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.

Article by: www.chaseveritt.com