Numbers do not lie. And the numbers on home maintenance aren’t that opaque. Maintaining a home on an ongoing basis is a lower cost over time, homes sell better when it comes time to sell, and it generates less surprises when it comes to the wallet. This isn’t a sales quote. That’s the nature of property. A good home maintenance service in Topeka will tell you explicitly, that it’s always the more prudent financial move to make to invest in home maintenance in Topeka before it breaks. The problem with it is that there isn’t a good way to see the savings. You don’t have to deal with the water heater that didn’t blow up. If someone fixed the roof on time, you don’t see it anymore. You only see what you spend and not what you didn’t spend.
However, the numbers reveal their presence if you examine the average repair costs. If it’s a minor roof repair job – just a few missing shingles – it could run you a few hundred dollars. A leaky roof section runs up a thousand dollar water bill! A plumber will charge a couple hundred for a slow leak. But replacing the rotten subfloor from an overlooked leak under the sink is several times as expensive. This is repeated in all systems throughout the home.
Another aspect to think about is home value. The buyers and inspectors are diligent. They evaluate the condition of the roof, the age of the HVAC system, the type of electrical panel, and if there are indications of deferred maintenance on the property. Owners of homes that are clearly neglected are penalized, often by a considerable margin. A home that shows signs of continued care is worth a lot and sells out quicker. These are facts, not opinions, about real estate markets.
Insurance is also impacted. Damage caused by neglect is not covered by some insurance companies. When the roof is visibly worn and the claim is based on the fact that it hasn’t been fixed, it becomes a bit more complicated. A well-maintained home does not put you off the wrong foot.
One could also argue the energy efficiency aspect. A clean house works much more efficiently. Insulated windows and doors, a working HVAC system, adequate insulation, and working weatherstripping all cut down utility expenses each month. Those savings can really add up over years of driving.
See the costs of maintenance as the purchase of reduced risk in the future. Financial risks include some of those risks. Some are safety-related. Others are learning to prevent the stress of an unforeseen crisis. Each of these is of interest.
Well, the homeowners who are financially better off after 10 years on the land are almost always the ones who viewed maintenance as an expense, and not something they had the money for. Choose wisely and your home will serve you and not against you.