Typically, it’s recommended that you budget around 1% of your home’s total value each year to spend on home maintenance.
However, having the money set aside is one thing – actually knowing what to do in order to keep your home in good condition is another. In fact, various studies have found that many people do not know where to start when it comes to keeping their home in shape – which is where this guide comes in!
With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks that you can use to maintain your home.
Spend ten minutes a day cleaning.
Staying on top of your cleaning routine is one of the easiest ways to keep your home in good shape.
Yet, as “60% of people close doors in their houses to hide mess, dirt, and dust from guests,” it’s clear that many people simply do not have enough time in the day to make cleaning a priority.
One way in which you can combat this is by cleaning for ten minutes every day, working your way through your cleaning duties one task (or room) at a time. This way, you’re putting in the necessary work to keep your home clean without overburdening yourself after a busy day at work.
Replace damaged gutters.
Broken or cracked gutters may not seem like a major home maintenance issue to begin with, but they could quickly cause significant damage to your property. For example, they could make you more vulnerable to flooding or water damage, especially if you live in an area that experiences high volumes of rainfall.
While there are many options available to you when purchasing new gutters,
aluminium gutters are among the best. This is because, while lightweight, they are incredibly durable, meaning they’re able to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Declutter regularly.
There are many benefits associated with staying on top of household clutter. Not only does it mean that you’re left scrambling when looking for something important, like your keys or your child’s homework, when you have to leave the house, but it can also protect your health! For example, it can help to keep allergens down, boost your immune system, and even reduce stress and anxiety.
Fortunately, there are many different ways in which you can combat a clutter-filled home. For example, you could try the KonMari Method, which is built around donating/disposing of items that no longer “spark joy.”
Alternatively, you could invest in more storage within your home or even a storage unit, which is perfect for storing seasonal items.
Deal with issues right away.
A recent study revealed that “27% of homeowners ignore minor faults around the home until they become bigger problems that need to be addressed.” There are many potential reasons behind this. For example, they may be worried about the costs associated with repairs or feel as though there simply isn’t enough hand to deal with everything.
However, the quicker you respond to these challenges, the better. After all, it often means that you can find a quick fix, which is often more cost-effective. Furthermore, trying to deal with, rather than resolve, home issues also means that you are prioritising your health and safety too!
Clean your appliances.
When it comes to keeping your home in top condition, it is easy to focus on cleaning the things you can “see,” such as flooring and your countertops. However, you should also make sure that you are cleaning your appliances regularly. Not only is this hygienic, as it prevents the build-up of dust, dirt, and bacteria, but it also ensures that all appliances run efficiently. This can lower your energy bills and extend the appliance’s lifespan quite considerably.
Be attentive.
Being attentive is also key when maintaining your home. When cleaning, you should always keep an eye out for warning signs of things such as mould, damp, or even asbestos. This way, you can respond proactively to these issues before they have a significant impact on both your home and your health.
During these routine inspections, you should also test any alarms you have installed. This includes security alarms, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide alarms, as you’d be surprised as to how many of these systems are installed but faulty in homes throughout the country. As they protect your health and safety, regular testing is key. Furthermore, it’s often easy to fix any issues with the systems, as most of the time, you simply need to replace the batteries in order for them to start functioning again.
You should also inspect your home’s exterior every few months. For example, you should inspect your roof for signs of damage, such as broken or missing shingles, moss build-up, and more.
Hire the experts when necessary.
While there are plenty of home maintenance tasks that can be tackled with a bit of DIY, there are certain occasions when hiring experts and professionals to do the work for you is non-negotiable.
For example, you should never attempt to carry out any electrical or plumbing work within your home unless you are a professional in these fields. Not only would doing so put your health and safety at risk, but you could also unwittingly make the issue far worse than it already is due to inexperience and a lack of practical knowledge. As such, hiring the experts is always worth the cost that comes with this.
Final thoughts.
Keeping your home in good order is important for many reasons. It protects your investment, helping you to save a considerable amount of money by taking a proactive approach to any maintenance issues that present themselves. It could also make it easier to sell your property in the future if you are considering moving home.
Beyond this, it ensures that you are creating a living environment that is warm, welcoming, and, most importantly, safe. As a result, it should be considered an absolute priority moving forward, no matter how packed your schedule is on a day-to-day basis.
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