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All homeowners know the high level of responsibility required to keep a house in working order. The grass continues to grow, the foundation shifts over time, things like roof shingles and windows need to be replaced, plumbing lines leak, HVAC must be serviced, and eventually, interiors need to be remodeled completely. The list of items that require consistent maintenance goes on and on. While these tasks feel like more of a nuisance than anything, some of them should be done regularly to keep your home safe. In fact, regular home maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure your home and family’s safety throughout the years. Not convinced? Here are 4 ways home maintenance come improve the safety of your home:
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- Discover Damage Before it gets Worse
You probably have heard the expression “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same can be said about home maintenance—it is very much worth it to do frequent maintenance to prevent problems than to wait until something catastrophic occurs, requiring a great deal of repair work. A task as simple as replacing the batteries in the smoke detector or checking for faulty electrical lines could save the whole house from be lost to a fire. Although it seems like a hassle, regularly scheduled home maintenance allows homeowners to stay current on the condition of their home, preventing potential problems to escalate into something worse. This could include finding small leaks before significant water damage occurs or hazardous mold begins to grow. Things like small cracks in the walls or sticking doors could mean there are foundation issues that need to be addressed. Often times, these red flags go unnoticed, and end up causing much bigger issues later on. Not only could these unaddressed problems threaten the safety of the home, but also end up costing significantly more when it’s time to repair the damage. Homeowners insurance will often help with the expense of home repair projects, but not every case is the same. It’s best not to risk having the burden of a major home repair due to lack of home maintenance.
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- Reduce Health Risks
As mentioned, unwelcomed moisture from minor leaks, failing seals, and poor insulation can result in growth of hazardous mold. If hidden inside walls or behind cabinetry, this dangerous substance can go undiscovered for months or even years. Some of these molds can produce airborne toxins that result in illnesses with symptoms such as dizziness, trouble breathing, headaches, nausea, and more. Not only could this make you and your loved ones sick, but often times, removing this dangerous mold requires a professional mold remediation company to do so. Depending on the size of the affected area, this could be a big project that involves a lot of time and money – not to mention the process of hiring a contractor to put your home back together once the mold has been removed.
Other airborne threats could derive from poor ventilation of air vents or build-up in chimneys. Because these areas are “out of sight, out of mind,” it is important for homeowners to schedule regular maintenance on their air filters, fireplaces and attics to avoid potentially hazardous situations.
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- Reduce Likeliness of Break-ins
Believe it or not, your home’s appearance also has an influence on it’s level of security. Homes that are well maintained are less likely to endure break-ins or to be targeted by burglars. A house that looks as if it is being well kept denotes that the occupants are aware of what goes on around their home, and also suggests that it has sturdy locks and even an alarm system. Keeping your shrubbery trimmed and lawn mowed ensures that you have a clear line of sight of anyone that approaches your property. A failing garage door or dated front door could appeal to burglars as an easy entry point.
Home maintenance is an important task that homeowners need to carry out diligently to ensure the safety of their home and family. If you don’t have a regular home maintenance schedule, it’s a good idea to establish checks and process to be completed throughout various times of the year. Doing so will not only save you money in the long run, but provide peace of mind that your home, family and valuables are safe. If you need assistance with specific home maintenance projects, our team of handyman via Mike’s Guys would be happy to help! Contact us today for more information!
Warm Regards,
The Medford Design-Build Team
