Most first-time homeowners experience contradictory emotions when they get to hold the key to their home.
Indeed, for the first time, they have full control over their interior decor. Walls can be painted, wallpapers can be added, and more importantly, holes can be driven through walls – to hang frames, shelves and other furniture.
However, at the same time, you also become responsible for the maintenance of your property. That means that boiler, plumbing, electricity and other appliance repair and servicing bills fall on you. But do make sure, in your maintenance schedule, to pay attention to the structural elements in your house. Indeed, while you don’t need to update or fix your structure as often as your appliances, you can’t afford to ignore it for too long!
#1. Is my roof strong?
As a rule of the thumb, you need to get your roof checked by a professional roofing company every 20 to 30 years – depending on the type of material and the weather conditions. Ultimately, your roof isn’t designed to last eternally! When you purchase a newly built property, it’s easy to forget about it.
However, if you’ve bought from previous owners, you might need to ask for an audit of the roof structure to adjust your price offer and your mortgage application. Water and air infiltration through the roof can go unnoticed if you’ve got an attic space, but they can weaken the overall house structure.
#2. Do my walls let the air in?
A house that feels cold in winter, no matter how high you turn the heating, suffers from poor insulation. There’s no denying that old window and door frames can let the cool in. However, don’t be too quick to change your windows. Indeed, more often than not, if the wall feels cold to the touch, your insulation solution — rather than your windows – is in cause.
Old or ineffective insulation systems can not only fail to protect your house against freezing temperatures, but it can also let the rainwater infiltrate the structure, causing risks of rot and damages.
#3. Can my floors sustain the pressure?
You walk on them all day, and yet, you still take your floors for granted! Effective flooring solutions, from carpets to wood floors, can not only transform your interior style but they can also reduce your maintenance and heating costs. Indeed, carpet is a popular choice in family homes as it creates a warm atmosphere. However, in high traffic areas, you need to choose a material that can withstand the pressure, Wood, on the other hand, is easier to clean but requires adequate fitting.
#4. Why do my stairs squeak?
Are you going downstairs? Squeak, squeak, squeak, say the stairs under your feet. If your stairs have developed a voice of their own, you need to take actions before their loosen up any further. Indeed, the squeaking sound indicates that your fasteners let the material move. If you’ve got the right tools, it’s something you could fix yourself before the damages worsen.
There’s more to your home than a series of elegantly decorated rooms. From time to time, you need to pay attention to your structure – from the roof to the floor – to make sure that your home can continue to provide a safe nest to yourself and your family.
