As a homeowner, one is entirely responsible for whatever happens to their house, regardless of the cost. However, regularly maintaining the house with services will go a long way in preventing smaller problems accumulating into massive, expensive ones. We’ve compiled a list of “optional” services that we believe every new homeowner should have.
Security Alarms
One of the most important services for a homeowner to have is a good alarm system. This is vital not only to ensure the homeowner’s own safety, but to also ensure the safety of their family and belongings. Fortunately, there's a large variety of security systems that are convenient for numerous uses and which can accommodate budget’s of all ranges. Many security features today give the homeowner the ability to control their security system remotely from anywhere, through their mobile device. Additionally, many of the newer home security systems also offer video options that can link to your mobile device or tablet as well. These features are especially useful for homeowners who opt to rent out their homes. While enlisting the help of a reputable and experienced property management company can greatly help assist you with the management and maintenance of your home during a tenant’s stay, it’s always a nice luxury to keep some amount of control in your own hands. A home security system that can link mobily to your own device will give you the peace of mind of knowing that in the case of an emergency, you can still be a factor in calling the proper authorities to remedy the situation - no matter where you are physically located at the time of the incident.
Pest Control
A few pests here and there may not seem cumbersome, but keep in mind that like any other living thing, pests and insects alike reproduce and multiply, creating a much larger problem. Hiring a pest control service periodically will help keep all pest and insect sightings at a minimum. Nobody wants to deal with bed bugs, rats, cockroaches, and other similar rodents/insects. Even if you don’t believe you have a pest problem, it’s always a good idea to hire someone to conduct a thorough check as generally it is not too costly to do so. It’s always better to be safe, rather than sorry!
Landscaping
Even if your home is structurally sound and in good shape, your home’s value can be affected if it doesn’t look aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Hiring a good landscaping service can help with this roadblock. A good landscaper can help with an abundance of issues, such as killing weeds, leveling uneven ground, planting structurally sound greenery, and so much more. If done right, implementation of good landscaping practices can significantly increase the value of a home. However, it’s important to keep in mind that large trees planted improperly can cause plumbing and other underground issues, so be cautious of where trees are planted and make sure to consult your landscaping professional.
Cleaning Services
Cleaning services can include things such as power washing, sandblasting, concrete cleaning, internal home cleaning services/maintenance, and more. Over the years, lots of dust and other debris deposit into the exterior of one's home. Good power washing services can easily get the exterior of a homeowner's house back to looking brand new. Heavier filth may need to be sand blasted. Additionally, concrete has the same tendency to collect dirt as well, especially oil. This can be fixed by having a cleaning service company come and power wash the cement with special soaps and detergents. After so many years, the vents in one's home can become filled with all types of debris, so they'll eventually need to be cleaned out too.
HVAC
HVAC repair is a must for any homeowner dealing with a broken unit, especially with the extensive heat that Summer brings in Las Vegas (and other similar climates). Having your furnace and ac break shortly after moving into your new home is the last thing any homeowner wants or needs. Just like with any piece of machinery, HVAC systems need periodic maintenance. Putting off check-ups and maintenance can cause you and your family to live in uncomfortable conditions when ventilation systems go down. Being too cold or too hot is the least of your problems. HVAC problems can also cause higher utility bills and carbon monoxide poisoning. Air conditioning and heater repair should not be taken lightly and should be a priority for all homeowners.
Roofing
A house's roof will eventually become worn out over the years after numerous weather conditions have taken their tolls on the house. What’s even worse, detrimental leaks (which commonly occur over the years) will lead to much bigger problems other than flooding, including black mold and other fungus. Such fungus is extremely harmful to one's health in a plethora of ways. The best thing to do would be to hire a roofing service to fix any weak spots in one's roof. However, you shouldn’t wait until there's a leak in the house, as it may be too late by that point. Have someone come and inspect the roof way ahead of time, as even a slight leak may have already created mold by the time it rarely becomes apparent. Remember what we stated earlier - it’s better to be safe, than sorry!
Plumbing
Until one buys a house and lives in it for a while, they'll never know what kind of problems lie underground. As any homeowner (who doesn’t possess expert plumbing skills) will tell you, you will most likely be in need of numerous plumbing services and will have to hire a plumber during your tenure as a homeowner, most likely more than once. Metal pipes eventually rust, causing cracks and leaks. Keep in mind that copper and PVC pipes are very resistant to corrosion, so consider these alternatives when hiring a pipe repair service.
Electrical
Much like piping, wiring in the house becomes worn out over time. Not only is this inconvenient, but it poses a serious safety hazard to those inside the house, including both electric shock and fire hazards. Have someone inspect all wiring and electrical systems inside the house. If a problem is found, have it repaired immediately. Any electrical outlet near any water source should be GFCI, in case of electrical shock. By law, everything in the house, especially electrical, should be up to current building codes. This is another service that should not be overlooked, as it can cause major financial burdens for a homeowner if left unchecked. If you are trying to “go-green” and save on your energy bills at the same time, consider installing and using LED light bulbs in your home. You’ll notice a difference in reference to the type of lighting LED bulbs provide (trust us, they’re better), as well as, a sizeable difference in the amount you save on your power bill.
Window Upgrades (Insulation)
This section really includes anything that improves the insulation of one's home. Not only does this make the home owner's home more comfortable for all residents, but it'll greatly reduce heating costs as well. Double-pane windows are far more effective at retaining heat than single-pane windows. Any cracks under or around the door will allow tons of heat energy escape, so it’s important to address this issue quickly. If one wants to take it even further, they can upgrade the exterior insulation of their house entirely.
Remodeling
This service is entirely optional, but goes miles in improving the looks of one's home. Simply changing the flooring and carpet makes a house look entirely different and won't "break the bank" or force you to make a withdrawal from your child's college savings fund in order to do so. Professional painters can make a house completely unrecognizable, in a good way, to the homeowner. The colors that the homeowner chooses has a huge effect on the overall atmosphere of their house. In general, lighter colors create a brighter, more uplifting atmosphere, whereas darker colors are more mellow. Every homeowner will have their own preference, but if you’re a homeowner that is considering renting or selling your home down the road, it’s a good idea not to make a drastic remodeling decision that is purely based on your interest, as this can decrease the home’s value for resale purposes.
Verdict
Ultimately, what every homeowner chooses to do is entirely up to them, which is the beauty of homeownership in the first place. However, some of the services we listed are leaning more towards a necessity, rather than an option, and homeowners would be wise to do their due diligence and to plan accordingly.
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