When you own your home, you face the challenge of keeping it in good condition. As a renter, it’s your landlord’s job to make sure everything works. But when it’s your property, it’s up to you to keep everything ticking along. Some small cosmetic things are easy to fix. A chip in the paint or a scratch on the floor aren’t big deals. However, sometimes you have larger problems to fix. The general rule is that the sooner you spot a potential problem, the faster and cheaper you can get it fixed. If you can pick up on an issue before it causes any trouble for you, that’s even better. So regular inspections of certain parts of your home can pay off.
Home Elements: The Roof
The exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. In fact, it’s arguably more important because it protects the inside. Having a roof over your head is the whole point of owning a home, so paying attention to the condition of yours is vital. If there’s even a small problem with your roof, it can quickly become more troublesome. Having a good roofing company in your contacts will get you far. You can inspect your roof yourself if you stay safely on the ground (use a pair of binoculars). But if you need any repairs done, call the professionals to sort it out.
Home Elements: The Heating and Cooling Systems
You need to stay warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Your heating system giving out when it’s below zero or your air conditioning going kaput during a heatwave would not be welcome. Inspecting your heating and cooling systems will help to prevent any problems that could take a while to fix. Regular inspections and maintenance allow you to do things like change filters. You can do some jobs yourself, or get someone else to do it for you. It will save you time, and you can make sure you have someone who knows what they’re doing.
Home Elements: The Attic and Basement
The attic and basement of a home are both points of vulnerability. Problems in either of them could affect the structure of the rest of the home. For example, damp can be a big problem in both places. Even if you choose to damp proof your basement, it’s a good idea to inspect it to ensure everything is watertight. The quicker you can pick up on any issues, the sooner you can get them fixed.
Home Elements: Plumbing and Electric
A burst pipe or no power can spell disaster for your home. You don’t want a flooded room or a week without electricity. Your plumbing and electricity are both essential systems in your home for living your daily life. Many of us have the tendency to brush off indications of problems, like noises coming from piping or flickering lights. But an inspection could help to identify problems and solve any issues.
Inspect your home in all the right places after you’ve moved in, not just when you’re deciding whether to buy. It could save you a lot of money.
