Home maintenance can reduce the number of emergency repairs that your property requires. The general rule is to spend between 1 and 4% of your home’s value each year on maintenance. There are some obvious things you should do to keep your home looking good, such as cleaning out your pool and taking care of your lawn. But you mustn’t forget these annual home maintenance jobs either.
Wash windows
Cleaning the inside and outside of your windows should be done at least once per year. This might sound like a boring job, but it’s an important one as window cleaning will prevent the glass from degrading. When this happens minor scratches will appear. In time, these scratches will worsen and irreversible damage will occur. The only solution then is to replace the window. A new window typically costs between $345 and $740, plus labor costs.
Flush water heater
Your water heater is an integral part of your home and should be flushed annually. By doing this, you’ll keep the length of time it takes to get hot water to your appliances to a minimum. Flushing also reduces the amount of sediment in your water system. This is very important as sediment can clog up and block valves. It can also stop your appliances and heating system from working. You can flush your water heater yourself as long as you have the right tools for the job. A wrench, hacksaw, pliers, plumber’s tape, and hammer will be needed. These are low-cost items that will help you flush your heater and deal with common plumbing issues.
Damp-proof the walls
Studies have found that 50% of homes have a damp and mold problem. This is most likely to occur in the winter. Damp and mold can cause structural issues, so it’s worth damp proofing the walls of your home in preparation for the cold weather. It’s always best to deal with the root cause of any damp issues. Once you’ve done this, apply damp-proof paint to the affected areas to stop future issues. Look for paint that can be used on cement, brick, plaster, and concrete for the best protection.
Annual home maintenance doesn’t have to be a big job when you plan the jobs you need to do in advance. Make sure you pop these jobs on your list as they could save you a small fortune in repairs.
