Managing your house is the best thing you can do to keep it in good shape. There is a lot you can do; lubricate and clean your garage doors, change your AC filters, clean out gutters and other important around-the-house duties. There are things that may need professional assistance if you’re going to maintain your house in tip-top shape, especially if you’re looking to resell later on. This article discusses important things to remember in managing your house.
1. Removing asbestos
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used on roofs, walls and flooring of older houses before it was banned in the 1980s for health reasons. The ban prevents newer homes from being constructed using these materials, but older homes were not required to immediately remove it. If you have an old home, therefore, major repair-work on sidings, roofs, flooring and walls should be done after asbestos testing by professionals. If your home is found to have ACMs, the project must be handled professionally.
2. Air Conditioner maintenance
Air conditioners ensure that your house is habitable during any weather conditions. Getting the right AC for your house will help you save energy and still get the comfort that comes with it. They need to be serviced more often to keep them functional for long. Most Air Conditioners need professional handling and you need to get the right people to do the job for you. If you live in Singapore, Billy Aircon Servicing can help in keeping your air conditioners in a right state.
3. Handling plumbing or electrics
Plumbing and electrics are one of the home-repair tasks that should only be done by a professional. Sure, you can do minor tasks like unclogging a blocked drain, switch fuses and light bulbs and maybe change a broken tap, but it’s best to leave the rest to the pros. It isn’t so much that you cannot do it; plumbing and electrical systems are very sensitive and are hence governed by a strict safety code. This is why any changes to your plumbing system should be inspected and approved by the local council before you start. As an untrained person, you aren’t aware of these regulations and may end up putting your family at risk, let alone reducing the value of your house.
4. Tearing down walls
In a house, there are some walls which bear weigh more than others. Depending on the plans of your home, a professional contractor can advise you on which walls are safe to remove if you want to remodel your place. Tearing down a load-bearing wall could significantly affect the stability of the home, and put your family at risk. In addition, your electrical or plumbing system may be connected underneath. The resulting damage may not be reversible, or it may cost a lot more to fix without affecting the value of the home.
5. Repairing garage door
Garage doors are the heaviest doors in the home; their movement is powered by a delicate system of rollers, tracks and springs as well as safety mechanisms that kick in to prevent injury in the event of malfunction. Proper care and maintenance can keep these doors working smoothly, but sometimes they break down because of many reasons. You need to point out the problem and get it repaired before more harm is done.
6. Window Treatment
Window shades are the simplest window treatments to have, and they can significantly lower heat penetration through windows. For maximum effect, ensure that window shades are mounted as close as possible to the glass and touching adjacent walls to create a tight seal that minimizes heat gain/loss. You can further improve insulation by having dual-layered fabric with a dark and light color on either side. Place the darker color outside in the winter to absorb heat and the lighter color outside in the summer to reflect heat.
7. Carpet maintenance
You can make every effort to keep your carpet clean: have scheduled professional cleanings, vacuum frequently, install a carpet protector, etc., but at one point or another you’ll find yourself dealing with a carpet stain following a spill, drop or other accident. With timely and correct intervention, a stain doesn’t have to spell doom for your costly rug; simply try cleaning it right away to avoid sticking and spreading to other parts.
Managing a house is easy if you plan it well. A well-kept home is a fulfilling and comfortable place to stay. If you can’t manage your home, maybe due to your work schedule, you can always hire a manager to do the work for you. You need to keep your home clean and beautiful not to lose its resale value when the time comes and you want to sell it.
