With busy schedules, it’s easy to let regular home maintenance fall off your to-do list. Like many homeowners, you might try to cram certain projects into one weekend. Or worse yet, disaster strikes and you get hit with a large bill since you never got around to a minor task that turned into a major issue.
Stop causing yourself so much stress! Let the professionals help you, and better yet, have a maintenance plan with them.
Why It’s Worth the $$
There are three yearly professional services you should sign up for as a homeowner – HVAC (Heating & A/C), pest control/termite, and roof maintenance.
Having each of these set up on a regular maintenance plan will keep you on schedule with the appropriate level of maintenance year round. You will be assured that a professional will use their expertise to monitor each of these so that you can avoid preventable issues or serious problems later on.
At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year for maybe nothing that needs to be repaired. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run, helping you avoid more costly damage to your home and unnecessary distress and disruptions for your family.
Please take the time and do your homework when it comes to hiring any business. You want a reputable, reliable and trust-worthy company that services your home properly and doesn’t overcharge or suggest unneeded repairs.
1) HVAC (Heating/Cooling) System
Your heating and cooling system affects your day-to-day life all year long, and you want it running smoothly and efficiently. Especially with our unbearable summers, you can have some serious trouble without a properly working air conditioning unit. No one wants to come home to no heat on a cold January night either! A service plan could help prevent that.
Here’s what to expect:
A service plan with a professional HVAC company will ensure that your system is serviced at least twice a year, (ideally) before the change in seasons. A technician will test, inspect, and clean as necessary to make sure all is safe and functioning properly.
These maintenance visits are scheduled usually in the early fall and the spring, before your system needs to really crank out the heat or air conditioning. They will contact you to set up an appointment so it stays on your to-do list.
The maintenance company usually offers a cost incentive if you join their service plan vs two separate visits without a contract. They’ll also schedule your home on their calendar, and give you reminders when the service is up due, without you having to remember to call them.
Some also provide discounts on parts and future replacements. Always check your contract carefully. You’ll get scheduling priority when something does go wrong! This is extremely helpful during the holidays or weekends.
2) Pest Control and Wood Destroying Insect Inspections
No one likes to admit it but some neighborhoods can have rats and other creatures and pests. And don’t get us started on the damage (and cost!!) that an unchecked termite infestation could do to your home!
Pest control really isn’t a true do-it-yourself job. Sure, you can set up a trap or two, but it really isn’t as effective as preventative measures used by a professional technician.
Here’s what to expect:
A service contract with a pest control company will schedule regular maintenance and inspections throughout the year. They know what to look out for at certain times of the year and at the change of seasons. If the home had not been serviced by a pest control company recently, they might need to visit more often in the beginning, and then move on to a less often, regular schedule once the pests are more under control.
It’s all about “control” and preventing an infestation of a wide range of pests such as mice, roaches, spiders, flies, termites, hornets, wasps, etc. If you have an infestation or a potential problem, they know how to solve the situation in a safe and efficient way that will save you money in the long run.
You’ll develop a relationship with the company and most likely with your neighborhood technician who will know your home and yard and its “problem” spots.
Again, you’ll get priority scheduling if an emergency arises.
3) Roof Maintenance (not just checking for cracked tiles)
Cleaning your roof might not seem too difficult if you have a single story home that’s not too high or too steep. But you might not know how to check for cracks and seals around the chimney and skylights. Plus gutters, don’t forget those!
Here’s what to expect:
You should have your roof inspected and cleaned at least once every two years, and get the gutters cleaned at least once a year. This is critical before the rainy season comes!
A roofer will check your roof tiles for any breakage or cracks, missing fasteners. They pay special attention around the chimney, skylights, and any connections at a roof top AC unit for cracks and re-seal these areas as needed. They will make sure you roof is clear of debris so the rain can be directed to the gutters where it should.
You can often as a roofer to perform a roof inspection and pay for a roof certification where they make sure your roof is in good condition and will warrant their work for a period of time, usually 2 years.
Speaking of gutters, they also need to be cleaned before the rain comes. The gutters often collects leaves, bird droppings throughout the year. A roofer can clean it out to make sure the rain water will drain off of the roof properly.
Since this will be once a year or two years type of service, you can schedule for a roofer when needed. If your roof needs repairs, the roofer can often fix “the easy stuff” as they are performing the service.
Again, you can develop a relationship with a certain roofing company or roofer who knows your home and roof.
As you can see, investing in service professionals upfront will make your life easier as a homeowner. Your home is being monitored and serviced on a regular basis, helping to avoid more costly and preventable damage later on.
Email me at hello@yuelehmanrealestate.com if you have any questions about service contracts or want any recommendations.
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