing a property. Owning a home is expensive, and it comes with monthly costs that can be highly volatile. Those who are still planning to make a purchase can prepare for mortgage payments and other related expenses. But no matter how ready a person can be, there will always be emergencies that could throw the entire budget out of whack.

Owning a home does not stop with the process of buying a house and land for sale; the home needs regular care and repair now and then. Still not convinced? Below are reasons why regular home maintenance should be one on the priority list of every homeowner. 

Increases Value

A home is a major purchase and an investment that should be given proper care. Like any other type of investment, an investor would want the best returns for the money and efforts spent. While a newly constructed home can be sold at a great price, homes that have already undergone upgrades, renovations, remodels, and proper maintenance can be sold at a higher price.

This is according to studies. Based on reports, most people looking to buy a home want one that does not require significant upkeep for up to several years. This means that they prefer houses that have been well-maintained for years. On the other hand, homes that have not been maintained can deteriorate and can lose their value over time.

Improves Safety

A well-maintained home means that all areas have been checked for problems that may cause accidents and untoward events. On the other hand, a poorly maintained home can pose significant dangers in a variety of ways. A garage door can malfunction. A baluster can collapse. A roof can leak, leading to more problems in the long run.

Even air systems can get broken unexpectedly and cause great danger to the people inside the home. Faulty electrical wirings can cause a fire - the possibilities of danger are endless. Keeping regular maintenance of the house, though, can prevent all these from happening. Regular upkeep keeps the home safe for all inhabitants.

Reduces Energy Consumption

Homes that are not being maintained may develop problems in the long run. These problems can include gaps and cracks that are not readily noticeable. These gaps and cracks can get bigger over time, and they can lead to more energy loss, which in turn lead to higher electricity bills. When regular maintenance is performed on the home, the early formation of gaps and cracks can be detected, and proper actions can be done to prevent such holes and cracks from getting worse. Additionally, heating or cooling systems and other essential appliances can be checked regularly to ensure they are still working correctly.

Reduces Stress

Homes that seem to have many issues happening all at once can cause so much stress to homeowners. Regular maintenance can prevent the onset of major problems, such as roof leaks, mold information, broken appliances, pest infestation, and many more. When these significant problems are suppressed and prevented from happening, homeowners can enjoy a better, more stress-free life.

Saves Money 

Major home issues can be extremely costly. For instance, a defective dryer can cause a fire. In fact, according to reports, more than 15000 fires in the U.S. have been caused by faulty wirings in problematic dryers every year. This has resulted in property damages that almost reached a value of $75 million. Regular upkeep, such as frequent cleaning of these appliances, can easily prevent such dangers. Spending a few dollars on home maintenance is better and more affordable than paying for major repairs when the home collapses due to poor upkeep.

According to Nerdwallet's 2018 Home Improvement Report, about 31% of homeowners are unprepared to shoulder repair costs. These homeowners are not setting aside money for home repairs, maintenance, and improvement. This is a matter of concern, especially that most homeowners experience problems with the home's condition during their first year of owning the home. These problems often require repairs, which can escalate to more problems if not given proper care immediately.

The same report stated that around 80% of homeowners lament the high costs of professional repairs and maintenance. About 68%, though, believe that the prices are fair and worth it compared to having to do the repair tasks themselves.

Overall, getting a professional to handle the regular maintenance of a home offers advantages that can prove beneficial in the long term. While home maintenance can seem expensive, the returns are better and more advantageous to the homeowner.