Owning a home comes with big responsibilities. From daily chores and annual maintenance to the little things, we tend to forget about or push off, part of being a homeowner means setting aside time and money to maintain a home. If you’re a homeowner wondering how to tackle your spring-cleaning lists and chores first, here are three areas homeowners tend to neglect that you may want to check up on.
1. Windows, Heating, and Cooling
When is the last time you had your air ducts looked at, furnace cleaned, or air conditioning upgraded? What about your windows–when’s the last time had them replaced? Many people forget to pay attention to their windows and are shocked when winter weather comes and that heating bill has jumped again. Whether it’s window replacement or simply finding ways to insulate your windows, paying attention to drafts and leaks can add up to big savings.
A great way to get yourself in the habit of maintaining your home is to make an annual checklist of your HVAC system, septic, well, roof, and other home features like windows and doors. By going through regular updates, maintenance schedules, and taking time for things like cleaning out gutters each year at the same time, you’ll save yourself on big repairs down the road and be able to live with peace of mind in your home.
2. Curb Appeal and Yard Work
Some people are great about keeping on top of appliances, windows, blinds, trim work, and other things in the home, but don’t have much energy left for their yards. Older adults can struggle physically with yard work while others get so busy with careers and other distractions they just don’t have time to keep up with their yards. You can do yourself and your neighborhood a favor by designing your yard in a way that means less work in the long run. By planting perennials instead of annuals, for example, you’ll have one less task every spring.
If you’re someone who needs a self confidence boost and feels bad about letting the weeds in their garden grow or forgetting to trim the shrubs, a great way to build back confidence is to get back to that yard and fix it up. Not only is physical exercise a powerful way to improve your mental health, but by investing some time into your yard, you’ll feel more pride and maybe even find a new hobby along the way. You might be surprised what something as simple as a few weekends cleaning up your yard can do for building self-confidence.
3. Roof Repairs, Septic Tanks, and Gutters
The bottom line is that people are busy, and it can be easy to let our own life get in the way of attending to the tasks required to keep up a home. Whether it’s because we struggle with mental health, would rather spend weekends with our best friend fishing or out on the town, or simply because we don’t believe we have the competence to fix most things, it’s okay to admit our weaknesses and still strive to change. It’s also okay to admit when you need help. For example, if you’re someone who’s noticed broken shingles, roof leaks, or gutter clogs, it could be a good thing to call a roofer for simple fixes. Addressing a roof concern now will mean big savings in the long run.
At the end of the day, our homes are one of the most valuable things we own. By doing what we can to keep up with regular maintenance and in taking pride with our properties, our homes will not only retain their values, but continue to be comforting places to return to. By tackling those chores we all tend to neglect now, you’ll be in a better position to relax and enjoy your summer.
