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When you are purchasing a home, you are thinking, lifelong investment right? If possible, you would want to pass it down to the next generations. That is why you spend time and money finding the right property.
But wait, do you know there are some things you could be doing that could shorten the lifespan of your property? It could be something as simple as the type of plants you have in your landscaping. Ignoring maintenance is another.
In some instances, you may not have too much control over the damage that occurs to the structure. The geographical location can impact degradation. Weather extremes like high heat or humidity, for example, will cause some damage.
If you live in a place with high salt content, metal elements will rust faster. So, it means you have to pay a little more attention to maintenance.
Our article will share 5 secrets to increase the lifespan of a house. We promise you will love the simple tips.
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DIYs are Good but Think Twice
Sometimes, your quest to save money with DIY projects could spell disaster in the long run. Before you brought down that wall to expand the living room space, did you speak to a contractor? Do you know whether that was a load-bearing wall or not?
Here is some good news. You can still save a lot of money by hiring budget-friendly home remodeling contractors. They will work within your budget and advise on cost-cutting measures.
You benefit from their expertise thus avoiding costly mistakes. They have a network of pre-vetted suppliers, thus ensuring high-quality products. Through their networks, they can also arrange for financing for some of your projects.
Are we saying that DIY remodeling projects are a no-no? The answer is a resounding no. After all, don’t we learn from an early age to save where we can? But, and this is a big BUT, approach it as an accountant would.
Do a cost-benefit analysis before undertaking any projects. How much would it cost to repair the building because you compromised the structural integrity by bringing down the load-bearing wall? Compare it to repainting a wall that did not come out the way you thought it would.
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Keep Up With Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance for the home. This includes:-
- Cleaning of the interior and exterior to prevent grime or dirt buildup.
- Proper disposal of household waste
- Painting walls
- Inspecting for rotting or rusting parts.
- Regular servicing of the HVAC system
- Checking on electrical fittings and replacing any frayed or worn-out parts.
- Replacing or repairing broken doors, windows, or any other hardware.
- Upgrading home fixtures, especially if the house is an older one. You can, for example, lower electricity bills by upgrading to LED lights. Repairing leaky faucets will save you tons in water bills.
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Look Out for Pests
Keep up with pest control. Those tiny termites do not live alone. They exist in large colonies and can do serious damage to property. And, they don't even have the courtesy to go about their business quietly.
Termites leave so many telltale signs of their existence within the home. They are noisy, poop everywhere, leave piles of wings, and so on. Consider it an investment to have a pest control company on your speed dial.
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Choose Your Plants Carefully
Who doesn't love a beautifully manicured outdoor space? Plants are great for landscaping. But, before you plant that tree, do a little research. How deep do the roots go, for instance?
A cursory internet search will tell you which type of trees not to plant near the house. These include white ash, poplar, American elm, and oak. They will damage the foundation due to their invasive roots.
Others like weeping willows require large amounts of water. They will damage sewer lines looking for moisture.
Trees like cottonwood are popular because they look fantastic. The root system is also not deep so you can plant them near the house. But, a major challenge is that the wood tends to rot.
During a severe storm, the cottonwood tree can come down and damage parts of the house structure.
And, you are not the only one who appreciates them. Insects love them due to the brittle wood. Unfortunately, they are also rather prone to disease. Do your research before introducing plants or trees to your landscaping.
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Take Care of Gutters and Drains
When was the last time you cleaned your gutters or drains? If you haven't done it within the past year, please get on the job immediately after you finish reading this article. It is not the neatest job, but it is critical. Debris and dirt buildup will cause the gutter to flood.
If that was all, it would be something you can live with. But, there are many dangers associated with standing water. First, you provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pathogens. Such can cause serious health problems for those living within the home.
Some water-borne diseases include cholera, scabies, worm infections, and diarrhea. As you are dealing with medical expenses the house is also under attack. Flooding will cause the foundation to crack.
The water will seep into the walls causing dampness. The result will be mold and mildew that can cause respiratory illnesses. Wood will rot and metal will rust. The cost implications, in the end, will be huge for you.
Final Thoughts
When you buy a car, you take good care of it, right? You keep up with servicing and will replace any parts as soon as necessary. The same should apply to the place where you lay your head down every single night.
Keeping your house in good condition is not that difficult. All you need to be is a little bit more watchful about your surroundings. That is why carrying out regular inspections should not be negotiable.
Look out for signs of rust, dampness in the walls, and rotting wood parts. Also, take note of any signs of pest infestation, and take care of the problem immediately. Keep the interior and exterior clean.
Avoid anything that can cause damage to the foundation like trees or flooded gutters. With a little tender loving care, your house will outlive generations.
Author's Bio: Daniel Martin
Daniel Martin loves building winning content teams. Over the past few years, he has built high-performance teams that have produced engaging content enjoyed by millions of users. Dani also enjoys photography and playing the carrom board.
