Homeowners are more likely to focus on updating things they see. From replacing old countertops with granite or quartz to replacing old ceiling fans and fixtures with elegant new ones, most homeowners make at least a few updates every year. The problem is that many of us forget to replace and update the things that matter most until it’s too late. If we don’t see it, it’s not a problem. When it becomes a problem, though, our outlook changes. It’s far easier to update a few basic home maintenance concepts regularly than it is replace them when they break. You probably haven’t updated these things, but it’s time to consider it.
Your Gutters
By the time you realize your gutters need a good cleaning or even a small update, it might be too late. Many homeowners forget all about their gutters until water begins to back up and leak into walls or ceilings, and it’s too late by then. Make it a habit to clean out your gutters twice every year so you don’t have to update them, replace them, or even replace a portion of your roof.
Your Furnace
If you haven’t replaced your furnace or maintained it regularly, it’s time to change that. According to the experts at Seliga Heating and Cooling, a typical furnace lasts roughly 15 to 20 years. Keep this in mind as you are gauging your home and the repairs you need to be making this year. The more efficient your furnace, the more money you save every year. A new energy-efficient furnace will change your life. Once it’s installed, be sure to have it maintained regularly to keep it in good working order.
Bathroom Caulk
Don’t feel bad for forgetting to update this small maintenance issue, few people do. However, if your caulk is old and inefficient, you’re doing more damage than good. It doesn’t take much time to replace the caulk around tubs, sinks and toilets, but it’s a far cheaper fix that replacing everything in your bathroom due to water seeping inside the caulk and causing mold or water damage.
Doorknobs
This might not apply to everyone, but it does apply to people who bought their house rather than built it. If you’ve never changed the doorknobs in your home, now is a good time to do that. You have no idea how many keys were handed out to your front door when someone else lived in your house, but you certainly don’t want to find out the hard way. It’s a small maintenance issue, but it’s one that needs your attention right away if you never did it.
Updating a few things around the house now means you don’t have to think about it again for years. You already know you need to keep your appliances and roof updated and maintained, but some of the smaller household maintenance items on your to-do list are easily forgotten. Don’t forget them any longer. Handle them now and save yourself a lot of money in the future.
