Owning a home can be expensive, which is why so many homeowners look for money saving tips. The maintenance that you do on your home is a great place to start. By putting a few small investments into the quality of your home, you can actually save a lot of money in the long run. But what are the best maintenance projects to take on, and why are they so helpful?
Hire an Exterminator to Avoid Summer Bugs
Bugs love to try and break into a home, particularly during the summer months. This can become a major issue, as they are unsanitary and irritating. However, more importantly, bugs can also cause a lot of expensive damage to a home. Carpenter ants and termites are known to eat wood, which can cause major structural issues for a home. In fact, termites cost $5 billion in repairs annually for Americans. Don’t let it get to that point for your home. Inspect for infestations, and don’t hesitate to bring in an exterminator when necessary.
Regularly Clean the Gutters
Cleaning your gutters is a chore that absolutely no one wants to go out and do. It’s a hassle, and it’s difficult to do at the best of times. In the summer, it’s also hot and uncomfortable work. It’s also incredibly important work, because a gutter takes water off your roof and helps your home’s ability to drain rainwater. The damage that can come from a clogged gutter is devastating. Water damage is expensive, and it’s better to avoid letting it happen in the first place.
Obtain a Roof Inspection
Getting your roof inspected for issues like leaks is one of the best ways to use home maintenance to save you money. For one, if any rainwater comes in through the roof, then it isn’t doing its job, and you can obtain water damage. Even if water damage isn’t an issue, a poorly insulated roof or one with leaks can lead to issues with temperature control. The air conditioning in summer and the heating in winter will sneak out here, which means you’ll need to use more power to keep up. Therefore, it’s best to support a small business in your community, as nearly 90% of businesses have 20 or fewer employees, and hire a reputable roofing company to inspect your roof.
Check Water Sources for Leaks
One way that a lot of money is often wasted is through leaks in pipes. This wastes water, as it leaks out, but it also will raise your water bill every month. This can get costly quick, and that’s before you consider the possible water damage. So, check your pipes for leaks, and don’t wait on obtaining repairs. It could cost you a ton in the long run.
Consider Purchasing a Smart Thermostat
Paying your bills quickly is incredibly important. 35% of your credit score is based on paying bills on time, after all. The issue for a lot of people is that those bills creep up and are often too high for their liking or budget. So, by investing in something like a smart thermostat, you can actually save money on your energy bills and make sure that you aren’t suffering from overuse of energy. Whether you set the thermostat remotely, or turn it into an energy saver, this is a great option all around.
At the end of the day, there is an endless supply of projects that you may want to consider to improve your home. It’s just a good idea to approach them by seeing how they could improve your home’s cost of operating.