When people are asked what was their most expensive purchase, they usually say their house. It costs to buy it, it costs to move into it and it costs to maintain it.
People always find there is something that needs fixing or replacing, whether it’s a shelf or a washing machine.
They may be battling to dry their clothes in a small space or running out of hot water during their showers.
The most important way to view a property is as an asset. Being an expensive resource, it’s important that it is stewarded well for both yourself and the entire household.
You may have a list of house-related jobs to do, but be wondering which to prioritize. If that’s the case, this article will fully answer your questions.
Property Tax Payments
A survey once found that there were 103,396 homes and apartments for sale in Texas, USA. Once people have bought them, they will be sent property tax reminders each November.
Whilst folk have until January 31 to pay without being penalized, it can still be a cause for financial concern.
Fortunately, there are options for people struggling with cash flow. According to Texas property tax loan pros it’s better to take out a competitive loan than to risk losing your property.
Whilst borrowers are required to pay interest on the sum, it can help them avoid having to pay late payment penalties to the government.
It’s often easy to apply (even when people have no credit/bad credit) and to gain quick approval.
Home Insurance
Insurance is a part of everyday life, and we take it out for our cars, our holidays, and our appliances. In a similar way, it’s important to ensure both our homes and their contents.
In return for paying a premium, people gain extra peace of mind. They are able to protect their homes from flood, storm, or fire damage as well as burglary and accidental damage.
If you take out a mortgage to secure your home, the company will require you to have adequate insurance in place.
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Air Purifiers and Heating and Cooling Systems
You can’t just install these appliances and then ignore them. They require regular maintenance and annual servicing.
Air filters should be checked, cleaned, or replaced in order to preserve the air quality and to prevent the risk of fire.
The same thing applies to filters in air conditioning machines or HVAC. If these appliances aren’t correctly maintained they won’t last as long because they will have to work harder.
Without adequate care of the vents and filters, you could risk such things as leaks that create damp in the home, or even total breakdown.
The Roof
If there are missing or damaged shingles, the rain could get in and create water damage. This could affect the attic and work its way downstairs. As you know, water and electricity don’t get on well together!
Beware of trees that are too close to your home, and especially those with large overhanging branches. Should a storm affect the tree, it could damage your home and risk its occupants’ lives.
The Gutters
When the gutter system is fully in place and working correctly the rain has somewhere to safely go.
If it becomes blocked due to dirt and leaves, it could back up and overflow. In turn, you could end up with leaks and dampness inside the house.
The Foundation
The whole house depends on the quality of your foundation. It’s therefore important to check for things like cracks or subsidence. Once again damp is another issue to look out for.
If you act early you may be able to rectify a situation, but if these issues are ignored they could become more expensive to fix long term.
The House Interior
Check your windows and doors both inside and out. If there are rotten or broken seals the cold air will be entering your home and pushing up your fuel bills.
Check the area around your chimney and make sure there are no plumbing leaks. It’s also wise to insulate your attic.
If fuses go regularly or you keep needing to replace lightbulbs it is worth getting your electrics checked by a professional.
Whilst both plumbers and electricians can be expensive, they can help keep your home safe and preserve its value.
Dust And Floors
It’s important to stay on top of dust management in the home, especially if you have people with respiratory issues (e.g. asthma) or allergies.
Always do the dusting before you hoover, as some will inevitably be dislodged into the air and descend upon the floor.
It’s advisable to hoover every week, and more frequently in the areas that people tread upon daily. If you regularly declutter this will also help.
Pests
It’s worth researching this and getting a professional to come if necessary. There are telltale signs you can look for, and they can appear for a number of different reasons.
Some are attracted to areas of damp, and dogs and cats can carry fleas if they have no protection.
In the worst-case scenario, some pests can damage the wooden structures of your home, so this is not an area you should ignore.
Areas In Preparation for Resale
If you ever plan to sell your home in the future, two rooms will add the most value to it: the kitchen and the bathroom.
You would therefore be well advised to keep these functional and attractive. Before you have viewings you could add a coat of paint to the entrance hall and address any marks or scuffs.
The key thing is to create a good first impression, knowing that the new owner will probably redecorate when they move in.
As you can see, there are lots of things to think about. You also need to stay up to date on your mortgage payments and to keep a clean and tidy garden or yard.
When home and garden are well looked after, its occupants will enjoy being indoors and outdoors more.
It can then be the backdrop for many happy memories both now and in the future.
