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Last Updated on April 12, 2021
It goes without saying that homeownership isn’t for the faint of heart. Being responsible for a property comes with a ton of obligations. Beyond paying the insurance, taxes, and mortgage payments, it is also the responsibility of a property owner to maintain the house. Keeping the house safe, healthy, and up to code is not only a requirement but can save you a ton of money. Unfortunately, most homeowners find this out the hard way.
Each year, residents have to shell out thousands of dollars for “unexpected” repairs and home improvements. Though some cannot be avoided, in many instances, it’s negligence and ineffective decision making that causes many of these household emergencies.
Much like a car, your home is safe, healthy, and comfortable when all systems are functioning properly. Yet, when issues arise, it finds a way to let you know. Failure to act then leads to more problems and even more money.
To avoid spending more money on your property than you have to, it would be wise to avoid these mistakes at all costs.
Using Outdated Appliances
Household appliances don’t come cheap. A washer and dryer set could be a few hundred bucks while a new furnace or hot water heater could be several thousand. Be that as it may, these appliances are used on a daily basis. The older they are the less efficient they are meaning they’re costing you money. The devices require more power to operate, break down more often, and are a pain.
Rather than trying to hand onto a few bucks, it may be worth it to upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances. For example, if your hot water heater has been in the home for more than 10 years, you may need to find a hot water heater replacement San Diego contractor to install a new one. Newer models preserve energy and water saving you more money over the course of a few years.
Ignoring Small Problems
Owning a home, is without a doubt, very expensive. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to try and cut corners when it comes to maintenance. A simple problem like a running toilet or leaky pipe gets ignored and in a few months, you’re dealing with water damage to the ceiling from a larger leak.
When you spot something wrong in the house don’t procrastinate, get it fixed. It is better to pay the few bucks now that it takes to repair a minor problem then the bill you’d face if it gets worse. Shop around for contractors to find deals on the services you need. You can also consider doing it yourself if you’re comfortable and have the right tools.
Not Keeping to Maintenance Schedules
Life is pretty busy, but if you don’t make time to do little maintenance tasks around your house, things are going to get a lot more stressful. Just about every structure and system in your home needs to be maintained and has an adequate schedule that should be followed. From changing air filters in the air conditioner and furnace to cleaning the gutters and the dryer vents, these simple tasks keep your systems operating efficiently.
Skipping these steps causes problems down the line. That air conditioner and furnace become clogged with debris putting you at risk for a house fire. The gutters get backed up and result in roofing issues. The dryer vents buildup and lint goes into flames. It simply isn’t worth it to skip these jobs. Create a maintenance schedule and/or checklist and keep it somewhere central where you can keep track of what needs to be done and what you’ve already completed.
Not Saving for Emergencies
As pointed out previously, things happen. Sometimes, home emergencies cannot be avoided even after you’ve done your part to maintain it properly. In those instances, you need to have money tucked away to hire a professional. All too often, homeowners rely on credit cards, loans, and financing options to cover their household emergencies. This, unfortunately, can lead to a mountain of debt.
If you don’t already have an emergency saving account, now is the time to begin. Start setting aside a little money each week until you have at least 3-6 month’s worth of expenses saved. This way, if there is a home emergency, you can have it fixed right away.
You’ve invested so much time, money, and energy into making your house a dream home. The only way to keep it that way is through dedicated maintenance. Yes, there are a lot of responsibilities that come with being a homeowner and a lot of expenses, but keeping up with your property and avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes keeps your investment intact. Not to mention, safe, healthy, and comfortable.
