This is a sponsored guest post.
Let’s face it. As much as it can really be fun, homeownership also means occasionally being paranoid about things breaking down—and paying a lot of money to have them fixed.
Your home is in a constant assault, be it from the humid weather and the seasonal temperature change or amateur home-decorating toddlers. Not to mention many homeowners today constantly worry about low-quality building materials that break down after a couple of years of use.
All these fears are rational. In fact, knowing them beforehand may help you prepare better for the worst. So just to give you a better idea of what you are up against, here are some of the most common fears homeowners face on their homeownership journey.
Flooding
Flooding is normally not covered by a standard homeowner’s insurance, and when you do get a separate policy, it usually has strict limits. It’s also a lifestyle hazard and can easily damage stuff inside your house. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prepare well for the damage.
Mold
Mold not only damages things but also causes health hazards. Mitigate mold infestation by preventing it before it becomes a full-blown headache. Use effective mold test kits to identify problem areas, dry these areas immediately, install proper ventilation, monitor indoor humidity, and improve the airflow in your home.
Insect Infestation
Not just termites but also spiders, cockroaches, mosquitoes, centipedes, etc. All these are neighbors you definitely don’t want to have. According to HomeAdvisor, the typical onetime cost of pest control is roughly $300 to $550. If you are reluctant to spend that much, here are some helpful pest prevention tips.
Plumbing Problems
Plumbing is one of those common household issues where you always have to call in the expert. You have to do it right so the problem doesn’t recur. Typical plumbing services include repairing faucets, toilets, sinks, or bathtubs, and the job can cost anywhere between $45 to $200 an hour.
Thieves
Luckily, standard homeowner’s insurance cover theft. But that does not eliminate the fact that it’s a real threat to your family’s safety. Invest in a good security system, or impose the habit of securing your home locks.
Afraid of getting locked out? See if your state allows you to secure lockpicks.
Roof Problems
As a general rule, your roof needs replacement every 25 to 30 years. Still, you should never forgo regular inspections to repair leaks or replace shingles that can prematurely make the entire replacement process necessary. Carry out scheduled maintenance, and solve minor problems before they spiral out of control.
Hurricanes
It’s natural to go into panic mode when something as unpredictable as a hurricane happens. If you live in Florida, North and South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, or Louisiana, preparing your home for hurricanes should be on top of your maintenance priorities. Here’s a guide for prepping your home for hurricane season.
Advice: Always Prioritize Maintenance
Owning a home is a lifetime project and entails a great deal of responsibility for the homeowner. This is why preventive maintenance should be taken seriously and attended to diligently.
Dedicate at least 1 to 3 percent of the home’s purchase price yearly to cover the cost of maintenance. And if you’re looking to do home renovations, always prioritize repairs first.
Photo URL: https://images.pexels.com/photos/186077/pexels-photo-186077.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940