Home Sweet Well-Maintained Home MAINTENANCE TASKS THAT PAY FOR THEMSELVES
Home is where the heart is, but if you ignore maintenance, it can also be where your wallet suffers. Keeping up with minor repairs and seasonal upkeep may not be the most exciting way to spend the weekend, but a little TLC now can save you big bucks down the road. Just like you, your home needs a spa day every once in a while. From fixing a leaky faucet to sealing pesky drafts, essential home maintenance projects like these don’t just pay off — they practically pay for themselves.
twice yearly to remove leaves or debris from your gutters. If you’d rather leave this messy task to the professionals, gutter cleaning is typically inexpensive, averaging about $200. Tune up your HVAC system. Your heating and air conditioning systems are essential in keeping your home comfortable, no matter the weather. The last thing you want to face during a heat wave or chilly winter is for your HVAC system to fail you, and the dollars could stack up if it breaks down. Annual or twice-a-year HVAC tune-ups keep your system running smoothly and reduce your monthly energy bills. Clogged machines cause damage like leaks or ceiling damage and work less effectively, increasing your bills over time. Professional tune-ups cost around $200, and you can save money by changing the filters and flushing the drain lines yourself regularly.
Cut costs by cutting branches. Having trees in your yard heightens curb appeal and provides natural shade. But, if mature trees grow too close to your home, they could cause severe damage and may be dangerous to your family. When limbs are damaged or diseased, a storm could knock them into your roof, windows, or walls, leading to costly repairs. They could also bring extra moisture and pests to your space. Keeping your trees trimmed and pruned regularly can save thousands of dollars in potential repairs. If you have experience trimming trees and it is safe to do so, you can take on this task for the cost of supplies like a ladder and pruning tools. Hiring a professional could cost up to $2,000, but that’s still a great value when you consider roof replacements average about $9,500. Keep your gutters clear. Cleaning your gutters is a basic chore that can save you hundreds or even thousands in the various issues clogged gutters can cause. When debris blocks your gutters, water cannot drain off your roof, which can lead to leaks, water damage, mold, and even foundation problems. You must climb the ladder at least
Protect your driveway. Your driveway takes a daily beating from cars, weather, and time, so protecting the pavement from damage is essential. Applying a coat of sealer every 3–5 years can prevent cracks and pores from forming in the asphalt, which could ultimately lead to potholes. If your blacktop is starting to fade, it’s time to give it a little TLC. A handyperson could do the job for about $500 and even patch existing cracks. A little home maintenance now can prevent future financial headaches. Investing time and effort into these chores will protect your property and keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong.
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