While homeownership is part of the American dream, it also comes with home maintenance tasks. Your mortgage broker has given you an idea of what your monthly costs will be for your mortgage, taxes, and homeowners insurance, but there are many other home maintenance costs that will come up over time. Become familiar with areas of your home that will need maintenance and repairs at some point.

Home Maintenance Costs for Drainage

Drainage issues need to be fixed in order to protect your home. If water is not draining properly away from the house, you may see water intrusion at your foundation that can cause your basement to flood.

A basic and easy way to keep water away from your home is to clean your gutters twice a year. To correct a severe drainage issue in your yard, you may need to hire a landscaping company to assess and fix your property.

Roof

When the roof is damaged, water can leak inside the home. Home maintenance costs include regular roof inspections and repairs as needed. While replacing shingles may be an easy fix, replacing an entire roof is a large investment. The good news is that a roof replacement has a high ROI.

Electrical Wiring

In most cases, electrical wiring is hidden behind drywall. Because of this, many homeowners do not notice faulty wiring. Older homes are more likely to have outdated wiring that’s a safety hazard and expensive to replace.

HVAC System

If the HVAC system in your new home has not been properly maintained, it is more likely to break down. Repairs can be costly, and an entirely new HVAC system is one of the most expensive items you’ll replace as a homeowner. An HVAC system that has not been serviced also has higher energy costs.

To prevent extra expenses with your HVAC system, have it serviced on a regular basis. In most cases, the system needs maintenance every six months.

Plumbing Home Maintenance Costs

Small plumbing issues can turn major if they are ignored. Home maintenance costs for plumbing include having your water heater serviced and fixing minor leaks. By paying attention to signs of plumbing problems, you can prevent serious leaks that drive up your water bill.

AIM-HI Accurate Investment & Mortgage Home Inspections provides home inspection services to home buyers. Contact us to schedule an appointment in Middle Tennessee.