New homeowners are often shocked by the amount of work it really takes to keep a home functioning and looking great. In addition to elbow grease, you will also have to shell out a pretty penny to maintain your home. This comes in the way of high utility costs and supplies. However, this does not mean you have no choice but to spend all this money. The following list includes a few ways to save money and maintain your home at the same time.
Learn to DIY
What’s the least expensive way to repair something? That’s right: You repair it yourself! Today, it’s rather easy to simply search for a particular service on the internet and get someone willing to do it. Although there are certain things you should leave for the professionals, such as plumbing and electrical work, many home repairs can be easily managed by you as a homeowner. For example, if you are noticing that your windows are letting in air from outside, then you might need to caulk them. This is a simple DIY repair that can be done by just about anyone and will save you money in both labor and your utilities.
Cut Utilities
You might be thinking that you’ve already cut unnecessary utilities from your budget, but what if you can go further and cut the cost of your current ones? Any homeowner with a front and back yard can tell you that they spend a large amount of money on simply watering their lawns. Installing artificial grass will not only cut down your water bill, it also comes with other benefits. Some of these include reducing the number of critters that are attracted to real grass and the potential for discoloration during heavy thunderstorms or droughts.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
One of the most expensive things to have to pay someone to repair is your home’s foundation. Not only is it dangerous, but it can really put you in a financial hole if you’re not being proactive. The best way to approach this is to make sure that your gutters and downspouts are cleaned every month or after strong showers or snowfall. Taking the time to clean these areas will no doubt save you from having to spend thousands upon thousands on foundation repair. However, make sure you do so safely. Each year, there are over 160,000 injuries and about 300 deaths related to falling off of ladders. If you are worried about falling off of a ladder while cleaning your gutters, it might be better to hire a professional to do it. The costs of your potential injuries could outweigh the cost of hiring a professional, so it’s something important to consider.
Buying a new house and maintaining it can be a great experience, but it also certainly comes with its fair share of expenses. Allow yourself to enjoy your home without the burden of high utility bills or repair jobs by following these simple tips.
