22.9% of American homes built in the 1960s still stand today, which means your home’s maintenance might be long overdue. In a 2020 survey, 15% of respondents listed repairing the wear and tear from old age as their top reason for a renovation. According to the BLS, the average American homeowner spends $2,335 on home maintenance yearly.
However, more extensive damages lead to more expensive repairs. With home maintenance inflation on the rise, the average maintenance costs for single-family homes are increasing. Areas that experience harsh weather conditions, like Florida, have seen the most price spike, up to $5,422. Still, home repairs are essential to maintaining the longevity and state of your house. So, consider checking if your home needs the following maintenance.
Kitchen cabinet refacing
Refacing your kitchen cabinets can cost between $1,350 and $12,500. However, it is much less expensive than replacing them, as it can cost between $2,200 and $24,600 to get new cabinets. You can create a fresh look for your kitchen without breaking the bank or making significant changes by refacing them.
Suppose you love your kitchen layout and the cabinet boxes and are in great shape. But their surface is beginning to look slightly faded and worn. In that case, consider contacting trustworthy contractors to transform your kitchen cabinets using top-quality materials. Investing in your kitchen can also increase your home’s value by 10%. This increase can be especially beneficial if you plan to sell your house but live in a competitive housing environment.
Suppose you live in Florida, which ranks 2nd on the list of housing markets with the most value. In this thriving housing market, there is an abundance of skilled contractors ready to offer their services to you. However, to stand out from the competition, consider hiring professionals like Quality Craftsmen who can make you fall in love with your house again. They have over 30+ years of experience with remodeling projects and are dedicated to providing each client with the highest quality craftsmanship.
Roofing
Your roof is an integral structure of your house that shelters the rest from environmental damage. A damaged roof can let water seep into your home through its cracked or missing shingles, which can cause excessive water damage and electrical issues. The costs may vary according to the severity of the damage, but the national average price is between $400 and $2,000. You should observe your roof for any signs of deterioration and maintain your roof at least twice a year. Here are some of the indicators you need to watch out for to know your roof needs repair:
- Your roof is sagging
- Water is leaking through your attic after rainfall
- Your gutters are blocked
- A sudden increase in energy bills
- Light streams coming into your home through cracks
- Growth of mold or moss on your roof
Constantly checking out for signs can give you a good indication of the condition of your roof. You should call a professional for inspection and repair as soon as you notice these signs. The sooner your repair roof damage, the better.
Plumbing
Your plumbing system is essential to delivering clean water to every part of your home. Plumbing repairs are standard. These issues are part of everyday life, from leaky faucets to clogged drains. Fixing a simple leak or a burst pipe can cost around $275. However, more complicated issues like under-slab pipe leaks can quickly increase the costs to anywhere between $600 – $4,000. This plumbing issue requires extensive labor, as your plumber must break up the floor to reach the damaged pipe. It would be best if you were vigilant of your plumbing system and called your plumber as soon as you noticed the following signs:
- There’s a foul smell and moisture around your pipes
- Your pipes are making hissing or bubbling sounds
- Your sink is draining water extremely slowly
- There’s no water pressure
- The water isn’t warming up
- Your basement is damp and soggy
Plumbers typically charge around $45 to $200 an hour, depending on the type of service you require. By observing your home for plumbing issues, you can repair it before the problem escalates. Usually, it is common for homeowners not to notice issues like a bursting pipe, which can leak for weeks and cause water damage. However, being mindful of your home’s needs and aware of early signs of potential plumbing issues helps you provide timely repairs.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Your HVAC system is crucial to regulating your home’s indoor temperature. These systems are expensive, and replacing them can cost between $5,000 to $12,500. Their average lifespan is around 10-25 years, but you need proper maintenance to use them for more than ten years. It is critical to do regular maintenance on the HVAC to keep the system functioning smoothly and efficiently. Routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs can stop severe malfunctions and spare you from paying for expensive emergency repairs. To provide standard repairs, watch out for the following signs of trouble:
- Sudden loud or unusual noises from your air conditioner, like rattling, buzzing, or whistling
- Your air conditioner is blowing warm air
- The thermostat isn’t working
- Weak airflow from vents
- Strange odors when you turn on the air conditioner
- Spiking electric bills
Proper maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your HVAC system and ensuring its longevity. Attention to warning signs lets you catch problems early and seek professional assistance. So, prioritize regular maintenance for your HVAC system. It will reward you with years of reliable and efficient performance.
Exterior paint
Refreshing your home’s exterior paint protects your home from the elements. This barrier shields the outside of your house from the elements, including snow, rain, glaring sunlight, and bothersome bugs. When the paint is in adequate condition, it keeps moisture from penetrating the walls and causing rot and damage. It protects your home from fading and discoloration by acting as a shield against dangerous UV radiation.
A new coat of paint can also give your house a lovely facelift and increase curb appeal. Your home sustains harm as its exterior paint chips, cracks, or peels over time. You can increase the lifespan of your exterior by taking care of these problems as soon as they arise and painting your property when necessary.
Conclusion
Your home deserves your care and attention. A well-maintained home enhances your quality of life and increases your home’s longevity. Regularly inspecting, repairing, and maintaining different aspects of your home will save you money in the long run and provide you with peace of mind. Knowing your home is safe for you and your loved ones makes routine repairs worth it.