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You routinely take your car for oil changes. You make time out of a busy schedule to work out or routinely go for annual checkups. Why? Because you understand how important it is to maintain your body and car to keep things in shape year-round. Yet, most homeowners overlook routine maintenance of their largest financial asset- their home.
According to a survey, nearly 2 in 3 Americans find home maintenance stressful, and almost 50.7% of homeowners have already experienced the consequences of overlooking home maintenance tasks. Undeniably, routine home maintenance can be overwhelming; however, home care is crucial for any size property - not only for efficiency and comfort but also for maintaining its value. Here are five practical ways to help maintain the value of your home - some are DIY-friendly, and others necessitate a professional touch.
Add More Usable Space
Regardless of the total square footage of your home, adding livable space should add financial value. This is particularly true in locations where land is finite. Whether you need more space to use for a particular purpose or interest, there are practical ways to help you achieve that. They include:
- Second-floor addition - expanding your home upward can help you double your interior space
- Finish the attic - Remodeling your attic can be a convenient way to reclaim space without building a needed addition
- Transform your basement - Whether you intend to rent out or add more space for the family, remodeling your basement is a great way to get more value out of your limited space
Be sure you comply with your local building codes before expanding your existing space.
Check for Roof Damage
If you live in an area that experiences harsh wintry conditions, you must inspect your home's roof. When checking your roof before the onset of spring, you should look for the following:
- Algae, moss, or leaves buildup - can trap water that can seep through the structural elements of the roof
- Buckled shingles - Poor attic ventilation and improper insulation can cause curling and buckling. As a result, misshapen shingles can encourage water seepage. In this case, the shingles should be replaced
- Assess your attic - Look for signs of water seepage from your roof. While in there, inspect the condition of the rafters and any wood interior for signs, rot, or molds
- Give your roof an up-close inspection - Assess the condition of the flashings around the chimney and vent pipes. Any sign of corrosion indicates replacement
In the event of any roof damage, it's imperative you contact your trusted roofer to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Inspect your HVAC System
Ensuring your air conditioning unit in good condition will help things run smoothly in the warmer months. You can hire a professional to:
- Change the air filters, vents and circuit breaker
- Check the battery
- Remove any clutter near the HVAC unit door, including leaves and debris
- Check for signs of mold
- Repair any parts needing replacement
Update
Updating any exteriors or interiors can improve the comfort and value of your home. For example, outdated doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, countertops, cabinetry, door handles, exterior and interior paint, and landscape can be an eyesore. They should be updated to improve functionality and enhance the visual appeal of your home.
Clean and Declutter
This is a DIY-friendly task that does not necessarily need a professional. When done regularly, it can help prevent the buildup of unwanted stuff that could lower the functionality of your home. Being a neatnik can improve your home's indoor quality and mental health.
Let the Experts Help
Whether you intend to sell your home in the future or to enjoy it while you live there, the importance of the value-adding projects mentioned above can be significant. Some may require an operational budget and we have your back if your budget cannot account for the projects!
At first Savings Mortgage, we have over three decades of expertise, and we can offer you loans with personalized service. Reach out to one of our expert loan officers to assist with a cash out refinance for your maintenance projects that could retain your home value.
Please note, by refinancing your existing loan, your total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.