How To Best Protect and Maintain Your Home (and its Value)

A lot of planning and research goes into finding the perfect home, not to mention a lot of money. That’s why it’s so important to do everything you can to protect and preserve it so that when it comes time to sell it for whatever your reason, you can turn a profit and enjoy a quick sale. Luckily there are many things you can do to ensure that it retains its value.

Installing a High-Tech Home Security System

A home security system today does much more than protect you and your family from would-be intruders. With advancements in technology and downloadable apps, you can monitor your home from virtually anywhere. Companies such as ADT have many of the new features including heat and moisture sensors that alert you when they are present helping you to avoid a major fire or flood due to a water leak.

Exterminator

Bugs and rodents are not only a threat to your family but can also wreak havoc on your home. Many of these pests hide in the walls and ceiling like termites, rats, and mice. Over time they can cause structural damage to your property and spread disease through your home. Thankfully, an exterminator can identify potential areas of concern and the presence of unwanted visitors and remove them before they take up permanent residency in your home.

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Annual Inspections

If you have a fireplace in your home it’s important to have it, the chimney, and the vents cleaned annually to remove any soot, blockage or build-up. A woodburning fireplace naturally develops pockets of creosote. Having it professionally cleaned once a year prior to the new season of use, will reduce the risk of a chimney fire significantly. The same goes for your heating and cooling system. This equipment helps you remain comfortable throughout the year. If left unchecked, it can cause a fire or cause your system to have to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor environment. An annual cleaning can also identify wear and tear prior to the loss of service, saving you money by replacing a part rather than an entire system.

Maintaining Your Roof

Your roof is the blanket that covers your home, protecting it and your family from the elements. It’s easy to see then, why the roof factors greatly in home valuation metrics. Over time it will start to show tell-tale signs of wear which translates to weakened areas. Once you have these pockets of moisture they can lead to a severe leak and if left undiscovered, mold and mildew. The average life expectancy of a shingled roof is 8 to 10 years. However, if you live in a damp climate it will age much faster. The good news is that you can avoid having to spend a lot of money on damage by having it inspected every year once you reach the 5 to 6-year mark. This way if there are any suspect areas, you’ll have the option of replacing a few shingles versus coming up with thousands to replace the entire roof.

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The Importance of Landscaping

Landscaping is important for two reasons. First, curb appeal. If your home looks good on the outside you are more likely to get potential buyers to come inside to take a look. Secondly, landscaping can prevent damage to your home by way of rodents, bugs, moisture, and debris. When trees rest against the roof they can cause damage to the siding or paint. It bushes, scrubs and weeds are near the foundation they can allow rodents and bugs to gain easy access inside. And moisture from the plants and scrubs leaning against the home can cause mold and mildew to develop. Having your outdoors maintained, either on your own or by a professional will also allow you to spot cracks in the foundation, leaks or wear and tear before it gets to the level of concern.

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Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy-efficient appliances can serve you well. For the time you enjoy your home they save you money monthly on your utility bills. When it’s time to sell, these same appliances offer an attractive incentive for a potential buyer who, just like you, is looking to spend less on their monthly home expenses.

There are many ways to preserve your home so that when you decide to move for whatever your reason, you can put it on the market with confidence that your asking price is worth every penny.