Home Maintenance Tasks You Can't Afford to Ignore

A home inspector may advise you to maintain 1% savings for continual repairs. Most homeowners are already pressed by other demands such as property taxes, insurance, and budgeting for future projects, even though they understand that, as a homeowner, it is always up to them to fix anything that goes wrong with their property.

If you are a homeowner, you may be tempted to ignore some tasks because you feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities and expenses, however that is precisely why you need to pay close attention to those repairs that can cost you a lot more if not addressed on time.

HVAC INSPECTIONS

Ensuring your HVAC system is functioning properly throughout the year is critical for two reasons. First, heating and cooling takes up half of your energy bills annually. Secondly, an HVAC system that is not functioning properly can pose health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

As much as a home inspector can examine your system, you shouldn't assume that the inspection was thorough enough to pinpoint all the issues. You need to consider contracting an HVAC inspector at least twice a year.

The system should, preferably, be checked before winter and summer. These are the two seasons when your HVAC needs to be working optimally. You may find that it needs new replacement parts or has a leak, and these issues should be fixed before the season begins.

You might also have noticed that your air conditioner is not running efficiently or that it needs new parts. If this is the case, you should make a point of repairing it as soon as possible. The cost of repairs is between $3,700 and $7,000, according to Home Advisor.

cleaning and maintaining gutters

The work of gutters around your home is simple and straightforward - they help funnel water from the roof and away from the foundation. Gutters need to be cleaned when they are blocked and repaired when they are leaking or broken.

Without proper maintenance of gutters, the following issues could arise:

• Damaged Foundation. The water is not funneled properly from the house and collects in pools around the foundation.
• Mold. Since water is not properly drained, mold can thrive in basements and areas where the water accumulates.
• Rotting and Rusting. Wood and metal parts can be ruined by exposure to excess moisture. A blocked gutter could cause rusting on window sills and rotting on the structure of the house.
• Soil Erosion. If water does not drain properly, it can cause soil erosion which could compromise the foundation.
• Landscaping. Excess moisture can cause fungi to grow in addition to soil erosion. Failure to maintain the gutter could have an impact on the curb appeal of your home.
• Leaking Roof. Poor water drainage will also damage the underlying structure of the roof and you could be forced to replace it if leaks are detected.

It will cost you about $300 to have your gutters checked and repaired. On the other hand, replacing a leaking roof could cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. If you combine this cost with the costs of addressing other related issues such as mold, you could end up paying well over $30,000.

Termite prevention

Pests and termites can cause serious damage on your deck, cabin, and the overall structure of the house. For many homeowners, termites pose the greatest threats to their property. It is estimated that, in the United States, damage caused by termites comes to around $5 billion annually.

The Formosan and Subterranean termites are the most destructive wood pests in the United States. Termites are usually found in warmer regions. In the U.S., you're likely to find them in the south. Since these termites can chew on wood 24 hours a day, it is best to apply preventive measures, especially if you live in areas prone to infestation.

The cost of fixing termite damage is, on average, around $3,000. You should consider hiring a home inspector or finding a company that can treat wood and check your house annually for termite damage before it get to that point. Remember that insurance usually does not cover this type of repair.

It may also be necessary to do additional cosmetic work around the property in addition to repairing the structure damage. Repairing parts of the house is going to be less costly than if the entire structure is compromised, which is another reason why you ought to have your home checked regularly for termite and pest infestations.

These repairs aren't fun to do, but if you care about the equity of your property, you should always ensure these issues are addressed as soon as possible. While you can do some of the maintenance tasks yourself, you also need to be aware of the risk. Contact Keystone Home Inspection to help ensure that your home remains in great shape!