Anyone who has ever had to do a great remodeling project in their home can tell you that these cost money, and that’s the main reason people are putting them off until the last minute. On the other hand, there’s a saying that states that it’s much better to spend a little money now than a whole lot of money later on. Regular home maintenance like during fall season can actually help you save money in the long run, and here’s what you should keep in mind.
Routine Maintenance is Great
You would be surprised to discover just how much money you can save by doing regular check-ups of your home. You are more likely to notice that something’s wrong before that minor inconvenience turns into a major problem which could consume plenty of time and money. Make sure you check up on your household regularly and don’t leave anything out: the roof, faucets, garage, attic, basement, electronics, as well as pipes and garden shed. It’s better to do a minor repair now than spend a fortune later on. Set a home maintenance budget and try not to overstep the line and spend too much at once.
Check Your Roof
You should check your roof at least once a year and clean it thoroughly. It’s best if you do it in spring or fall, and just by sweeping the debris off the roof you will be able to notice if there are any cracks or other damage to the roofing. Besides, by sweeping debris, you are preventing the moisture from building up, which is great as built-up moisture can destroy the roofing material and cause leaks. Leaks can be expensive to fix, so by preventing them and spotting them early on, you will save a lot of money.
Save Money on Paint
This might not work if you’re strict about using particular paint shades on your walls, but otherwise, you will be able to save some money. So-called “oops” paints were mixed in stores for customers who ended up not liking them or simply not buying them. Such paints can stay in stores for a long time and they don’t sell too well. These can be bought in hardware stores and aren’t costly and can usually be bought for a mere fraction of a regular price. What is more, you can contact your local waste management department and ask for recycled paint. Another way to save a couple of dollars is to buy paint which doesn’t require as many coats, which means you’ll use less of it.
Separate Materials and Labour
Talk to your contractors before they start working and see what material they need so you can buy it for them. You might be able to get a better deal this way because you won’t have to pay for the materials they brought. Lumber, tile, and air conditioners can often be bought for a lower price at warehouses and discount stores, so you might be able to get a better deal this way. On the other hand, you shouldn’t go out and buy the material without discussing it with contractor and tradesmen in advance or you might end up getting the wrong supplies.
Service Your Air Conditioner
The best way to prepare for summer is to get your air conditioning system checked and serviced. You might think that you don’t have to get it serviced unless there is a problem, but regular check-ups and services can save you a lot of money, as repairs are much more costly. Depending on the air conditioner you are using, you can clean it up yourself, or you can call the professionals and ask them to do it for you. Paying to have it serviced by a professional should save you a fortune (not to mention give you a piece of mind) down the road.
Seal Water Leaks
Water leaks are terrible, as they can be the cause of mould in your home, they can cause severe damage, and they will inevitably lead to higher water bills. Simply by doing regular check-ups on your faucets and water lines twice a year, you will be able to spot a leak and take care of it. If you notice any additional problems with the pipes, or you fear that you might cause more damage if you try to fix things yourself, you can always call a professional plumber and have him help you out.
Keep the Leftover Material
When you finish one project, you will likely have some (or plenty of) leftover material. Instead of throwing it away, you can try putting it in boxes and bags and storing it for later. Bolts, screws, and other small pieces of hardware can be stored for a long time and can be used in one of the later projects. These are the things you will need at some point in the future, and it’s good to know that you already have some and don’t have to buy them again. By constantly building your collection of leftover materials, you will save a lot of money on smaller projects in the future.
There probably aren’t any people who live in homes which don’t require any sort of maintenance, but we always dream that we would become those people someday. Until then, home maintenance and repairs will be common, and we should try to do them professionally so as to save money and make sure our homes are safe for us and our families.
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