Whether you are considering putting your house on the market or simply looking to improve your day-to-day living experience, keeping on top of home maintenance duties should remain at the top of your to-do list. Not only will this keep your home in good working order, but regular maintenance can save you a great deal of time, energy, money, and stress.
With that in mind, here are some top tips you can use to stay on top of home maintenance in 2023.
Put together a checklist.
One of the easiest ways in which you can make home maintenance a priority in 2023 (and beyond) is by putting together an annual home maintenance checklist. This way, you’ll be aware of all of the tasks you have to carry out over the course of the year, and nothing will fall off your radar accidentally.
Be aware of the warning signs.
Sometimes, home maintenance issues, such as electrical faults, are not immediately obvious. As such, learning about the different signs your home has an electrical issue means that you are more informed and, therefore, more prepared to intervene when necessary. Furthermore, this will also help you to understand when you need to bring in experts to resolve the issue (which is nearly always the case with electrical issues) rather than try to put your DIY skills to the test.
Replace damaged roof tiles.
Keeping your roof in good shape is another excellent example of crucial home maintenance, especially when it comes to replacing damaged or missing roof tiles.
This is because a ‘gap’ or ‘hole’ in your roof exposes your home to the elements, which could allow water to enter your property leading to flooding or structural damage. It could also act as an entryway for household pests, which are likely the worst house guests you can imagine!
Declutter once a month.
Despite the well-documented benefits of decluttering, many people do not declutter their homes as often as they should. This can present many issues when it comes to home maintenance. For example, homes that are full of clutter are more likely to have mold issues. While “clutter doesn’t cause mold directly, it reduces airflow, which makes it easier for mold that enters your home to take hold.” As a result, you should set aside some time each month to declutter your home.
Update your home insurance policy.
Whether there is a fire on your property or you sustain damage during a storm, home insurance can be a real lifesaver. This is because you will not be expected to pay entirely out of pocket for any repairs you must carry out, which could potentially save you thousands of dollars.
As a result, now is the perfect time to review your current policy and ensure that you are getting the best possible deal. You can use price comparison sites to compare your current policy with other similar policies from different providers so that you remain within budget while also receiving more comprehensive support.
Focus on weather-proofing your home.
While you cannot put a stop to the weather, you can take certain measures to prevent weather damage to your home. For example, sealing cracks in window frames, door frames, and walls can prevent damage in more ways than one.
For example, it can stop hot air from escaping your home, while also ensuring that water/moisture cannot enter the interior of your property. In doing so, you are less likely to deal with issues such as flooding or mold.
Make your home more eco-friendly.
Home maintenance tasks are largely centered around repairs or quick fixes, but they can also serve other purposes.
For example, you could carry out a series of home maintenance tasks that increase the value of your property or make it a nicer space to spend time in. This could include making your home more eco-friendly, whether that be through installing a skylight or double-glazed windows. Not only does this mean that you are playing your part in protecting the environment, you could also be saving yourself hundreds of dollars on energy bills as a result.
Know when to call in the experts.
If you’re trying to carry out home maintenance tasks on a budget, it’s easy to believe that you can handle anything that comes your way. However, it is not worth putting yourself or your loved ones in danger to save a few dollars – meaning it’s important you are able to determine when tasks fall beyond your skill set. Fortunately, understanding this ahead of time means that you can research different tradesmen, from electricians to plumbers, to find a reputable provider whose hourly rate aligns with your budget.
Don’t panic.
When you notice that your property has sustained damage, it’s easy to panic, especially if you’re feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis. However, keeping a cool head will allow you to take a more practical view of the situation, meaning you can move forward quickly and efficiently. For example, you can easily call in a maintenance worker, or put together a plan for DIY tasks, instead of allowing yourself to be consumed by stress. This way all issues are resolved quickly before they can become major problems.
Don’t ignore issues.
On a similar note, it’s all too easy to brush off minor home maintenance issues due to the fact that they are so small and insignificant. However, if unaddressed, these minor issues can quickly turn into something much more troublesome (and costly) to deal with.
For example, replacing a few missing roof tiles does not cost that much – but replacing your entire roof after a large hole has formed in it, does. To put it simply, it’s easy for minor issues to snowball into major issues. As a result, you should resolve any maintenance issues as soon as you become aware of them. This will protect both your property and your bank account, while also ensuring your home stays in good condition all year round as opposed to falling into disrepair.
