Owning a home is a much larger responsibility than some first-time homeowners understand. The truth is that there always seems to be something to do which can be a stark contrast to when maintenance handled everything at a previous residence. You are going to need to spend time weekly or hire help to maintain a home so it does not fall into disrepair. People that travel frequently might see this happen quickly as when you are only home for a few days a month, you might just want to rest at home. The following are aspects of home maintenance that first-time homeowners need to focus on to avoid any potential major issues.
Pest Control
Pest control services are always recommended as you might not want to handle these chemicals yourself. You do not want any infestations to go untreated or unnoticed. The foundation of your home can be ruined by termites in a matter of months without a family noticing. Pest control professionals can provide preventative care so you don’t have to worry about pests. These services are worth the monthly fee as you can treat what you see as a problem.
HVAC Maintenance Twice A Year
The HVAC system of a home needs maintenance twice a year before the coldest and hottest months. The system will likely work its hardest during these times you want to ensure the system is working properly and efficiently. There could be a part that needs to be replaced that is included in a maintenance package. Take the time to see what the maintenance packages from HVAC companies in the area offer. Extending the life of the system is important as it can be thousands to replace.
Having A Professional Handle The Pool
Getting a pool maintenance professional to balance chemicals and clean weekly is important. A pool can be a nightmare to deal with if it grows algae or is neglected for an extended period of time. You can also handle this yourself if you buy chemicals in bulk and have extra time to handle cleaning/skimming for a few minutes daily. The pool pump is also going to cost money monthly on the electricity bill. You have to account for this in your monthly budget as a large pool can cost hundreds of dollars in terms of maintenance, electricity, and water.
Will You Handle Your Lawn Yourself?
The lawn can be quite an undertaking if you have a large piece of property. Getting the equipment is the first investment then it will take your time on a regular basis. Hiring a company will include a monthly cost but not an initial investment on equipment. Finding local companies or those that handle neighbors can help drive down costs as companies want as large of a percentage as possible of certain neighborhoods.
A first-time homeowner can establish great habits and get into a routine that helps with maintenance/chores. Take the time to create checklists and research online to create these. You might find you never thought of a certain aspect of maintenance due to living in apartments for years.
