The cost of home repairs can add up quickly. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways for homeowners to stretch their budgets. These are a few easy ways to save money on household repairs.
1. Take Steps to Prevent Clogs
According to Franchising.com, 15% of homeowners in the U.S. have recently had to unclog a drain. Severe backups may require help from professional plumbers. Instead of dealing with clogs when they appear, you should take steps to prevent them in the first place. Make sure you don’t pour grease, cooking oils, or other clog-prone substances down your kitchen drain. Put a hair catcher in your shower. With a little caution, you can avoid most clogs.
2. Prioritize Maintenance
Basic maintenance can prevent issues that lead to repairs. Create a maintenance checklist so that you don’t forget about essential tasks. Try to get in the habit of inspecting major systems, like your plumbing and HVAC system, at least once a month. Regularly cleaning your gutters can keep water from pooling out your roof. Inspecting your home’s foundation will let you fill in cracks before they spread. Catching and dealing with problems early on allows you to avoid expensive repairs in the future.
3. Seal Your Asphalt Driveway
Replacing your driveway can be an expensive and time-consuming project. A National Asphalt Pavement Association report found that new asphalt mixes contained as much as 87 million tons of recycled asphalt. Sealcoating can help you maintain your asphalt driveway and put off replacement and repairs. A coating can shield your driveway from the elements, reducing damage from rain, ice, and UV rays. It can also fill in cracks and holes, preventing them from spreading. Sealcoating can even improve the appearance of a driveway, enhancing your home’s curb appeal.
4. Don’t Overlook Insulation
Is your home properly insulated? Insulation makes it easier to keep your home at your preferred temperature. HVAC systems have to work much harder in poorly insulated homes. This extra effort wears out systems and can eventually lead to repairs or replacement. Use weather stripping to seal gaps around your doors and windows that could cause air leakage. If you have metal HVAC ducts, look into having them sealed. You may also want to look into adding insulation to your walls, attic, basement, or other parts of your home where hot and cold air is escaping.
5. Take Steps to Prevent Fires
Housefires are usually accidents, but many fires are preventable. Simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of fire damage. Regularly test your smoke alarms to confirm they’re working properly. Keep flammable items, like lawn clippings, in a safe location, away from fireplaces and electric appliances. Christmas decorations are festive, but they’re also a common cause of house fires. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, people in the U.S. buy an average of 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees every holiday season. When purchasing a tree, confirm that the needles aren’t overly dry. Only use decorations that are designed for indoor use.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Handling basic home maintenance tasks yourself is a great way to save money. However, hiring an experienced professional is always best when you need major repairs. Mistakes could make the problem worse, which could lead to more repairs. If you’re unsure how to handle a repair project, leave things to experts. Professionals have knowledge, experience, and the tools for the job. Repairs can be complex, so you shouldn’t rely on tutorials or guesswork. Bring in experts that can identify and fix the problem.
Home repair costs can add up quickly, but thankfully, there are plenty of ways to cut costs. From taking precautions to keeping up with maintenance, you can greatly reduce repair costs with a little extra planning! Your house is a big investment, so you should give it the care it needs. Contact us if you need help with home repairs!
