Owning a property is a dream come true. But that’s not the end of the story. Your dream space should always remain in a well-maintained condition. Be it a rental, a family home, or a commercial space, regular maintenance is essential. It uplifts your mood, keeps you healthy, and saves on potential repair bills. Though on paper, property maintenance seems to be a hefty job, it’s actually not. With careful planning and well-informed decisions, you can keep your property in top condition without spending a fortune.
Create a Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Planning can be a budget-saver. Creating a preventive maintenance schedule beforehand can be one of the best steps you can take to maintain your property. Don’t be reactive. Instead, keep a check on your property’s key systems that often require maintenance: plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, and appliances. For effective property maintenance in Auckland, keeping a close eye on these systems will help you pacify any tiny issue before it becomes a bothersome challenge.
Handle Small Repairs Immediately
Ignoring tiny stuff can lead to expensive repairs. A leaky tap, a warping door, or a mouldy wall can look like a trivial issue, but ignoring them can result in hundreds of dollars of expense. You have to be proactive in catching and dealing with these small snags to prevent escalation.
Budget tip: Set aside a small monthly maintenance fund. Even $50-$100 monthly can cover minor fixes and keep larger issues at bay.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters Regularly
Nothing’s thinner than water. And this ability of water makes it dangerous for your property. Blocked gutters, broken downspouts, or cracked shingles can lead to interior leaks and structural issues.
What to do:
- Clear your gutters every 3-6 months.
- Identify signs of sagging, rust, or blockages.
- After a storm, check the roof for any loose or missing shingles.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Fixtures
A flickering light bulb, a leaking faucet, or a malfunctioning appliance seems to be a minor issue. But you don’t need to treat them as a tiny problem. Fixing them right away can bring your utility bills down. Smart swaps include:
- LED lighting.
- Low-flow toilets and showerheads.
- Energy Star-rated appliances.
Though replacing these things involves an upfront cost, the savings are higher than the bills you’ll pay when they become major trouble, especially in properties with multiple units or high usage.
Learn Basic DIY Maintenance
There’s a lot in your property that you can fix on your own. Now, this doesn’t mean you should become a handyman, but with a basic maintenance know-how, you can save those hefty callout fees. Caulking windows, patching drywall, replacing air filters, or unclogging drains, you know these jobs aren’t that laborious and can be done without a pro.
Resources to explore:
- YouTube tutorials.
- Free online courses or home improvement forums.
- DIY apps with step-by-step guides.
DIYing saves you time and money, but that never means you should take everything into your own hands. If there are plumbing problems or electrical snags, it’s always good to call licensed professionals to sort these issues.
Use Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
While upgrading or replacing materials, do not compromise durability for budget or trends. Good things come at a cost, so you might be paying a bit more in the beginning, but the longevity and durability of materials over time would justify your investment. Some examples of cost-effective materials include:
- Vinyl flooring over laminate.
- Fibre-cement siding over wood.
- Quartz countertops over marble.
Hire Trusted Local Professionals for Big Jobs
Do not look for cheaper options when an expert professional is required. Though every expensive service isn’t a quality guarantee, most expensive services often possess good hands-on experience. To get multiple quotes:
- Get multiple quotes.
- Read reviews and ask for references.
- Request a detailed scope of work before agreeing.
Bundle Services When Possible
Standalone services can increase the eventual cost. If you need multiple services at once, look for bundle packages. Combined service packages often have discounts and lower costs. You can also consider the annual service package. The upfront cost can be steeper, but they come with priority scheduling and emergency callout savings.
Wrapping Up
Maintaining a property involves multiple factors. HVAC system servicing, replacing appliances, fixing plumbing issues, there’s a lot. But a lot of fixes never mean a lot of money. Following the above tips can help you bring your maintenance costs down and save hundreds of dollars that you can spend somewhere else, like a family vacation or a trip to your favourite place.
