Owning your home has its benefits and disadvantages. One of the downsides of owning a home is that you are liable for costs incurred by maintaining the building and its contents. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent being slapped with huge repair bills. Here are 3 ways to reduce home maintenance costs.
Make Regular Checks and Repairs
Checking over your home on a regular basis will ensure that you keep on top of any problems before they get worse. Ask a company such as Roofline Design to inspect your roof or invest in some safe, good quality ladders and do it yourself. Check for any missing tiles, holes, or issues with the chimney or skylight windows. Have a look at the guttering around your roof and clean out any leaves or debris that may be blocking the flow of rainwater to the downpipes.
If there are any cracks in the walls of your home – inside or outside, seal them up using an appropriate filler. If they are very large and deep, ask a professional to check them over. Regularly replace the sealant around showers, toilets, and baths to prevent water from seeping into the walls and floors.
A way to save money and ensure that your heating system stays in good working order is to enrol in a monthly maintenance plan with your energy supplier. This involves paying a set amount each month to cover the cost of any breakdowns and repairs. You will also receive a yearly boiler check. Checking the health of your boiler regularly ensures it continues to stay efficient and reduces chances of breakdown.
Choose Maintenance-Free Materials
Replacing old wooden windows with UPVC ones makes total sense as it will cut down the money and time you spend stripping and painting them, and it will also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Installing double or triple glazed windows will reduce your home’s heat loss and lower your energy bills.
Doors made from composite material are a great low maintenance solution for the exterior of your home as they do not require painting or varnishing and will not warp when damp. Decking for your garden is also available in this robust and low-maintenance material. All you will ever need to do to it is hose it down or wash it with a power washer. Composite doors and decking are available in a variety of colours.
Garden
An easily maintained garden will save you time and money. Invest in AstroTurf for a worry-free lawn that will need no cutting, watering, and fertilizing and will always look in perfect condition. Keep trees well-trimmed and ensure that they do not grow too close to powerlines and guttering. Otherwise, you may find yourself with a hefty bill for their removal.
Limit the amount of expensive, high-maintenance plants you have; otherwise, you will have to replace them frequently, which can burn quite a hole in your pocket. Also cover your garden furniture with weather-proof covers during the winter months, or store it in a shed or garage to protect it from wear and tear caused by the elements.
With these tips you will cut your maintenance costs and everywhere will still look great.