Homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to save money. But many make the mistake of skipping certain expenses to do so. They wait until the last minute to address issues, such as leaks or funky smells, resulting in serious structural problems that will require costly repairs or rebuilds.
In the book “Get Rich Slowly” by J.D. Roth, he mentioned that spending $1 in home maintenance costs now will help you avoid spending $100 or more in repairs later. Rather than thinking of home maintenance as additional expenses, consider them as investments that will protect your home.
Simple Home Maintenance to Do on Your Own
Most of the time, professional services are only required for technical tasks such as electrical and plumbing work. You can do other home maintenance tasks on your own to lessen long-term expenses around the house.
Take Care of Your Garden and Lawn
You don’t have to hire a professional landscaper to keep your lawn thriving throughout the year. All you have to do is buy the right gardening products, like soil conditioners and pest control solutions, to keep this outdoor space looking beautiful and healthy. Consider reading up about gardening tips on specialty sites and watching tutorials to find helpful information.
Change the Air Filters in Your HVAC System
Old, dirty, and clogged air filters in your HVAC system compromise its performance, resulting in higher energy costs. Make a schedule for changing your filters to avoid this scenario. This task is easy enough, and you don’t need to call a professional to do it. You may check your HVAC system’s manual or research the specific model to make sure you don’t make any mistakes. If you’re worried, though, you can always get an HVAC contractor to do it.
Power Wash Your Driveway and Pathways
The dirt, dust, and grime that accumulate in your home’s outdoor surfaces can make them deteriorate faster. Asphalt and concrete driveways and pathways are prone to erosion caused by algae and oil. Power washing these surfaces gets rid of debris that hastens wear and tear. Besides, clean surfaces make it easier to identify cracks and holes that need to be filled.
Replace Your Light Bulbs with LEDs
Traditional light bulbs, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, have been found to consume more energy. They are known to have shorter lifespans than modern alternatives. By replacing your light bulbs with LEDs, you will be able to save a significant amount of money over time. LED lights consume less energy while still providing exceptional brightness and illumination. They are known to last longer, so you don’t have to replace them after only a few months of use.
Declutter Your Home Regularly
When your home is cluttered, you will likely lose bills, petty cash, and other essential items. As a result, you tend to replace items you’ve lost or misplaced, adding to unnecessary expenses. By decluttering your home often, you avoid losing things and having to buy new ones. You also keep your place organized – a benefit to your wellbeing.
Another advantage of decluttering is finding items you no longer need but which someone else can have use for, such as clothes and furniture. You may opt to sell them and earn money.
In these uncertain times, everyone is looking for ways to avoid spending money unnecessarily.
By doing simple home maintenance, you avoid hiring services that could be expensive in the long run. It also helps you identify potential issues in your home that you can address early to prevent costly repairs and replacements.