Property maintenance is not the headache many folks make it out to be.
It’s true a house or an apartment needs to be maintained to ensure small problems don’t become big ones. But it’s not going to take over your life!
Most owners will keep a casual eye on the state of their property or apartment block. Occasionally, a tree needs pruning or the gardens require a little weekend TLC. However, owning your home doesn’t mean you need your personal radar to constantly scan for problems.
Here are some myth-busting observations about home maintenance to help ensure you enjoy your home without seeing it as a labor of love.
Wipe down – There’s a myth that wallpaper cannot be wiped clean because it’s too fragile to cope with additional moisture. We all know wallpaper is making a big comeback right now. The water-resistant materials used today make cleaning it a breeze.
Carpet conundrum – Vacuuming does not reduce the life span of your carpet. Foot traffic does that. You can vacuum at least twice a week to minimize dust in the home. Steam cleaning doesn’t damage the carpet, either. Rugs should be professionally cleaned at least once every year.
Clear view – There’s no avoiding dirty windows. The wind and rain will combine to coat them in dust and dirt. It’s not okay to ignore the problem. You’ll be amazed at how much light and warmth from the sun is blocked out when they’re dirty. Consider hiring a professional if you have windows that are difficult to access.
Moldy problem – When confronted by mold, folks think you can simply wipe down the surface and paint over the top. That’s a myth. Ideally, you’ll use a specialist contractor to remediate the situation. Otherwise, use a primer-sealer or stain blocker that’s designed for areas susceptible to mold and mildew. Normal paint won’t do the job.
HVAC efficiency – You’re likely to use more power if you constantly turn your HVAC system on and off throughout the day. You should leave it running to ensure its smooth operation. It takes a large amount of electricity to fire it up each time. The claim you’ll save energy by turning it off when you pop out is a myth.
New homes – If you’ve bought a new home, you’ll enjoy a very low-maintenance experience. However, do not believe anyone who tells you it’s maintenance-free. Issues can arise. New homes need to settle, and that can cause small cracks around the ceiling. Occasionally, paint hasn’t had time to cure properly and can bubble or flake. Take photos of these problems and contact the contractor or developer.