Owning a home comes with responsibility. There are many things you need to keep in mind. You need to take care of your home so it remains in good condition and you can avoid expensive repairs or emergencies. 

From basic maintenance to renovations the costs of owning a home can be high, which is a reason people think twice about buying one. However, there are many advantages as well. 

Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live. It’s an investment that needs to be protected. Let’s discuss some often overlooked responsibilities that every homeowner should think about.

Foundation maintenance

The foundation of your home should be assessed by a professional at least once per year. If there are any signs of water damage, you should get it fixed as soon as possible.

Too much water around your foundation can cause it to rise above its intended position, known as foundation upheaval. A sufficient drainage system for your home is not only the best preventative measure to avoid this, but is also critical to protect your home from flooding.

Maintaining the roof

It’s no secret that you need to keep an eye on the roof to be certain that it’s in good condition. An annual inspection is crucial to its longevity.

In addition, you’ll want to have your roof checked for any damage after any extreme weather. An experienced professional should handle this task, as they’ll know exactly what to look for. Things like loose shingles or even the smallest of holes can lead to extensive home damage. 

It’s also important to remember that your current roof won’t last forever. On average, asphalt shingles will need to be replaced every 15-20 years, assuming they haven’t sustained any damage. 

The hot water heater

Your hot water heater is an important part of your house that doesn’t often get the attention it deserves. In many cases, as long as our water is running hot, and there isn’t some sort of critical failure, we forget about it altogether. 

Simple tasks like testing the TPR valve every 6-12 months and draining the tank to rid it of any sediment at least once a year will increase both the lifespan and efficiency of the unit.

With proper water heater maintenance you can expect to get 6-13 years of use before needing a replacement. When that time comes, make sure you bring in a trusted professional to do the work.

Doors and windows

Like all other parts of your home, doors and windows need to be well maintained. This goes beyond just making sure they stay clean.

Doors and windows should always be properly sealed. This, along with insulating and controlling moisture in your home, is part of what’s known as weatherizing your home. 

As time goes on, weatherstripping becomes dry and brittle. As a result it’s no longer serving its intended purpose. This means outside air will be able to pass through, driving up utility costs such as electricity and gas. 

Another important factor to keep in mind is the material your exterior doors are made from. If you have any wood in your home, you’ll want to periodically check for any cracks. In most cases a crack in your door can be sealed, but more severe cases may require a full replacement.

Windows should also be checked for any cracks or loose panes of glass. Along with energy efficiency, cracked and loose panes can rattle and even break in high winds.

Final Words

Homeownership is an investment, and it’s important that you protect it. Ensuring these homeowner responsibilities are completed can help you avoid costly repairs and make sure your home and its value are in good condition for years to come.…