Actual Cost of Home Ownership
Written on June 29, 2011 by Cheryl Rankins
With the comforts of owning your home come huge responsibilities. The maintenance and repair work that is needed over time can be very exhausting. There are some very important systems at work in your home like electrical, roofing and plumbing. They need regular maintenance work. It might cause you to remember your renting days woefully.
The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) System:
These systems are complex and you will not be able to do the maintenance work by yourself. You will need to hire a professional HVAC expert from time to time. He will inspect the system and replace or repair accordingly.
After a period of time, you will be required to buy new units. The existing ones will wear out with time and new ones will be needed. You should replace the air conditioner and furnace regularly to ensure that the machines keep running efficiently. If you have a gas furnace, be sure to have it checked at least once every year. In many places, you will be provided these services free of cost.
The Roof:
The roof is a very important part of your house. Its primary purpose is to keep the water out. A roof that has been damaged can cause leaks. These leaks can cause cosmetic damage to the inside of the house. If the leak is very severe, it can damage the belongings and cause structural complications. It may also lead to health problems.
The most common roofing material in the United States is asphalt shingles. They can crack, become loose, get blown away or be damaged by hail and snow. The nails that fasten them to the roof can also com off. Asphalt shingles have a varied life expectancy. However, it is advised that you replace your roof at least after twenty years. The climate, installation quality and type of shingle used can also make a difference.
The Electrical System:
You should have a basic knowledge of the electrical system working in your house. Also, you should always have an electrician within reach.
Termites:
Termites can cause extensive damage. They are attracted towards moisture and wood. Make sure you hire an exterminator regularly to perform a pest inspection. You will also need to take care of a few things yourself.
Plumbing:
You should have some basic plumbing knowledge to fix the smaller problems. Something like a clogged drain should not need the services of an expert for fixing. However, there can be major plumbing problems in older homes. Also, frozen pipes, noisy plumbing and burst pipes can be very annoying indeed for any home owner.
Mold:
Mold grows in damp and wet areas. It can cause health problems to take care to eliminate it. The best way to prevent mold is to fix all the leaks present in your house. Make sure there is no environment conducive to mold growth.
Natural Disasters:
Natural disasters are a reality every home owner has to face eventually. Your home owner insurance will not cover it and you will have to get extra coverage that is quite expensive.
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