Did you know that 45% of homeowners underestimate how much it costs to maintain their home? Homeownership comes with many more costs than the downpayment and monthly mortgage payments. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1% of your home’s purchase price every year for repair costs.
You can cut back on some minor repairs by keeping up with your home’s maintenance yourself. Keep reading to learn how you can help keep your exterior home maintenance costs down.
Inspect Your Roof (From Afar)
Your roof is one of the most important exterior areas of your home. You need to check it often to ensure there aren’t any issues that could lead to hefty bills. You don’t need to climb onto your roof to get an idea of its health, though.
Every year over 500,000 people seek treatment for ladder-related injuries. So, keep your ladder in your garage and call in the help of modern technology instead. A pair of binoculars or even a digital camera can help you see if there are any areas of concern.
Check your roof every season. Look for hanging icicles in the winter months as they can cause damage when they melt. In the warmer months, look for missing shingles and check to see if the flashing is in good health.
Inspect the Foundation
Inspect the foundation of your home in spring. Walk around your home and take photos so you can compare next season.
Are there any signs of cracking or water pooling in the foundation? Do you see any areas that are bulging or leaning? Your foundation walls and home walls should be level and flush.
Are there any signs of water damage or cracks in the concrete? If water stands for too long, it can cause soil shifting and wood rot. Any moisture on the exterior of your home should warrant a professional inspection.
Get Rid of Debris
Debris will build around your home’s outdoor space and on your roof throughout every season. Too much organic matter like sticks and leaves can look quite inviting to critters like rats. Rake debris away from your home and dispose of it properly.
Check your gutters twice a year in late spring and early fall. Failing to keep your gutters clear can lead to significant home repair costs from leaks, mold, and roof damage. You can tackle this task yourself or hire a gutter cleaning service to do it for you.
Maintain Your Windows and Doors
Your home’s windows and doors are a big part of what protects the interior from wind, rain, and storm damage. Walk around inside your home and check every window and door for drafts.
If your window sealants have cracks, water can enter your home. Even seemingly minor leaks can cause permanent damage so caulk the window frames where necessary.
Your exterior doors may need weatherstripping around the sides and top as well as new door sweeps on the bottom. Doors with gaps as small as 1/8-inch can allow in as much air as a half-open window.
Take Home Maintenance Seriously
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to exterior home maintenance. The key is prevention. Take a few hours every season to use our home maintenance checklist to save yourself money on repairs this year.
Keep browsing our site for more helpful tips and tricks for homeowners.
