Homeownership involves more costs than paying your mortgage, utilities, and taxes. Many home components don’t last forever. Unlike renters who call their landlord to handle maintenance, as a homeowner, this task falls on you. Knowing which areas of your home need yearly maintenance will help you set aside a budget for them. Take a look at some of the areas you need to include in your annual maintenance budget.
1. The Plumbing System
Just because water is coming from your faucets and taps doesn’t mean everything is in good condition. Now and then, give those pipes a once-over. Check under the sinks for any signs of leakage. About 10% of US homes have leaks in the plumbing systems, which can waste almost 90 gallons of water daily. This also leads to a high water bill at the end of the month. Inspect your walls and ceilings for water stains, as this could indicate a leak inside the wall. The sooner you fix such problems, the less damage they will cause to your home.
2. HVAC Maintenance
An HVAC system plays a vital role in your house. Not only does it improve your air quality, but it keeps your home at an optimum temperature. Call AC technicians to clean the condensers, evaporator coils, and drain lines. They will inspect the ducts for mold and debris and replace worn-out parts. This yearly maintenance will lengthen the lifespan of your unit, reduce your energy bill and give you better air quality.
3. Septic Tank Maintenance
While most people don’t think much about it, your septic tank is just as important as other parts of your house. As such, it needs regular maintenance. When was the last time you scheduled for septic tank cleaning? According to the SCDHEC, septic tanks must be cleaned every 3 to 5 years. Aside from that, arrange for pumping the tank every 2 to 5 years. The duration will depend on the number of people living with you, the size of the tank, and the type of waste drained from the septic system.
4. Lawn Care and Landscaping
Lawn care is a time-consuming activity. Nevertheless, it’s important as it’s the first thing most people will see when visiting you. Lawn care and landscaping cost between $1,200 to $2,400 per year. The cost will vary depending on the size of your yard and the landscaping activities you’re doing. Most lawn care activities include watering, mowing, and general landscaping, such as gardening and tree trimming. If you want your house to have a beautiful exterior, include this in your yearly maintenance budget.
5. Inspect the Basement
Most homeowners pay attention to other rooms and forget about the basement. Since it’s often used as a storage area, it’s easy to let it fall through the cracks. While basement maintenance may not sound glamorous, a clean and dry basement will help you avoid problems. According to This Old House, you’ll find wet basements in around 60% of US homes, while 38% are in danger of basement mold. This mold comes with the risk of poor indoor quality and respiratory health issues. Every year, request a professional to come to inspect your basement for leaks and eliminate any issues that can lead to a flooded basement.
6. Clean Your Rain Gutters
Cleaning your gutters yearly will prevent damage to the exterior and interior of your home. When things like leaves and debris block your gutter, water will overflow when it rains. This water can damage your walls and roof, especially if it overflows and builds up where it shouldn’t be. Cleaning a gutter will cost you less than $200. In some regions, you may have to clean the gutters twice or three times a year if the dirt builds up faster. Either way, keep the gutters clean to avoid other costs.
These are the six major areas in your home that will need regular maintenance. When thinking of a home maintenance budget, allocate enough money to each of these.
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