It's no secret that we want to live in a home for as long as possible. And if you're like us, then you'll take care of your house and do what you can to keep it looking nice. However, there are some things that happen over time - like paint chipping off the walls or a broken window - which require more intensive work than just a little touch-up. So, how can we extend the life of our homes and make them last? What are 10 tips to help maintain our homes?
If you want to keep your home looking nice and extend its life, there are some things that you should be mindful of. Here's what we recommend:
Inspect the foundation for signs of leaking or erosion
The foundation is the base of your home, and it's important that you inspect it for signs of leaking or erosion. A good place to start is by looking on the ground at all sides of your property; if water can be seen seeping out from under loose bricks then you should contact a qualified professional right away.
Make sure you have emergency contact information on hand in case something happens at night or while you are on vacation
Make sure you have emergency contact information on hand in case something happens at night or while you are not home and there is an issue with your house. Put the telephone number of a trusted neighbor, friend, or co-worker near emergency doors inside and outside of your home so that they can call someone to help if needed.
Clean your windows regularly to make sure they don't fog up
You should clean your windows regularly to make sure they don't fog up. Dirt, mildew, or grime can build up on the inside of a window and form an air-tight seal that prevents fresh air from entering the home. This causes condensation to form in places like bathrooms where warm moist air meets cool glass surfaces - which is why it's important to clean your windows.
Invest in quality insulation and heating/cooling systems
It's important to invest in quality insulation and heating/cooling systems. The quality of the materials you purchase for your home will impact its longevity - so be sure that you only buy high-quality products that are a good fit for your climate.
Consider installing a fence or wall around the perimeter of your yard
This will keep out unwanted visitors as well as animals, both wild and domestic. It also gives you some privacy from neighbors
Make sure you know where the main water shutoff valve is
It is important to know where the main water shutoff valve is in case of an emergency - like a burst pipe. In this situation, shutting off your home's water supply will prevent flooding and other damage
Maintain your Appliances
It's important to maintain your appliances and keep them up-to-date. For example, if you have an older dishwasher then it may need a new heating element or the motor might be on its way out. If this happens, you'll want to replace that appliance as soon as possible
Inspect electrical wiring regularly
There are many things that can cause electrical wiring to fail - like heat, floods, or improper installation. It's important to inspect your home's electrical system every couple of years so you'll know when it needs to be replaced and what kind of work is needed
Replace smoke detectors
Every smoke detector has a lifespan of up to ten years. Once that time period is up, you should replace the device with a new one so it can function properly and warn you in case there's an emergency
Keep Carpet Clean
Carpet needs to be cleaned regularly in order for it to last. Dirt, mildew, or grime can build up on the inside of a carpet and form an air-tight seal that prevents fresh air from entering the home. This causes condensation to form in places like bathrooms where warm moist air meets cool carpet surfaces - which is why it's important to keep your carpet clean.
Annual Pest Control Inspection
You should schedule an annual pest control inspection. Rodents, termites, raccoons, and other pests can cause significant damage to your home if they're not eliminated
There are a lot of things you can do to keep your home in great shape. We’ve covered 11 tips for keeping your home lasting a long time, but what about you? What unexpected steps have you taken to make sure that the place where you spend most of your day is always in good condition? Share some ideas with us and our community by leaving them in the comments below!