Building maintenance is part and parcel of real estate ownership and if you have just received the keys to your first home, there’s a lot to learn. It can seem a bit daunting when you are faced with the prospect of managing a family home and with that in mind, here are a few tips to help you navigate your way through property management.
- Pre-source domestic services – Like it or not, there will come a time when you need a 24-hour plumber in Sydney, or an emergency electrician or even a roofing contractor. All it takes is a couple of hours of web searching to pre-source a range of building maintenance companies, then when the time comes, you already have the contact numbers in your smartphone. Ask any seasoned homeowner and they will confirm that pre-sourcing services make total sense and save valuable time.
- Regular building inspections – Take the roof as an example; it is not possible to see all of the roof from the ground level, which is why you should ask a local roofing contractor to carry out an annual roof inspection. Regular inspections can save you a lot of money by revealing minor issues before they become major. Pests are another potential enemy of the homeowner and having a pest control officer carry out a thorough inspection every year should prevent any pest infestation. Click here for tips on choosing the best roofing materials.
- Don’t delay building repairs – If there is one constant, it is that small issues quickly become big ones; as soon as you are aware of an issue, set about having it repaired sooner rather than later and you won’t regret it. A missing roof tile, for example, will surely lead to a roof leak if it isn’t addressed. Of course, if you have DIY skills, you can carry out some repairs yourself, which will save you some money.
- Preventative maintenance – There are certain things that you can do to prevent issues from arising, such as installing wire mesh on the kitchen and bathroom sinks, and the shower and bath, which prevents debris from entering the drainage system. Sealing your roof is another way to prolong its life while rendering the exterior walls not only offers another layer of protection, but also adds insulation, which saves energy.
- Appliance servicing – Major household appliances will only work optimally if they are serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Climate control, cooking appliances, washing machines and dryers should all be serviced by a qualified engineer, which will prolong the life of the device. Always use approved engineers to service household appliances and they should always be ready for action.
We hope that the information in this article goes some way towards helping you deal with your property maintenance, which is part and parcel of home ownership. The Internet hosts a wealth of information on building maintenance, which you can access for free, should you be unsure about anything.
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