As country’s economic woes worsen, many homeowners are understandably tempted to delay maintenance and even overlook small repairs in an effort to stretch their budgets, however, this could be a costly mistake, particularly in the case of older homes.
If you let maintenance slide, when you do decide to make a start, you could be in for a shock at the cost of making all the necessary repairs as problems will inevitably worsen over time.
And repairing damaged carpets, ceilings and paintwork after a geyser has burst or replacing an entire gutter system, will definitely cost more than servicing or replacing an old geyser or a faulty strip of gutter
If you’re planning to sell in the not-too-distant future it can be even more problematic as you will either have to bear the cost of doing all the repairs at once or risk your home taking a lot longer to sell because most buyers prefer homes that are immediately habitable and don’t require extensive renovations and repairs.
It could also delay or even ruin a sale because compliance certification might be delayed because of the work needed to get your home up to spec.
At the end of the day, homeowners who regularly invest in maintenance and repairs will save money in the long run, even if they don’t have plans to sell any time soon.
There are a few issues that can be postponed, like replacing a chipped tile or fixing wonky cupboard handles, but there are also several that should definitely not be ignored – and prevention is ALWAYS better than cure:
- Plumbing and electrical systems - Visible water pipes should be examined for cracks, leaks or rust and dripping taps and leaking cisterns must be repaired. The electrical distribution box and fuses should be checked for signs of blackening and visible cables must be examined for worn insulation or exposed wires and signs of shorting.
- Cracks in the plaster work - Small, hairline cracks aren’t an issue and can (and should) be easily fixed with epoxy sealant but anything larger could signal problems. While you’re looking for cracks, also take note of any bulging or buckling. If you notice any of these signs, have them professionally inspected and repaired right away.
- Protect your foundation - If anything goes wrong with your foundation walls — serious cracks, uneven settling — you could be in for one of the most expensive home repair jobs possible. Every year, check to make sure the soil around your house slopes sufficiently away from your foundation to stave off serious structural problems.
- Roofs and gutters – ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ can be a dangerous thing, especially when it comes to critical features like roofing and gutters. They should be regularly checked for wind and storm damage, loose tiles, gaps in the flashing and damage around chimneys. And clearing the gutters should be a regular task as overflows can damage paint, plaster and brickwork and blockages could cause gutters to collapse.
- Check your home’s exterior drainage – You probably have drainage issues if your gutters regularly overflow, the flow of water from your downspouts isn’t regular or there are water damage stains in your basement. Water damage issues are usually symptomatic of your drainage system not carrying water far enough away from your home and if water is left to seep back into the foundations, your basement and foundation can start to show signs of damp.
- Mould and mildew – Contrary to popular belief, these aren’t simply a sign of poor housekeeping and they can – and do - appear in a clean home. Any time water invades your home in unexpected places, these toxic substances can grow. Signs to be aware of are musty, stale-smelling air, bubbled areas in paint or wallpaper, or chronic sinus symptoms with no other cause.
- Garages – Don’t neglect your garage, especially if it’s attached to your house. At least once a year, inspect the walls for cracks, damp and evidence of movement and don’t forget to check any wooden components for evidence of rot or insect infestation.
- Driveways and pavements – Check for cracks and wear-and-tear. Correct any hazardous uneven sections, especially those which cause surface water run-off towards the house.
Not everyone is a DIY enthusiast and some of us are even somewhat challenged when it comes to handywork, but there are also a number of easy tricks for correcting small issues that can worsen over time:
- Buff out scuffs - Hardwood floors will eventually start to show noticeable scuffs from hard-soled shoe traffic, but there's a quick way to get rid of them. The felt-like surface of a tennis ball will quickly remove any scuffs if you rub it vigorously over the mark.
- Make your bath sparkle – After a few years of daily use, a bath can start to look grimy and stained, even when cleaned regularly. Simply mix up equal parts baking soda and cream of tartar with lemon juice until it forms a paste. Apply to stains and rub in, then wait about an hour and rinse.
- Remove water stains – If your ceiling has water stains and need to be repainted, the best way to first remove the stains is with a little household bleach. Spray a dilution of 10% bleach and water on them, wait 24 hours and the unsightly brown spots should have significantly faded or altogether disappeared.
Owning a home is a dream come true for many people and, although it is, indeed, wonderful, it does come with considerable responsibility of which home maintenance is one of the most important.
This can seem overwhelming, especially to new home owners - and it could easily become so if one lets things slide - so it’s best to get a handle on it from the get-go.
And the best way to do so is to create a home maintenance checklist that includes regular home maintenance tasks to be done on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. In doing so, you will not only extend the life of almost everything in your home, you will also potentially save a lot of money over time.
Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule will help ensure you can handle many of the necessary repairs yourself without having to call in expensive experts.
And if you break up most tasks, they will also be easier and cheaper. For instance, if your home needs a fresh coat of paint, paint the exterior of the house one month, the interior next, garages and outbuildings and perimeter walls in following stages.
This way, you could probably pay for painting your home from your monthly budget rather than dipping into savings.