The Real Cost of Owning a Home: 4 Types of Maintenance Every Buyer Should Know
Buying a home is exciting, but the costs don’t stop once you get the keys. A lot of buyers focus on the mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, but what about keeping the house in good shape? If you don’t stay on top of maintenance, small issues can turn into big, expensive problems.
As a real estate agent in Connecticut, I don’t just help people buy homes. I make sure they know what it takes to own one. A well-maintained home lasts longer, keeps its value, and saves you money over time. Here are four types of maintenance every homeowner should be ready for.
1. Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
Think of this like regular check-ups for your home. Taking care of small things now can help you avoid major repairs later.
Change your air filters every few months to keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly.
Flush your water heater once a year to prevent buildup that can lead to expensive breakdowns.
Check your roof for missing shingles or small leaks before they turn into serious water damage.
Look for plumbing leaks under sinks and around toilets so you can fix them before they get worse.
Taking care of these things regularly can help you avoid thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
2. Seasonal Maintenance Keeps Your Home in Good Shape
Living in Connecticut means dealing with hot summers, freezing winters, and everything in between. Each season comes with its own to-do list.
In spring and summer, clean your air conditioning unit, power wash your deck, and check for pest problems.
In fall and winter, make sure your heating system works, seal up any drafts around windows and doors, and insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
All year long, keep an eye on your gutters, trim trees to avoid storm damage, and check for cracks in your foundation.
If you keep up with seasonal maintenance, you’ll save money on energy bills and avoid costly repairs down the line.
3. Routine Maintenance Prevents Bigger Problems
Owning a home comes with little tasks that need to be done regularly. These don’t take much time, but they make a big difference.
Mow your lawn, trim bushes, and take care of weeds to keep your yard looking nice.
Clean out drains and garbage disposals to avoid clogs.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month and change the batteries when needed.
Reseal caulking around windows, tubs, and sinks to prevent leaks.
These small tasks might not seem like a big deal, but if you skip them, you could end up with bigger issues later.
4. Be Ready for Unexpected Repairs
Even if you take great care of your home, things will break. The best way to handle unexpected repairs is to be financially prepared. A good rule of thumb is to set aside 1 to 3 percent of your home’s value each year for surprise repairs. Here are some common things that can go wrong:
A pipe could burst, leading to water damage and expensive plumbing bills.
A storm could cause roof damage, especially in the winter.
Your furnace or air conditioner could stop working when you need it most.
Over time, your foundation might develop cracks that need to be fixed.
Having some money set aside for home repairs can keep these problems from becoming financial disasters.
Buying a Home? Be Ready for More Than Just the Mortgage
Owning a home is one of the best investments you can make, but it takes work. Keeping up with maintenance protects your home’s value and helps you avoid costly surprises.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Connecticut, I’d love to help. Let’s find a house that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Contact me today to get started!