|
Although the monthly costs of homeownership such as home
loan instalments and municipal rates are on the rise, this is no time
to slack off on maintenance.
So says Berry Everitt, MD of the Chas Everitt International property
group, who notes that keeping your home in top condition will save you
money in the long run, and that in the current tight economic conditions
the old adage that “a stitch in time saves nine” should be
kept in mind.
For instance, he says, a leaking roof that is not speedily repaired
could lead to other problems such as damaged ceiling boards, paintwork,
and even walls – and additional repair costs.
Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, he says homeowners should
thus aim to take an inventory at least once a year to check for potential
problems and list these in order of priority to be rectified.
“Such a proactive approach will avoid many of the secondary problems
that can be caused by faulty plumbing or electrical wiring, and damaged
roofs or foundations.”
Older homes that have been neglected through the years may initially
require more work (and more money), but by starting with the most urgent
repairs and gradually fixing more minor faults, owners can eventually
bring their maintenance budget down.
Everitt says regular maintenance also enables homeowners to derive
more enjoyment from their property and that when the time comes to sell
and put the property on show to potential buyers, it will be much easier
and cheaper to spruce up a well-maintained home than a long-neglected
one.
|
