If you are a homeowner-to-be or you just moved in, we know that you’re probably more than excited. There are so many amazing things you should be looking forward to. A new home means new memories and beautiful moments with your loved ones. And that is all true. But there is another side to the medal. Even though you are now probably in the calculation of buying the house, that is not the end. We don’t want to frighten you, but home maintenance demands some additional expenses monthly or yearly. One of the rules is that 1-3% of your home price should be set aside for all house repairs and other needs. And there are many things you should be controlling regularly, so you don’t get caught by surprise.
Every house comes with a lot of responsibility. And that can be also interpreted as a good thing. It is a great feeling to run a household, and make sure everything is working and running smoothly. And having a clean house, in perfect order can make you very satisfied and fulfilled. But sometimes life happens, and you need to take care of the damage. Some of the maintenance work and repairs you can do by yourself, while others require someone professional. So these are all things to keep in mind. When you are informed, it is easier for you to keep track of everything and be ready to take all the necessary measurements. So here are some house maintenance problems every homeowner should know about:
1. Toilet and sink leaks
Leaks can be your worst enemies since they can make huge damage in no time. Every once in a while, you should check around your sink and toilets. This is something that can be easily spotted and can prevent a further mess, as well as save you a lot of money. Also, make sure you check the ceiling leaks monthly. These leaks can be a sign that your roof is damaged and you should repair it as soon as possible, especially if there is a lot of rain in your area.
2. Hardwood floors can get dirty
Hardwood floors are such a beautiful feature in a home. They can provide that warm feeling and good energy. And also make everyone feel welcomed to the home. But one thing to be aware of is that these floors need some special care. For example, you shouldn’t use rough cleaners or too much water on them. Otherwise, you can make damage that cannot be fixed. Always use gentle cleaners that are appropriate for hardwood floors. And take some time to keep your floors fresh and good looking.
3. Clogged gutters
Every spring you should make sure you check on your gutters. During the winter, a lot of leaves and dirt can get stuck in the gutters. And that means that water can’t flow undisturbedly. If so, leaks are probably coming your way, and that can be a big problem. Don’t forget to control your gutters once a year and clean them if needed. If you are not sure you can do that by yourself, we always recommend calling professionals. If you are looking for gutter cleaning services, you should check gutterspecialists.co.uk. They will do the job very fast and protect you from leaks and other mess caused by clogged gutters.
4. Squeeky doors’ sound
If the doors are old or low-quality, they will very soon start to make a noise. It can be pretty disturbing and irritating, especially if a family member often wakes you up while opening doors. Fortunately, this can be solved easily, with a little help from a lubricant. Use it to lubricate hinges and you’ll make the noise go away. Everyone in the household will appreciate it, for sure. If you don’t have the right lubricant, you can always use olive oil, or some other oil you have in the kitchen. Work with what you have and solve the door problem in the blink of an eye. This can be also applied to garage doors, so make sure you don’t skip lubricating them whenever is needed.
5. Roof damage
Make controlling your roof a yearly routine. As we mentioned, damaged roofs can lead to water leaking and making chaos inside the house. Keeping your roof in a good state is very important, so you shouldn’t skip it. We recommend hiring someone to do this since it can be unsafe and you might hurt yourself. Let professionals take care of it and do the necessary repair if needed. Think about this before you get in trouble.
6. Dirty tiles
The kitchen and bathroom tiles should be cleaned as often as needed. If you can do it twice a week, it would be perfect. Because once they get dirty, you will have a hard time getting them back in a good shape. Vacuum them and wash them with cleaner and water. Use a microfiber towel to dry them. Whenever you want deeper cleaning, you can mix water and vinegar, wet the tiles with this mixture. Leave it up to then minutes and then rinse with water and dry. Your tiles will look perfect and be sparkling clean.
7. Worn paint
Once a year, you should paint your walls to keep them fresh and aesthetically nice. Choose the colors you prefer and that will make you happy. Combine them with your furniture and make sure you choose the right paint. If you’re not a professional painter, you can always pay someone to do it for you. This can be a great idea since it will spare you a lot of time, and you can be sure it will be done in the best possible way. Wall painting should be done in spring or autumn, while it is warm and windy outside, so the paint can dry fast.
Conclusion:
Buying a house is just the beginning of many home-related expenses. Owning a house is beautiful, but it also comes with great responsibility. You have to take care of house maintenance and repair, and make sure everything is working. We recommend making a list of chores you need to do every week, month, and year. If you have a good plan and do everything on time, house maintenance will be a piece of cake for you. And you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of being a homeowner.
