If you have ever owned an older home, you know maintenance is a constant battle. From leaky pipes and drafts to sagging floors and rotting wood, the older your house gets, the more problems it seems to have. Keeping up with the maintenance of an older home can be a challenge for even the most attentive homeowners. However, you can do some easy things to help maintain your home and keep it from getting into a worse condition. Let’s face it: most people don’t buy a fixer-upper to make its life more manageable. However, suppose you’re planning on staying in this home for several years (or until you can sell it again). In that case, these tips will help you avoid the most common pitfalls of owning an older property while keeping ownership costs low and minimizing time spent fixing things.
Have a strategy for repairs and renovations
As you’re going along with the process of owning an older home, have some game plan for what problems you’d like to tackle first and which ones you want to put off until a later date. Keeping track of the issues you run into, and the costs of repairs can help you decide where to focus your energy and budget most effectively. Make sure you’re not putting all your money into one repair at the expense of another, though. Keep a list of all the small and large repairs that need to be done and prioritize them based on their impact on your daily life. If you’re dealing with a few significant issues severely impacting your quality of life, it may make sense to put off more minor, less urgent repairs until later.
Fix the stuff that’s causing the most damage first
Not to be taken literally, but one of the best ways to keep your home running smoothly and extend its lifespan is to focus on the problems causing the most damage. Try to figure out the most significant issues causing problems for your home and repair them first. Some repairs will be more urgent than others, such as replacing broken windows or sagging floors, while others are just cosmetic and can be put off until later.
Repair or replace your home’s major systems ASAP
If you’ve just bought an older home, this is definitely an item to put at the top of your list. Older wiring and plumbing systems are prone to corrosion and breakage, and as your house ages, this problem worsens. When you first move in, shut off the water to your house and have it checked for leaks. Check to see if there are any leaks in your plumbing system by putting food coloring in your toilet tank (don’t flush it!); if the color appears in other fixtures, you know you have a leak. Repairs or replacements for major systems such as water pipes and electrical wiring can be costly. Understanding these systems' conditions is essential to ensuring your home is up to code and safe for you and your family to live in.
Check for plumbing and wiring problems
While checking your water lines for leaks, take a moment to look at the connections between your house and the main water line that runs to your home. If the pipes are made of clay or concrete and not made of metal, they’re probably starting to break down and may cause some issues down the line. Look at your electrical connections and ensure they’re up to code.
Watch out for rot — especially near windows and doors
Rotting wood can be a big problem in older homes, especially in areas with a lot of moisture, such as near windows and doors. Fixing rotting wood can be expensive, but it can also be a safety hazard. If you’ve got rotting wood in your home, you’ll want to get it fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Don’t forget the roof!
You may not spend a lot of time on the roof, but it’s definitely something that needs to be maintained and checked regularly. If your roof is more than 15 years old, you’ll want to keep an eye on it and make sure it’s in good condition. Check for missing shingles, cracks, and other damage that may harm your roof. If you notice any problems, get them fixed as soon as possible before they lead to more costly repairs and replacements down the road. If you need repairs, go to professional roofing companies for help, and don't attempt to do it yourself.
Get in-depth home inspections before making repairs
Before you ever start making repairs, you may want to hire a professional home inspector to give you an overview of the general condition of your home. Co-ops and condos may require a home inspection before making any significant repairs, but even if you live in a single-family home, it’s a good idea to hire a home inspector. You’ll be able to see what is wrong with your home and whether it’s something you can fix yourself or if it requires a professional. You’ll also be able to look for issues that may be dangerous, such as loose wiring or leaky pipes. If your home inspector discovers a major problem, such as broken floorboards or a damaged roof, you’ll want to know about it before you make any repairs so you can factor that into your budget.
Focus on cosmetic improvements last
While focusing on repairs and renovations, avoid making cosmetic improvements unless they are vital. If you’re trying to get your house up to code, it can be tempting to replace things like old light fixtures or add insulation to your walls, but these upgrades can be expensive and aren’t necessary to make your house safe and livable. Building your home up to code is essential, but you don’t want to spend all your money on these upgrades before addressing the major systems and repairs that will make a difference in your daily life.
Wrapping up
Older homes are often filled with charm and character but can also be filled with problems. By following these tips, you can better maintain your older home and keep your family safe and comfortable in their new home. Owning a home is a big responsibility, and while the rewards can be great, they can also be challenging. With these tips in mind, you can make owning your home more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
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