If you are new to property ownership, this article will be very helpful, as we offer an insight into building maintenance, which is part and parcel of being a homeowner. Let’s face it, your home is probably going to be the biggest single investment you ever make, so it makes complete sense to upkeep the building and keep your investment relevant.
We talked to a seasoned property owner and here are a few of their tips on maintaining a property.
✔ Pre-source tradespeople – Don’t wait until you need a plumber in Coogee, NSW, rather source a leading local plumber now and save the number in your smartphone. Do the same for an electrician, a heating engineer, a landscape gardener and a cable TV guy and create a shortlist of essential services that you will probably need one day. This is the smart way; be proactive and have the foresight to connect with local tradespeople, and then you can build relationships that will benefit you in the long term.
✔ Regular inspections – Take the roof as a classic example, we cannot actually see 75% of our roof from any ground vantage point, therefore we need to call in a local roofing contractor every 6 months. The roofer closely inspects every inch of the roof, looking for loose or missing tiles, cleaning out the guttering and checking the flashing. The same goes for the exterior walls, plumbing network, including drains and regular inspections reveal minor issues that can be fixed before they become major. Click here for a few apartment renovation ideas.
✔ Create a maintenance list – This should include all maintenance tasks, with timelines; post it in the kitchen where it won’t be forgotten and set up service calls in advance. Attention to detail ensures that minor problems are spotted and dealt with promptly and keep all paperwork in case you decide to sell in the future.
✔ Use quality materials, fixtures and fittings – Resist the temptation to skimp when repairing your property, as this is likely to come back and bite you. Materials can range in price and in quality also; ask a builder for recommendations and you can’t go wrong! While there is nothing wrong with DIY maintenance, you should know your limits. Some things (unblocking drains) should not be tackled unless you happen to be an expert; rather call out a professional who knows what he’s doing.
✔ Composites – When renovation or repair is on the cards, always look at the latest composite materials; going hi-tech means no maintenance. Composites don’t corrode and they are generally eco-friendly, which helps to reduce your carbon footprint.
It might seem a bit daunting when you first take charge of a property, but you will soon get into the flow of things and we hope the above tips help you to stay on top of building maintenance and upkeep. Building maintenance is an essential aspect of property ownership and it is not something you can afford to ignore.
