Maintaining your home’s systems and exterior are important to preserve the life of your home, reduce the risk of insurance claims, and to enjoy the comfort of a clean, well-maintained house.
While many homeowners like to take on basic maintenance themselves, you can save time and ensure tasks like electrical inspections and tune-ups on HVAC systems are done properly by hiring a professional.
Of course, with so many fly-by-night companies and scam artists out there, you don’t want to make the wrong choice. It’s important to understand what you need from home service providers and how to find the best ones within your budget.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or have owned your property for years, it’s worth reviewing the various aspects of home maintenance so you don’t neglect upkeep.
Your home’s HVAC systems keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Properly tuned systems help reduce your energy costs by up to 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, especially if you combine proper maintenance with insulation and the right thermostat settings.
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Some aspects of preventative maintenance, according to Point.com, include:
Of course, if your system breaks, you may need the help of a professional to repair or replace the unit.
Many homeowners can handle routine repairs and maintenance on their home’s plumbing systems. You should frequently:
Even after completing these tasks, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to inspect your home’s plumbing systems every year or so. If you need an emergency repair, you want to have developed a professional relationship with a plumber you can trust.
As with your home’s plumbing, you want to keep an eye on your home’s electrical systems.
Look for:
Additionally, you’ll want to wipe clean any dirty or dusty outlets and replace aging electrical fixtures.
You can call in a professional to test the electrical outlet and grounding systems for safety. Electrical issues can cause costly, and even deadly, home fires. If your home’s electrical systems aren’t up to code, your homeowner insurance may deny your claim.
Roof leaks can cause expensive damage within the home, requiring you to replace not just the roofing shingles, but attic insulation, the ceiling, and even the walls and flooring below the leak. While you should watch for signs of wet drywall, water spots on the ceiling, or even increased humidity indoors that could indicate issues with your roof, an exterior roof inspection can help prevent problems before they creep indoors.
Whether you sign up for a professional roof inspection or inspect your roof yourself, here are some warning signs your roof might need repair or replacement:
Regularly inspecting your roof can help you stay on top of repairs before leaks create pricier problems inside your home. Applying a waterproofing sealant to your roof every five years may also prolong its life, according to the folks at Angi.com.
If your roof does need replacement, look on the bright side: Replacing an aging roof may improve your home’s resale value and may even lower your home insurance rates.
Gutters represent your home’s first line of defense against water damage, directing rainwater away from the roof, walls, and foundation. When gutters get clogged with debris, you risk them overflowing, flooding rainwater onto your roof or foundation. This can lead to costly damage, mold growth, and roof or foundation issues.
Focusing on general maintenance in and around your home can create a healthier, more enjoyable living environment. Keep home appliances clean and maintained to prolong their life.
Consider power washing your home’s vinyl siding, plus the patio, driveway, and walkway to give them a fresh, clean look. Paint or stain wooden fences and replace aging posts to maintain the life of the fence.
Additionally, washing windows does more than just improve the look of your home. It can reduce energy costs by allowing more light into your home, maintain proper insulation, and extend the lifespan of the windows to avoid costly replacement.
Many home maintenance tasks are specific to changing seasons. For instance, maintain weatherstripping and insulation to keep your home comfortable in the winter. Keep trees and shrubs on your property trimmed and maintained to help prevent issues during a storm. Water the lawn in the summer to reduce the risk of fire.
You can accomplish many of these tasks by yourself, but you may want to call professionals for seasonal landscaping, snow removal, and other heavier, time-intensive tasks. In general, staying on top of seasonal care can improve your home’s comfort, value, and its longevity.
Just as ensuring your car has regular oil changes and yearly inspections can improve gas mileage and prolongs engine life, taking a proactive approach to home maintenance also saves money.
Address small issues before they turn into more significant problems. Build relationships with service providers so you have someone you can count on for fast, reliable service in an emergency.
Neglecting your car’s timely oil change may cause your engine to seize; neglecting home maintenance also has pricey ramifications. For instance, if you fail to maintain your home’s HVAC systems, it could cost between $5,000 and $11,000 for a replacement unit, Point.com reported.
Some additional risks of neglecting home maintenance include:
Prices for home services vary widely depending on the type and scope of the service, the size of your home, the cost-of-living in your area, and the service provider you choose. More experienced service providers may cost more than newer companies, and smaller businesses may cost more than franchises or chains due to the higher operating expenses of a small business. Other factors may also affect home servicing rates.
Routine service that you can schedule in advance typically costs less than any home emergency service. And if you’re in the unfortunate situation of needing a plumber or an electrician on a weekend or holiday, you’re likely to pay even more. It’s best to nip problems in the bud and call a professional at the first sign of an issue instead of waiting for your home’s critical systems to fail.
You may also save money by signing up for an ongoing maintenance contract. Like any business owner, home service providers love consistent, recurring revenue. They often reduce rates to lock customers into a long-term service contract and charge more for one-time service.
You don’t want to pay too much for home services, but you also want to make sure you find a reliable home contractor. Always look for contractors who are licensed and insured. Read online reviews to assess their level of service.
If you’re buying a new HVAC system or having a roof or new gutters installed, ask about the warranty, including the length of coverage and what’s covered in the warranty.
If you find a reliable contractor, consider signing a service contract for ongoing maintenance. Some contractors offer service contractors or home warranties that include free or discounted emergency repair services.
If you’re in a pinch and need emergency home service, you don’t want to settle for the lowest cost contractor, who might be unreliable or unskilled at the job.
Ideally, you can search for a home service contractor before you need one, giving you the luxury of requesting multiple quotes and interviewing several professionals. Ask friends and neighbors for referrals or look online for local contractors. You can easily shop online for home service contractors in many fields at Solvable.com.
First, determine the services you need, such as roofing or gutter cleaning, and then request quotes for those specific services. Most professionals will want to visit your home to provide an estimate for larger jobs before committing to a price. For basic tasks like HVAC maintenance or gutter cleaning, sharing information like the type of equipment or length of your gutters should be enough for the contractor to provide an accurate quote.
Before you hire a home service company, read online reviews and testimonials. Don’t always trust the information you read a company’s website; go to third-party sites for honest reviews.
If people you know have used the company, ask them about their experience. Solid, reliable contractors should also be able to provide references of happy customers willing to talk about their experience.
You can save money with service contracts or monthly subscriptions for maintenance. Ask about your options and compare prices.
If your contractor is completing a large project such as installation of new plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems, ask about the guarantees they offer. Are follow-up visits included if there is a problem after installation? Should you commit to a service contract for maintenance to save money in the long term?
Home maintenance is a necessary part of homeownership and a cost that should be factored into your monthly budget. Taking advantage of service contracts can stabilize those costs over time so you know what to expect. Maintaining your home’s systems can also help prevent costly emergency repairs.
Let Solvable.com help you find the best home service contractors near you.
