Annual
home maintenance tips Depending
on the age of your house, expect to spend between one and three
percent of its value every year on maintenance and repair. Your
maintenance budget should increase as your house ages, and
remember to include money to replace major systems as required.
Foundation
Check a couple of times a year for expanding cracks, dampness
and movement. Minor cracks are normal, but if you notice they
are widening, it may indicate a problem. If you catch it early,
a minor crack in a poured concrete foundation could cost about
$400 to $800 to repair. But if the damage goes unchecked,
replacing the foundation wall may run you upwards of $10,000.
Gutters and downspouts
In late fall or early winter, clean your gutters and downspouts
of leaves and other debris. Make sure water flows freely through
them and away from the house. Otherwise, a leak could cause
water to build up along the foundation, possibly weakening it,
inviting mold and pests or even causing a flooded basement.
Keeping water flowing in the right direction will also help
prevent stains on your siding and ice from forming on your porch
or deck.
Paint
Most homes with exterior paint need to be repainted every five
to seven years. Signs your paint is failing include fading,
blistering, cracking, scaling or peeling. Minor touch-ups every
year will keep your paint job looking good and performing well
against the elements. Pay particular attention to areas with the
most exposure. You can estimate the cost of repainting your home
by using ServiceMagic's
cost estimator.
Caulking
Expect to recaulk seals and joints around windows, doors, siding
and flashing every two or three years to prevent drafts and heat
loss. Your caulking may need more frequent attention if you live
in an area with extreme heat or salty air.
Windows and doors
Check to make sure all doors and windows close properly and
tightly to prevent drafts and heat loss or entry. Apply weather
stripping to gaps. Examine the frames of windows and the bottom
of exterior doors for signs of damage. If they're badly
weathered, it may be necessary to replace them.
Chimney
As wood burns, it produces a black, flammable substance known as
creosote that coats your chimney. Having your chimney
professionally cleaned on an annual basis dislodges this
build-up and reduces the potential for a fire. Also, check your
chimney for any signs of cracked mortar and examine your
flashing for looseness or corrosion. Repairing problem spots
will prevent leaks that could cause serious damage to the
structure.
Roof
Before you become aware of a leak from drips falling on your
head, check for signs yourself. Look for water stains on attic
rafters and evidence of moisture in the basement. Also, check
for leaks around vents, skylights and chimneys. Examine shingles
regularly for lifting or looseness and reattach before they
allow water into your home. In general, the thicker the shingle
the longer it will last, but asphalt-shingle roofs generally
last about 12 to 25 years and wood shakes between 25 and 75
years. Slate roofs have a lifespan of between 50 and 100 years.
Heating
Most furnaces should be checked and cleaned by a professional
before the heating season starts. Warm-air furnaces and heat
pumps last for eight to 12 years, while a hot-water boiler can
work well for up to 50 years. A warm-air furnace costs between
$1,500 and $4,000 to replace, an electric heat pump costs
between $2,000 and $4,000 and a hot-water boiler runs from
$2,500 to $3,500.
Air conditioning
Your air conditioning system should also be checked every year
and the filters replaced monthly. Air conditioning compressors
last between eight and 15 years and can cost up to $1,400 to
replace. A new central air-conditioning system starts at around
$1,500.
Safety devices
Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide
detectors at least twice a year. Check the expiration date on
your fire extinguisher and make sure it's working properly.
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