While we should all try to get our foot on the property ownership ladder as early as we can, owning real estate brings with it a lot of liabilities.
The bricks-and-mortar asset doesn’t take care of itself and if you have recently been handed the keys to your first home, we asked a builder for a few tips on property maintenance, which we list below.
Damp can be an issue and you should check all upstairs ceilings, looking for signs of water from a leaking roof. We recommend an annual roof inspection; your local roofing contractor would give you a detailed report on the condition of your roof, which happens to be the most important component of your home.
Water is your arch-enemy, H20 can decimate a building and careful monitoring is essential. If you have a good set of tools, there are many things you can fix yourself; build up your DIY skills and add a few home improvement projects to boost the value of the property.
Bees and wasps are always looking for new locations, they like to nest in the eaves of rooves. It makes sense to source a local pest control company and store their emergency number in your phone; you never know when you might need their services. Click here for reasons to use a professional service with home repairs.
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Excess rainwater will run down the exterior walls if the guttering is blocked, especially if there are overhanging branches. Pruning the trees makes sure they do not compromise telecommunication cables, plus shaping trees and shrubs add appeal to the exterior. Deadwood should be removed promptly and check the health of all species.
There’s a lot of satisfaction when you build something or install new timber flooring; you’ll find ‘how to’ videos on YouTube to help you with any project. It is possible to build a house with zero experience by watching YouTube videos, so you should make good use of this resource for maintenance and improvements. Over the years, you can develop an impressive tool kit and make your home more comfortable.
The roof tiles are power-washed first, then two coats of sealant are applied, effectively adding a layer of protection against the elements. This extends the life of the roof and reduces the risk of a leak. The protection lasts at least 5 years, after which, you should have the sealant reapplied for ongoing protection.
There might come a day when you are glad you saved a number when you need help sooner rather than later. Some contractors don’t charge for a call-out, which saves you some money; Google can help you find local businesses.
Maintenance is part and parcel of property ownership and while you can do a lot yourself, there are times when calling in a professional is the best option. Check out the government website on building maintenance.
It makes total sense to ensure that your biggest asset (your home) is always in good shape and we hope that the above tips help you with ongoing building maintenance. Once you train yourself to inspect your home, it quickly becomes second nature, and dealing with issues promptly is the best solution.