The Risks of Not Keeping Up With Property Maintenance

The value of your structure as well as the overall property may suffer significantly if you neglect property care. Your family members should never be exposed to the health hazards associated with neglecting your property. Following health hazards, neglecting property maintenance can undermine your financial well being and resale value. For those reasons, it’s critical to make regular, expert property maintenance investments. In this article you can find out why property maintenance is so important and how much property maintenance in the USA costs.

Owning a home is a significant investment that requires constant attention and care. Unfortunately, some American homeowners underestimate the importance of regular property maintenance, exposing themselves to a myriad of risks. Neglecting property upkeep can lead to serious consequences, both financially and in terms of safety and comfort.

Property Value and Property Maintenance

One of the most immediate and tangible risks of neglecting property maintenance is the decrease in property value. American real estate markets are competitive, and potential buyers are often deterred by homes in poor condition. Simple issues such as a leaky roof, peeling paint, or overgrown landscaping can significantly reduce the perceived value of a property.

Regular maintenance not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of a home but also safeguards its overall market value. Many, if not all, American Realtors recommend at least beautifying the property grounds. This undertaking is very affordable and highly effective when selling homes. Freshly mowed lawn, trimmed bushes, pressure washed driveway and spotless windows will go a long way.

We all know the importance of first impressions. If the first impression not impress, the following aspects will matter less. 

Costs for ground maintenance:

• Mowing you lawn, professionally edging the sides, removing weeds can cost you as low as $50 per visit.

• Trimming bushes or pruning trees can cost as low as $75 per visit.

• Cleaning all your windows can cost as low as $125.

• Pressure Washing concrete, asphalt or interlocking surfaces while removing stains, dirt, grime and other contaminants can cost as low as $125 per visit.

• Washing and Staining wooden fence, making it look as good as freshly installed can cost as low as $250.

• Removing weeds from your interlocking driveway can cost as low as $250.

These are just very few inexpensive but highly effective property maintenance services that will boost the curb appeal, elevate the first impression and therefore increase the chances of selling your home for top dollars.

If the ground is well kept, other effective maintenance tasks can be performed. Freshly painting the garage and entrance doors in neutral but popping colors is the next most effective first impression booster. This task can be done by handy home owners or by professionals for as little as $450.

FURTHER TIPS FOR IMPROVING FIRST IMPRESSION:

• Make sure you have proper lighting, replace all lightbulbs if needed, make sure all colour tones are the same, avoid having different light bulbs.

• Vent all rooms properly, make sure there are no odours that can deter potential buyers.

• Declutter your home (remove personal images, unnecessary distractions like make-up, shampoo, deodorants…..)

• Add some freshly cut flower arrangements to the most important rooms like kitchen or living room.

Structural Integrity and Property Maintenance

Neglecting routine maintenance can result in serious structural issues that compromise the integrity of the home. Harsh winters, with their freezing temperatures can take a toll on roofs, foundations, siding and even expansive ground surfaces.

Failure to address issues promptly, such as a small leak or a crack in the foundation, can escalate into major structural damage that requires costly repairs. Snow and especially ice can create havoc on expansive interlocking surfaces. A very inexpensive inspection and small incision can save you thousands of dollars.

Small issues can be easily repaired and the costs will be kept to a minimum. Failing to address the issues as soon as possible can create a domino effect in further damages and higher repair costs. Many home owners believe that home insurance will cover the costs of repair. That might be the case if your home insurance has no reason to believe there was no proper maintenance involved in such damages. Toilet can clog, overflow and cause huge damage to your walls and flooring, probably not caused by neglected property maintenance, yet, a big hole in your roof or foundation will raise alarm bells with the insurer. Further more, fences, decks and driveways are most likely exempt from regular home insurance policies, which means, any damage to the structure will not be covered.

In what shape is your fence, deck or interlocking driveway? When was the last time any of those surfaces were inspected, washed, sealed and repaired?

Washed and sealed wooden surfaces will last at least 3 times as long as not treated wooden structures. Not letting weeds grow in between interlock pavers can save you thousands of dollars in repairs or total replacement.

Proper Maintenance Cost:

• Fence wash and seal can cost as low as $500 an investment well worth doing every 3 years.

• Deck wash, sand and seal is another important task that should be done every 2-3 years and it can cost as low as $450.

• Cleaning and sealing interlocking driveway or walk way can cost as little as $600, this task should be done every 3-4 years.

• Removing weeds from interlocking surfaces, adding polymeric sand and sealing will cost $1000 or more.

• Repairing or replacing interlocking surfaces will cost $2200 and more depending on the size of the project.

• Repairing small roof leaks can cost as little as $600 (keep in mind that insurance may not cover any damages caused by leaky roof older than 13 years!)

Health and Safety Hazards without good property maintenance

Property maintenance is not just about preserving the visual appeal of a home; it’s also crucial for the health and safety of its occupants. Issues such as mold growth, pest infestations, and faulty electrical systems can pose significant health risks. Americans spend a considerable amount of time indoors, especially during the colder months, making it essential to maintain a safe and healthy living environment. What causes mold and pest infestation? You might have guessed it already, bad property maintenance! Leaving gutters full of leaves, dirt and branches, not removing leaves before winter arrives, not removing branches and garbage around the property will invite mold and pest to infest your hard earned home. But how you might ask? While many of those aspects make common sense, one property maintenance aspects that often gets overlooked is gutter cleaning!

Gutters are made to move water away from your outer walls and windows. They will do so only if they have enough room to move excess water. If gutters and downspouts are clogged, water has only one way to move and that is by over-spilling and falling down to the wall and windows. This will increase the chance of mold collection and direct leaks into your living space.

Letting professionals to clean your gutters or doing any fall clean up is such a inexpensive and rewarding task.

Cleaning gutters can cost as low as $150 and performing entire fall clean-up can cost as little as $300. This low cost can not be a reason for skipping on this important health and safety risk minimization.

Increased Utility Costs

Neglecting maintenance can lead to inefficient home systems, resulting in increased utility costs. Poorly insulated windows, a malfunctioning HVAC system, or a water heater in disrepair can contribute to higher energy bills. Regular maintenance ensures that these systems operate efficiently, saving homeowners money in the long run and promoting environmental sustainability.

Legal Consequences

Some property maintenance issues can lead to legal consequences for homeowners. For example, if neglected maintenance causes damage to a neighboring property or if a safety hazard results in injury, homeowners may find themselves facing legal actions. Being proactive in maintaining a property not only protects the homeowner but also ensures a harmonious relationship with neighbours and the community.

Top Property Maintenance for Better Homeownership

Neglecting property maintenance is a risky gamble that American homeowners cannot afford to take. The consequences, ranging from decreased property value and structural damage to health hazards and legal troubles, highlight the importance of regular maintenance. Investing time and resources in preventive maintenance not only protects the homeowner’s investment but also ensures a safe, comfortable, and valuable living environment. It’s a small price to pay for the long-term well-being of both the property and its occupants.

Business owners and managers in any manufacturing and services industry know the formula of proper maintenance routines:

Every $100 spend on maintenance is $1000 saved on future repairs!

For all property maintenance needs, calling your local property maintenance contractor is the right step in right direction. Often contractors do not charge for estimates and recommendations, free services for your peace of mind.

Should you live in the East Tennessee area and are in need of top property maintenance services? Bobs Pressure Washing LLC can help you in achieving a safe environment and top curb appeal while saving on potential repairs. Bobs Pressure Washing LLC is a top property maintenance provider in East Tn. From pressure washing Services, to window cleaning, fence maintenance, lawn care, interlock sealing and gutter cleaning.