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Home Maintenance Tips to Preserve a Home’s Value

No, it isn’t so exciting as a renovated gourmet kitchen or an added screened-in porch, but when it comes to selling your house, home maintenance is crucial. Habitual maintenance hugely affects the value of your house, a major investment for most folks. Think of it as personal hygiene for your house. No one gets keyed up about brushing or flossing either, but neglecting them can be disastrous for your overall health.

Here are a few routine steps that pay off in the long run:

1. “Feed me, Seymour!” Start with low-maintenance landscaping and include slow-growing plants. It’s amazing how quickly a fast growing hedge or plant grouping can morph into something like Little Shop of Horrors’ “mean green mother from outer space.” Keep your yard looking groomed.

2. Mulch the front garden at least once a year, either in spring or fall. With a little “Round-up” applied strategically and fresh mulch, you can do away with many intrusive weeds. Trim hedges, deadhead plants, and mow frequently.

3. Front Door Man…or Woman. That first impressions count! Fresh paint is an inexpensive update. Check the threshold and look for a good seal.

4. Look Through My Window. Freshly caulk your windows. Not only will you save on your energy bills, but you’ll impress experienced and first-time home buyers with your attention to details.

5. Powder Room Prowess or All is Vanity. Check out your vanity, from the countertop to the storage below. Check the faucets closely and replace washers as necessary. Hard water can brutalize the inner workings of a spigot. Re-caulk the tile around the tub, and check the flooring for any water damage.

6. Soul Kitchen. More accurately, the kitchen is the heart and soul of your home. Does the back splash tiling need to be re-caulked? Check the inner workings of your faucet, and check under your sink for possible leaks. Pay attention to the flooring around your dishwasher. Are there signs of leakage?

7. Up on the Roof. It’s clichéd but true that a stitch in time saves nine. Roof repairs done quickly can prevent further damage, make your roof last longer and save money. Know the age of your roof. A repair journal or receipts in a home repair file are impressive.

8. Light my fire. Or at least check out your furnace. Change the filters as needed. Again, a repair journal can help you remember your timing.

For more tips on preserving the value of your home, give me a call. I can help you with more home maintenance tips, and when it’s time – I’ll help you get your house sold!