When you think of home maintenance, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the idea of scrubbing grout in your kitchen or cleaning out gutters. But maintaining a home is about more than just these tasks; it’s also about making sure that everything inside and outside your house is working properly. That means regular upkeep on appliances, air conditioners, heating systems, and more.
It also means planning for expensive repairs by saving up for them now, so they don’t come as an unexpected expense later on. And if you’re looking to save money while still being able to maintain your property well, then this article will show you how!
1. Make a budget and stick to it
The first step to maintaining your home without breaking the bank is planning. Make a budget that lists all of your monthly expenses, then track every penny you spend for a month or two. This will allow you to see where your money is going each month.
Once you know your spending habits, look through the budget and identify areas where you can cut back. Some things you can do are canceling cable television, using coupons for grocery shopping, and driving less.
Saving in home maintenance is all about being proactive. That means doing a bit of work each month to prevent larger, more expensive projects down the road.
Some ways you can do this are by cleaning your gutters and drains regularly, changing your air filter monthly, and checking your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors every six months.
You can also save money on repairs by doing some of the work yourself. For example, if you have a leaky faucet, you can buy a repair kit at your local hardware store and fix it yourself for a fraction of the cost of hiring a professional.
Overall, being proactive in-home maintenance will help you stay on top of everything that needs to be done.
2. Do regular upkeep on appliances and other home systems
Just like with your car, you should do regular checkups on your home systems to prevent breakdowns. For example, have a furnace professional inspect your heating system once or twice per year during the fall and spring. This way, if there’s an issue with your furnace, you can catch it early enough that it doesn’t turn into a huge problem.
You should also have your water heater inspected once per year to make sure it’s working properly and not leaking. And whether you choose to do this yourself or hire a professional, the same applies to water softener maintenance. This way, you can save money down the road by catching problems before they become too serious.
3. Plan for major repairs and replacements
It isn’t just regular maintenance that you have to plan for; sometimes, there are bigger projects you want to budget for upfront so they don’t come as a surprise later on.
For example, it’s a good idea to get a water pressure valve and water pump for the water pressure tank. This way, if the water pressure tank fails, you can avoid water damage and an expensive replacement by simply replacing the water pressure valve.
Or let’s say your air conditioning unit is broken down in the middle of summer; instead of calling an A/C repair company and having to pay several hundred dollars just to come out, you can buy an air conditioning water pump and water hose yourself. This way, you can direct water through the hose instead of relying on your home’s water supply, which will keep your house cool until you can have it professionally repaired. And overall, having water available to keep your house cool will allow you to avoid the inconvenience of water damage.
4. Save up for big expenses
The last tip for maintaining your home without breaking the bank is to save up for big expenses. If you know there’s a certain part of your home that you need to replace (for example, water line valves), then make sure you have enough money set aside to cover the cost of it right away. That way, you won’t have to take out a large loan or credit card to cover it.
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Saving up for your water softener and water pump is another good example. If you find that your water softener dies, then don’t wait until you can afford to buy a replacement; again, water damage is the last thing you want! Save up for it by cutting down on other expenses, and you won’t have to stress about water problems.
Overall, the best way to maintain your home without breaking the bank is by being proactive in repairs and replacements. If you catch something early enough that it doesn’t break yet, then there’s no reason why you should end up paying a ton of money for water damage.
