Home Maintenance: Protect Your Investment

Homeownership comes with plenty of benefits, including potential tax advantages, wealth accumulation and the satisfaction of owning your own place. But there’s one major adjustment for renters-turned-homeowners: You’re now responsible for everything that breaks.

Home maintenance can sometimes be expensive, frustrating and tedious, but ignoring small problems often leads to bigger, costlier repairs. Even new homes require ongoing care, so it’s smart to set aside money specifically for maintenance and unexpected repairs.

From Top to Bottom
A regular maintenance schedule can help protect your home and your investment. Here are a few important areas to watch:

• Roof: Inspect your roof annually, especially after severe weather, and look for missing or damaged shingles.
• Attic: Check for roof leaks, moisture, termites and rodents. Animals can damage insulation and chew electrical wiring.
• Exterior: Keep an eye out for peeling paint, which protects wood from weather and deterioration. Inspect siding, brick and stucco, too.
• Floors: Depending on traffic, hardwood floors may need refinishing every five to 10 years to prevent permanent damage.
• Plumbing: Check bathrooms, kitchens and other water sources for leaks. Don’t forget to feel underneath sinks for dampness.
• Foundation: Watch for cracks, sloping floors, sticking doors or gaps between walls and ceilings. Proper gutters, downspouts and soil moisture can help prevent foundation problems. This is only a starting point. Every home is different, so create a maintenance checklist based on your property’s age, condition and specific needs.

Your Efforts Pay Off
Well-maintained homes are better positioned to retain and increase their value. If you plan to sell, deferred maintenance can mean
expensive repairs before listing—or a lower selling price to account for the work.
The best advice is simple: Don’t ignore little problems. Addressing issues early can save money, prevent further damage and help protect your biggest investment—your home.

Call Kari if you want an inspection or need vendor referrals.