By Anita Ginsburg
Regular maintenance is an ongoing process for every homeowner. Keeping up with smaller projects is essential if you want to avoid major problems down the road.
Related: Becoming a Home Maintenance Pro: Tips for New Homeowners
With a little bit of preventative maintenance, you can ensure that your home remains beautiful and efficient for years to come. Here are several areas of your home that are likely in need of some attention:
Roof
A well-constructed roof should last for at least 30 years, but some of the shingles will need to be replaced well before that. Replacing damaged tiles is immediately going to improve the appearance of your home, and that simple project could help you avoid serious water damage. As a general rule, tiles and shingles need to be replaced if they are curled, cracked or bent. You also need to replace any metal flashing that is bent or warped.
Exterior Walls
Putting a fresh coat of paint on your home can have a huge impact on its curb appeal. While you can paint your own home—there are many people who do—you may also want to hire a residential painting company. Trying to paint exterior walls without the proper tools and equipment is going to be exhausting, even dangerous, if you have a multiple-story home. An experienced team of painters should be able to paint your walls and trim in one or two days, and many contractors guarantee their work.
Front Door
Painting your front door is another simple project that shouldn't take more than a few hours—you won't need anything more than a few basic tools and a can of your desired paint. If you plan on selling your home in the near future, then you should pick a relatively neutral color that matches the exterior walls and trim. Also be sure to coat the door in some type of exterior sealant if you want the paint to last.
Windows
Modern windows usually last for decades, but older panes and sills are inefficient. After a few years, your windows might become warped, and that'll allow air to escape. You can continue to seal around the outside of your windows once every few years, but you should consider replacing them entirely if they are old and unsightly. Modern windows will improve the efficiency of your home while boosting its appearance.
Before you tackle any of these projects, make sure to research all local building codes. While most cosmetic renovations don't require any permits, there are strict regulations regarding major structural modifications, and you could face huge fines and fees if you don't adhere to those codes.
Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. If you're in the market for a residential painting company, Ginsburg recommends The Paint Doctor.
