Whether you’ve only owned a home for a short time or you’ve been a homeowner for decades, there’s no doubt you know that unexpected expenses invariably pop-up when you are solely responsible for the maintenance of a residential property. This can be scary, especially if you weren’t prepared for this aspect for homeownership, but there are some things you can do to save money over time.
As you look through the rest of this guide, you will find helpful information about three maintenance tasks you can do to keep hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in your bank account over the course of several years. The better care you take of your home in general, the less you will have to spend on repairs, but these three things can have a particularly noticeable impact, no matter where in the Carolinas you live.
- Invest in energy efficient doors and windows – Although replacing all of the doors and windows in your house might seem like a major undertaking that is not worth the hassle, it is actually one of the most effective ways to save money (and reduce your family’s carbon footprint!) in the long run. Purchasing energy efficient doors and windows will keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, all while reducing your overall energy bills. It’s a win-win situation. EnergyStar rated products may also be eligible for tax credits in your state or other incentives in your municipality.
- Clear tree branches that are touching your roof – Many parts of our total service area in the Carolinas are wooded. If you happen to live on a piece of property that has numerous trees, you probably enjoy them greatly, as you should! If, however, any tree limbs are touching your roof, they could cause serious problems. Even the consistent pressure and minor movements of branches on roof shingles can lead to extreme wear and tear. Furthermore, when severe storms hit, branches that are touching roofs can cause serious damage if they happen to be struck by lightning. To be on the safe side, have branches cleared by professionals at least once per year.
- Make sure all landscaping is clear of your siding – Similarly to how tree branches can damage roofs, shrubs, and other plants can have negative effects on siding. Plants, of course, are meant to be wet, and their leaves are actually meant to lock-in moisture. Damp plants continually touching any siding can ultimately lead to mold problems and even leaks inside the walls of your home; if you have wood siding, it could even begin to rot. To avoid any of these potential problems, have all of your plants trimmed away from your house on a regular schedule. Exactly how often this needs to be done will depend on the types of plants you have in your yard.
At Hatch Homes, we love working on all sorts of home renovation projects, including upkeep jobs like these. If you are interested in having one of our skilled experts assess your home and work with you to create a list of jobs that need to be done in order to save you money down the road, call us today. We will be happy to assist you and can’t wait to work with you!