Maintenance And Management – Effectively Investing In And Caring For Property

Whether you’re a business owner or homeowner, upkeep of your property is a large component of curb appeal and quality of life. Maintenance of both the interior and exterior are important, but yearly costs can add up and create budget constraints if not properly prepared. For homeowners specifically, experts suggest that you allocate 1% of your overall home cost to maintenance each year. Averages across the United States show that amount to be $16,000 per year. With this in mind, there are a number of things to be conscious of and ways you can prevent additional expenses from popping up.

 

Depending on the area in which you live, certain pieces of the home are exposed to extreme temperatures, heavy winds or rain, and ultraviolet light. Especially for windows, these conditions can break down finishes, reduce sealant flexibility, cause rotting or corrosion, allow pest infestation or material damage, and crack glassware. Regular inspection can help bring some of these issues to light, but if not caught early enough, replacement is typically the only alternative.

Frequency of Use

With windows and doors, the more they are used, the quicker their materials tend to deteriorate. Combined with moisture and environmental conditions, hardware can become difficult to use or operate effectively. Window operates can corrode and reduce movement. Hinges can rust over, corrode, lock into place, or stick. Locks may be hard to secure from misalignment or wear-and-tear over time. Remain cognizant of the different conditions and uses your windows and doors are subjected to in the present, and avoid costly replacements down the road.

Age of Property

Older homes tend to require more upkeep, maintenance, and repairs than newer homes. Newer properties often have elements that are still under warranty, and this can save money in the short-term; however, awareness of the condition of all materials still remains important in the long-term. For homes that are less than five years old, John Bodrozic, the co-founder of Homezada, suggests a maintenance and repair budget of 1% of your annual income. If your house is 25 years or older, then 4% is a solid estimate, but this can vary.

Additional factors can put parts of your home at risk, such as condensation or screen neglect. If you have windows and doors near places that you cook, shower, wash dishes, or do laundry, make sure the areas also have proper ventilation in place. An increase in humidity levels can contribute to mold and mildew and can cause discoloration or stains to frames. If you have screens on windows and doors, frequently check for small holes or tears. Repair kits are available at most home improvement stores, and catching these issues early can reduce replacement costs and possible pest infestations.

 

Effective maintenance of your property begins with routine inspections. In thinking about where you live, how often you use different areas or materials, and the age of your home, potential problem areas can be spotted and taken care of before full replacements need to be installed. In taking the time to care for and repair your surroundings, the interior and exterior will remain in top shape for those that live in or frequent them. If you do require any window, door, or skylight replacements, Select Windows, Inc. offers a wide variety of products to fit your specific needs. Take a look at our well-known brands and gallery of successful installations today!