Owning a property comes with its fair share of responsibilities, which includes everything from regular cleaning to repairing damage. Unfortunately, these maintenance activities need to be performed on a regular basis, which can be time-consuming, potentially expensive and put a real strain on those who are time-poor.
Thankfully, there are some strategies you can adopt to significantly reduce the amount of upkeep your property requires. It doesn’t matter if you are a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, these strategies will save you time, effort, and money while ensuring your property stays in top condition.
1. Choose Low-Maintenance Flooring
Flooring is the most frequently used surface in a property, so it is vital that you select a durable, low-maintenance option that is easy to clean. Materials like vinyl, laminate, or engineered timber, which you will all find at outlets like Choices Flooring, are all resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. Therefore, they require minimal upkeep in comparison to carpets, which can trap dirt and require frequent cleaning.
2. Install Durable, Weather-Resistant Materials
The materials you use for your property can have a significant impact on the amount of maintenance you need to do on it.
It is a good idea to choose high-quality, weather-resistant materials for your exteriors, such as composite decking instead of timber, fibre cement siding instead of wood, and metal or slate roofing instead of traditional shingles. These materials are built to withstand the harsh elements and will reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
3. Choose Smart Landscaping
We all love to look at a beautiful and well-maintained garden. But while it might enhance your property’s curb appeal, it can also be a source of ongoing work. That said, you can reduce the amount of landscaping maintenance you need to do by using native or drought-resistant plants that require less water and care and installing artificial turf or using gravel instead of natural grass. You may also want to mulch flower beds to prevent weed growth and install an automated irrigation system that saves you from watering the garden.
4. Keep Gutters and Drainage Systems Clear
If you have blocked gutters or drainage systems it can provide you with a serious headache. Roof leaks, foundation issues, and the growth of mould can all lead to significant property damage, so you should take steps to prevent this from happening.
This can involve installing gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from building up, scheduling seasonal cleanings with professionals to keep gutters clear, and upgrading your drainage solutions to something like French drains or permeable paving. Taking these steps will go a long way towards preventing water damage, which might otherwise result in you having to do major repairs. But here are some other things you can do.
5. Use Low-Maintenance Paint and Finishes
Throughout the inside and outside of your property, walls, fences, and other painted surfaces will require a regular touch-up and clean.
To reduce the number of times you have to do this, you should consider repainting your interiors with washable, scuff-resistant paint. You can also give the outside of your property a fresh coat of UV and weather-resistant exterior paint to extend its lifespan. At the same time, replacing railings, window frames, and gates with powder-coated or anodized metal finishes will prevent them from rusting and wearing.
6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Homes with older windows and doors can be less energy efficient and result in leaks, drafts, and the growth of mould that will require maintenance. For this reason, if you replace them with double-glazed windows and composite doors, you will not have to do as much maintenance as they will have better durability. Being newer, they will also be made to a better standard that reduces condensation and moisture-related issues and helps to maintain indoor temperatures by reducing heating and cooling costs.
7. Install Smart Home Technology
One of the great things about modern technology is that it can go a long way towards not only automating and simplifying the process of maintaining your property but also preventing problems before they become costly maintenance issues.
Devices like smart thermostats to regulate temperature efficiently, while motion-sensor lights reduce the need for frequent bulb replacements. Additionally, leak detectors can catch plumbing issues early, and automated security systems can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and vandalism.
8. Perform Regular Preventative Maintenance
It is always better to be proactive than reactive, so rather than waiting for things to break down, try to identify issues early.
A good way to do this is to develop a checklist that includes activities like checking for leaks in plumbing and roofs, servicing heating and cooling systems, testing smoke detectors and security alarms, and inspecting the property for signs of pests or structural damage. The more often you can do this, the more likely you are to save yourself a lot of maintenance work at a later point in time.
