An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

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We all want a healthy, solid, safe and well maintained home. A good rule of thumb to budget for this is between one to three percent of the homes purchase price. That's approximately $6,000 annually for a home costing $200,000 This is a pretty comfortable number to tackle regular maintenance and the occasional surprise like a broken window or burst pipe while bigger problems could lead to a higher cost. But with regular maintenance you may be able to avoid some of the costly repairs. 

  Regular maintenance you can do yourself include

  • Checking your HVAC filters, some of which only last 30 days while others can last a few months. This will not only prolong the life of your HVAC system but will also help improve the quality of air circulating in your home

  • Inspect the caulking around your bathtub and showers. Left unchecked, water can leak through cracked caulk leading to mold or even structural issues. A simple recaulking of problem areas can save you the headache and expense of a larger repair job.

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is an absolute must and one of the more  simple and inexpensive home maintenance projects. While cracking caulk can lead to further water damage, a non-functioning smoke and CO2 detector can have dire consequences. 

  • Look for leaks around your toilet and sinks. If you notice water where it should not be, it is time to investigate more. Left unchecked, it could lead to hundreds if not thousands in unnecessary damage

  • Take a walk around the outside of your home. We walk in and out through our front door on a daily basis but how often do we truly take a close look at our home. Look for issues with your foundation, downspouts, gutters, caulking around windows and doors. Ensure weeds and shrubs are kept clear of your HVAC system to allow it to run as efficiently as possible.  Ensure you fill in any depressions near your foundation as this can catch water which could migrate into your basement or crawlspace, leading to dampness, mold or even foundation settlement.

Philip Kavanagh