The average home in the United States is about 37 years old. While that may seem like a long time, there are still many repairs and upgrades that homeowners can do to ensure their homes remain structurally sound and safe for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll go over ten of the most important repairs and upgrades you should be doing to keep your house in top shape. Don’t feel pressured to get all of these tasks done in one year. If you plan wisely and budget out these repairs, you can spread them out over the next few years.
Roof Inspections
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, as it protects everything underneath it from the elements. Make sure you have a professional, like J and K Roofing, inspect your roof at least once every two or three years, or after any major storm, to make sure it is up to snuff. It’s also a good idea to replace older shingles with new ones when needed. You can replace the shingles yourself if you want to save a little bit of money.
Gutters
Gutters are essential for diverting rainwater away from your foundation so it doesn’t cause any damage over time. Regularly cleaning out leaves and debris from gutters will keep them functioning properly for longer. Additionally, if you notice any cracks or holes in your gutters, repair them immediately to prevent further damage down the line. This is a task that can either be done by yourself or by a professional depending on your budget and availability.
Foundation Repairs
The foundation of your home is its backbone; without a solid foundation, your house won’t last very long at all. Regularly check for any cracks or other signs of damage and contact a professional if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Additionally, make sure that there isn’t anything obstructing water drainage near your foundation—including landscaping features like flower beds or patios—as these can lead to flooding problems down the line if not taken care of properly. Any cracks in your foundation should be repaired quickly before they start spreading.
Water Heater Maintenance
Water heaters are an essential part of modern life but they don’t last forever. Make sure you have yours serviced regularly by a qualified technician to avoid sudden breakdowns or other serious malfunctions that could cost you a lot more money than regular maintenance would have in the first place. Additionally, consider replacing old models with energy efficient ones when possible—it will save you money on energy bills in the long run.
Electrical Panel Upgrade
If you haven’t done so already, consider upgrading your electrical panel to something more modern and efficient—it will help reduce power surges that can potentially cause electrical fires or other serious problems down the line! Additionally, make sure all wiring throughout your home is up-to-date and replace any exposed wiring with newer insulated wire as soon as possible—this will help prevent potential shorts which could lead to fires or other disasters as well.
Plumbing Repairs
Plumbing issues like leaks can cause serious damage over time if left unchecked so make sure all plumbing fixtures are regularly inspected by a qualified plumber and repaired when necessary. This includes checking pipes for corrosion or rusting as well as looking for signs of leaking around faucets or toilets—the sooner these issues are caught, the better off you (and your wallet) will be in the long run. If you live in an older home, you may need to replace copper pipes with PVC ones to prevent issues as well.
Appliance Upgrades
If some appliances have been around since before you moved into your house, now might be a good time to upgrade them with something more modern and efficient—not only will it increase their lifespan but also potentially save you money on electricity bills each month too.
HVAC Maintenance
Make sure HVAC systems installed throughout your home get regular tune-ups by professionals who know what they’re doing—this will help maximize efficiency while minimizing costly repairs down the road caused by lack of maintenance. Additionally, replacing old filters when needed will help keep your system running smoothly for longer.
Flooring Repair or Replacement
If your floors are looking a little worse for wear, you may want to consider replacing them with something more durable and long-lasting. This is especially true if you’re dealing with old carpets that have seen better days—replacing them with hardwood or tile flooring will not only make the room look much nicer but it will also last much longer than the tired carpeting did in the first place.
Insulation Upgrades
Finally, upgrading your insulation can do wonders for energy efficiency throughout the house—not only will it keep your energy bills down (especially during the summer and winter months) but it will also help prolong the life of your home’s structure since any sudden temperature changes won’t be as severe.
Taking care of all these small details now can save homeowners big headaches down the road when costly repairs become necessary due to neglected maintenance over time. Regular inspections and upgrades ensure that our homes stay safe and structurally sound for many more years than they would otherwise—so why wait? Get started today on making sure yours lasts another 37 years easily!