Part of being a homeowner is making sure that your house is well-maintained and in good repair. While some homes may require more attention than others, there’s usually something that needs taking care of every year. The average homeowner will usually spend one to four percent of their house’s market value on maintenance and repairs. As houses age, or when they are subjected to extreme weather conditions, they will usually require more attention.
Taking Care of Your Roof
Experts recommend that roofs should be inspected at least once or twice a year under normal conditions. Houses that are located in areas which experience inclement weather tend to need more frequent inspections and repairs, however. In some instances, homeowners may choose to have metal roofs installed because they can withstand high winds, hail, snow, and debris.
Making sure gutters are in good repair is also important. Since debris can clog gutters and prevent them from functioning optimally, having gutter services is beneficial. Furthermore, if standing water collects on roofs, this can cause damage and result in leaky roofs and other issues.
When roofs need to be replaced, some DIY homeowners choose to take care of this project themselves. This will tend to cost between $1,000.00 to $4,000.00 for a standard 2,200-to-2,600 square foot roof. If homeowners opt to have a professional replace their roof, it will likely cost between $2,000.00 to $8,500.00.
Taking Care of Your Siding
Most new siding can withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour. it’s important to note, however, that vinyl siding is easier to re-install if it is ripped off by high winds. If you’re interested in having vinyl siding installed, it’s a good idea to ask your contractor, “What is the best vinyl siding for my home?”
There are different types of exterior wall materials being used in new single-family home construction. According to the Census Bureau, vinyl siding was popular last year and installed in 36% of these new homes. Other new constructions used the following exterior wall materials:
- Brick: 23%
- Stucco: 17%
- Fiber cement: 13%
Taking Care of Your Windows
Rather than repairing existing windows, it may be time to replace them. It’s important to consider several factors, which includes the overall cost. Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost Vs Value Report, for example, provided the average replacement costs for these two types of windows:
- Vinyl windows: $11,319.00
- Wood windows: $12,299.00
Lowering Your Monthly Utility Bills
When homes have quality doors, windows, roofs, and siding, this can make a difference in a house’s overall energy usage. During cold months, 38% of the heat loss that occurs in the average home is due to doors and windows not being properly weatherized. Homes with old, drafty single-pane windows, for instance, will usually lose even more heat. This can be as much as 50%.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates, energy bills can be reduced when new Energy Star approved windows are installed. While this will depend on where homes are located, replacing single-pane windows with these new models can potentially save homeowners $501.00 per year.
What Is the Best Vinyl Siding for my Home?”
Once you contact your local contractor, you will also be able to discuss a variety of issues. This includes receiving material and product recommendations, such as Energy Star approved window models. You may also want to know, “What is the best vinyl siding for my home?” Experienced contractors will be able to provide you with several different options.
In addition to receiving recommendations based on asking, “What is the best vinyl siding for my home?” you may also be curious as to the best type of new roof installation. Your contractor will be able to discuss the difference between asphalt shingles, slate, metal, rubber and modified Bitumen, or wood shake.
Once you replace your home’s siding, windows, and roof, It will increase your house’s curb appeal. If you’re planning to put your house on the market, you may also want to focus on landscaping, which most real estate agents recommend. Remember that taking care of these and other projects can make a difference in the overall selling price and potentially bring you a solid return on your investment.