Small maintenance jobs that are not done can result in major issues that will cost you a lot more in the long run. Here are 5 jobs you should tackle now.
There’s far more to owning a home than simply making bond repayments and paying rates and taxes. Homes need to be maintained mainly because if left, the small repair transforms into a major job that won’t only be more tricky to fix, it will probably end up costing a lot more as well.
It’s also important to remember that there could be hiccups with an insurance claim if it is found that damage was caused or exacerbated by a lack of maintenance. This is one of the reasons that it’s imperative to keep an eye on things and attend to problems as they occur. It’s therefore advisable to inspect the home at regular intervals in order to ascertain what needs to be done.
Read more: Why maintenance should matter for homeowners
Check your roof regularly
Experts suggest inspecting the roof every six months to ensure there are no leaks due to broken or cracked tiles. Ignoring a leak can lead to all sorts of problems including structural damage to the beams, an infestation of mould and damage to paint work in the home. Warning signs that there could be a problem include bubbling paint and marks on the wall or dripping noises when it rains. Check and replace loose tiles and cracked flashing. If you suspect a leak, check the ceiling space for damp or mould and call in the necessary experts.
Keep your gutters clean
Inspect and clean out your gutters on a regular basis, particularly in the autumn months when leaves are generally more of a problem. There are a whole host of issues surrounding guttering including the cost of replacement if they warp or crack. If left, gutter blockages can cause rainwater to run down the side of the home pooling at the bottom which, if serious enough, could undermine the foundations of the property.
Get to the root of the problem
Trees, or more aptly the roots of trees, can cause endless headaches. Check the paving and driveways on an ongoing basis for any signs of lifting. Roots can also invade underground pipes, so call in a plumber to check the sewerage pipes if you suspect that roots may be interfering with the system. Consider removing the offending tree and replacing it with something less invasive if there’s evidence of a problem.
Clear up insect infestations
Regularly check for insect infestations. Insects such as borer or termites can cause extensive damage to your home. According to the Rentokill website there are only three species of termites in South Africa that will cause structural damage namely; Coptotermes, Cryptotermes which both attack wood and Neotermes which have been known to damage thatch roofs. The good news is that termites don’t keep things down when they are chomping away at the woodwork and homeowners who regularly hear clicking from inside the walls could have a problem. Likewise, flying ants and ‘white ants’ should alert the homeowner to the fact that they may have a termite infestation. Just for the record, loud music causes termites to speed up the pace and it’s been proven they chew faster when music is played.
Borer can cause a terrific amount of damage if left unchecked. Keep a close eye on things such as wooden floorboards, window frames, roofing struts and furniture to ensure the home remains free from this destructive little pest. Signs to look out for include holes in the wood, piles of fine sawdust near to the affected item and dead beetles.
Check your plumbing
Clean out the drains in your home on a regular basis, removing grease buildups before they become an issue. Check the plumbing if toilets become blocked on a regular basis because this could indicate a problem with the pipes which could, if left, lead to expensive repairs at a later stage.
