4 Ways to Save on Expensive Home Maintenance Projects
Maintenance is an essential component of homeownership. With regular maintenance efforts, you can protect property value, prevent serious damage that requires expensive repairs, and benefit in other significant ways.
Unfortunately, some maintenance projects can be expensive as well. Depending on the type of project that is sitting on your to-do list today, you may employ several techniques to reduce costs without sacrificing the quality of work done to your home.
Do the Work Yourself
Many homeowners naturally consider hiring a contractor to complete a significant task, but you may save money if you do the work yourself.
Before starting a major project, ask yourself if you have the time, energy and skill required to do quality work.
While saving money is a top goal, remember that shoddy workmanship could backfire and lead to lower property value and repairs that otherwise could have been avoided.
Choose Materials Carefully
The materials that you select for major improvements and for ongoing maintenance projects can directly impact your maintenance tasks going forward.
For example, Forever Boards are a type of siding that is designed to be durable and to never require additional painting.
When this material is installed on your home, you can directly eliminate the major task of repainting siding every few years.
Hire a Handyman Instead of a Specialist
If you are not up for completing the task on your own, keep in mind that hiring a specialist can up the cost for the task.
As an alternative, a handyman may provide similar results at a fraction of the cost. A handyman may work at a slower pace than a team of painters would, but the end result could be money in your pocket.
Shop Around
Regardless of whether you are hiring a contractor, buying supplies, or renting tools, always shop around.
Rates for these and other essential expenses in a home maintenance project vary considerably.
Remember that there may be money-saving alternatives as well. For example, you could borrow tools from a neighbor or ask a nearby family member to pitch in and help with a major project.
You may also use recycled or reclaimed materials rather than new materials.
If you have not already done so, you should prepare a home maintenance calendar so that all tasks receive proper attention.
This can help you to avoid the expensive and stressful problem of deferred maintenance and promote superior property care in the years ahead.
You can then apply these tips when possible to save money throughout the year.
Category: Home Repair
