For most folks, their home is the single largest purchase they will make in their lifetimes. However, many homeowners overlook routine home maintenance because they just don’t know what they should be doing. Unfortunately, this neglect can cost a pretty penny down the line. Homeowners have to realize that just like a car, your home requires regular maintenance in order to keep it in tip top shape. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to maintain your home properly. In fact, maintaining your home is so rudimentary that most maintenance projects are ideally suited for the weekend do-it-yourselfer, even the frugal ones. Before you hire a contractor, check out these frugal tips for the weekend warrior in your brood.
Rent Tools You Plan to Use Only Once
Most home improvement stores today offer affordable tool rentals. If you are undertaking a painting project, fixing your molding, or if you need a nail gun, consider renting tools instead of buying them. If you are afraid the equipment won’t fit in your car, that’s okay, most home improvement stores offer delivery or truck rentals too, for a fee of course.
Save Left Over Material
If you are replacing carpet in one area, consider keeping your older carpet to repair other worn areas of carpet in your home. As you repair and replace new items, don’t throw what you don’t use away, keep it instead. You never know when those leftovers may come in handy for a repair down the line.
Buy Discounted Paint
Discounted paint is available at most hardware stores and paint stores for a fraction of the cost of paint you need mixed onsite. If you are flexible with your paint colors, you can buy colors that were mixed incorrectly for other customers and even recycled paint and save a bundle.
Stay on Top of Routine Maintenance
Just doing something as simple as taking the time to remove debris from your roof can prevent moisture build up, avoiding costly roof problems later. Once a year, take an opportunity to inspect every inch of your home carefully. Check your vents, redo your caulking, drain your hot water heater, check for loose shingles and look for any cracks or damages to the interior or exterior of your home. When you find them, do a quick on-the-spot fix. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Buy Materials Separately from Labor
Even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfer or weekend warrior needs help from time to time. However, avoid buying your materials directly from your contractor. Shop for the best deal on materials and have those things on hand before you hire help. It will save you money in the end.
Maintenance Plans
A plethora of companies offer customizable home warranty plans designed to safeguard owners from disaster. These plans work as a type of insurance, hedging the homeowner against common mishaps like costly appliance breakdowns or air conditioning repair. Most of these home warranty products start at $400 a year and go up from there, but are well worth the initial expense.