14 Home Maintenance Costs You’re Probably Overlooking

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While owning your home can be a rewarding experience, it also comes with many responsibilities that are often overlooked. Although homeowners plan for things like mortgages, property taxes, and large expenses that may arise, smaller, recurring maintenance costs can also slip through the cracks.

Whether it is your common HVAC device maintenance or the ignored gutter cleaning, dismissing these works can result in larger and overpriced repairs later. Additionally, assuming you add those maintenance charges to your yearly budget and take care of them in advance, it will protect the normal operation of your home and shield you from an unexpected financial knockout when least expected!

HVAC System Servicing

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Routine HVAC maintenance keeps your heating and cooling systems working as intended. Not servicing these systems at least once a year can mean diminished output and more expensive energy bills. A professional should test their operation at least once a year.

Gutter Cleaning

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Gutters are Important in directing water away from your home’s foundation. Gutters that are full of debris will cause overflow when it rains, which can lead to water damage to your home’s structure and leaks. If you clean out your guttering regularly, at least each spring and autumn, this will reduce the risk of more serious problems arising further down the line, along with ensuring that your gutters work as they should and last for longer.

Roof Inspection

Parts of Your House That Will Always Fail a Home Inspection
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The roof is the first line of defense in a home. Check your roofing regularly for signs of loose shingles or leaking. Inspecting your roof once a year can prevent more serious and pricey foundation repair work down the road.

Plumbing Maintenance

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Pipe Stress & Crack—As time passes, pipes can become subject to wear and tear, eventually experience leaks, or diminish efficiency. This can help prevent water damage, but then it’s already a little too late for us. By employing a plumbing specialist to keep up with routine maintenance, you can also guarantee your system runs correctly.

Water Heater Flushing

Fixing a Leaky Pipe
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A water heater with sediment build-up is less efficient and will not last as long. By flushing the tank every year, you can clear away this sediment, increase efficiency, and lower your energy bills. When your water heater is running at its best, you’ll have a steady source of hot water.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

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If you do not clean your dryer vents often, lint can collect, reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of fire. Have your vents cleaned yearly to keep your dryer working properly and your home safe.

Chimney Sweeping

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If you have a fireplace, yearly chimney sweeping will prevent fires and enhance the atmosphere in your home. Ensure that your chimney is clean and safe before lighting a fire, especially during the colder months.

Pest Control

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Routine pest control services are necessary to avoid ant, termite, or mole infestations that wreck your home or cause health issues. Fix the things that need fixing. You can also help protect your home from pests and maintain its integrity by scheduling seasonal inspections.

Lawn Care

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In addition to regular mowing, your lawn needs fertilization, aeration, and pest control throughout the seasons to stay healthy. By investing in these upkeeps you will be able to keep nature at bay, increase the curb appeal of your home, and save yourself from having to replace expensive patchwork for lawns!

Sealing Decks and Patios

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Wooden decks or patios can also warp or crack when exposed to the elements. Reapplying a sealant every few years preserves the concrete, protects it from moisture and sun damage, and extends its lifespan.

Window Caulking

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Energy efficiency starts by maintaining the caulk around windows. Smooth window caulking also prevents water intrusion. It can help in reducing your energy bills and keep inner walls damage-free by preventing air leaks.

Septic Tank Pumping

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Requiring routine pumping every 3 to 5 years is essential for any household with a septic system to prevent backups and keep it in working order. By maintaining it, we avoid needing rather expensive repairs or even full-blown replacements due to system failures.

Foundation Inspection

Parts Of Your House That Will Always Fail a Home Inspection
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The foundation provides the basis for your entire home, so have it checked for cracks or water entry once a year. Implementing the use of drones for this can help in detecting and fixing issues sooner so that structure damage does not get worse.

Interior Paint Touch-Ups

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Inside, scuffed and dirty paint betrays that fact. By touching up interior paint regularly, you keep your home looking fresh and the walls healthier in humid areas where mold can grow. Use door mats and liners in high-traffic areas when necessary.

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