Your home is your biggest investment – and your biggest expense! No doubt, you want to find ways to keep your home in great shape without spending all of your hard-earned money. For many chores around the house, like cleaning and yard work, all you need is your own time. Sometimes, though, you need expert help, and the DIY approach is less than ideal. Here are a few items you’ll need to keep on your home maintenance list, and some factors to consider before trying to do these yourself:
Cleaning
Cleaning your home doesn’t take a lot of skill, and you don’t need a degree in rocket science to do it. All you need is a few cleaners and some elbow grease. If you have the time and you like the sense of accomplishment after a few hours of dusting and vacuuming, then, by all means, go the DIY approach. Sometimes, however, it makes sense to outsource this task. If you work long hours, have other things that take up your time (like small children) then hiring a professional makes sense.
Pest Control
Are you finding chewed packages of cereal in your pantry or mouse droppings in your cupboards? Do you have a problem with roaches or other bugs that give you the creeps? There are products in most hardware stores that can target the specific type of pest you’re dealing with. Many times, however, it’s best to let the professionals take on the task of eradicating these pests. Moxie Pest Control in Raleigh North Carolina, for example, could help you handle the kind of pest you’re dealing with, and the ways to eradicate them effectively, often with only one treatment.
General fixing up/repair work
Need to paint your shutters? Does your kitchen or bathroom need minor repairs? Want to add a deck to your backyard? Do you love watching DIY shows and YouTube videos that teach you basic handyman skills? Go for it! You’ll have a great looking house, and your self-confidence will soar. If you’d rather spend your time outdoors at the park, or you don’t know the difference between a hammer and a screwdriver, then it’s time to look online for someone who can help you.
Landscaping/Yard work
Like cleaning, yard work only takes some elbow grease and time. This is something that many couples can do together and can be a great bonding experience. If you’re short on time and don’t look forward to spending your weekends mowing and raking, there are plenty of companies that will do this for you. Often, you can even find a student who will work for just a few bucks.
Plumbing
Leaky faucet? It can probably be replaced in less than fifteen minutes with just a few tools and a trip to the hardware store. If you have bigger issues, though, this is something best left to the professionals. Many DIY plumbing projects often go awry and can cause even bigger problems and end up costing more in the long run.
Heating
Changing your furnace filter is something you can do yourself, but a full inspection and repairs should be done by the company who installed your system.
Electrician
This is definitely not a DIY item unless you are an electrician yourself. There are dire consequences to getting it wrong, so hire someone you trust and who has a good reputation within your community. Ask friends and neighbors for their recommendations, and do your online research to make sure you’re getting quality assistance.
So, how much should you spend on maintenance projects? Generally speaking, experts recommend putting at least $3000 aside each year. This number may vary according to the age of your home, and other factors.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
