It’s no secret that homeownership can be a very expensive endeavor. The bills keep piling up, and before you know it, your monthly mortgage is more than your rent was! But one of the most important things to do as a homeowner is to maintain the outside of your home. It requires a different level of maintenance than an apartment or rental, but it’s worth it to know that your home is in its best shape possible. Here are some things you’ll need to do throughout the year to keep your house looking beautiful (and in good repair) for years to come.
Prune/Trim Trees and Shrubs
While many people like having trees and shrubs on their property, they can quickly grow out of control. The most important thing you can do is keep up with the pruning and trimming. It’s very common for trees to be too tall and start to fall over. You also don’t want bushes and hedges to be too tall, so you’ll need to ensure they don’t become a nuisance.
Maintain Your Lawns
Although it’s important to take good care of your garden, the best way to prevent weeds is by mowing your lawn properly. You also want to make sure that you’re watering and fertilizing your lawns properly to help them maintain a good, green color throughout the year.
Clean Up After Your Pets
Like with humans, pets can make quite a mess on the outside of your home. The most important thing you can do is clean up after them regardless of where they go in your yard. If they have an accident, you’ll want to use a biodegradable cleaner to help eliminate the odor. It’s also important to keep an eye on where they are walking and make sure they aren’t putting their paws or body weight on something that can damage your home.
Check Your Gutters
As with people and pets, your gutters can become dirty very quickly. You don’t want them to back up and crash into your home and cause damage. You’ll want to hire a professional to help clean out your gutters regularly so that they aren’t a safety hazard.
Maintain Your Driveway and Walkways
Your driveway and walkways should be cleaned off after every time it rains. If you don’t, the water will seep into the ground and cause damage to the underlying area. You should also make sure that there aren’t any cracks or holes in your driveway or walkway because this can also cause expensive damage over time.
Septic System Maintenance
If you’re living in an older home, you’ll need to think about the septic system. The most common problem is a buildup of solid waste on the inside of the tank that begins to leak. You can seek septic services from a professional to help care for the septic system and keep it from causing any leaks.
These maintenance tasks should be done several times throughout the year. This is your home, so make sure it looks beautiful at all times and that it’s in good working order. It’s definitely worth the effort you put into it because a home is your biggest asset and should be treated well.
