Terri Ramsey Beavers Homes, like any other asset, require regular maintenance. Although there are numerous hazards that a home faces over time, they can broadly be classified into two categories, either environmental or man-made. The former can include weather extremities, insects, and animals, while the latter includes using third-grade materials during construction and unprofessional craftsmanship.
These factors affect not only the structure of the home but also its foundations. Moreover, they can vary from place to place. In Pittsburgh, for instance, summers are not extreme, but winters are quite snowy, resulting in moisture retention. Moreover, there is also the threat of various animals and insects that invade and destroy homes, particularly areas that are left unchecked for long periods. Thankfully, only about 1% of homes in the area are at severe risk from climate factors.
However, that doesn’t mean that as a resident of Pittsburgh, or any other area for that matter, you relax and don’t pay enough attention to your home. Most importantly, you need to take steps to preserve and maintain its structural integrity. Here are a few tips that will help:
1. Start with a thorough inspection
The first step in any repair or investigative process is determining the source. How do you do this when checking the structural integrity of the home? Well, the most common step to take is to hire a professional service provider to perform a thorough assessment of the property. You may be tempted to do this yourself, but your eyes will not be able to pick up what a skilled team will be able to. Moisture under the floorboards is one example.
Have the inspectors comprehensively comb the house, including the floors, walls, ceiling, and even the basement. If there is an issue with the roof, for example, you can hire a Pittsburgh roof replacement company to get the job done for you. But to know exactly what they have to repair, you need to have a comprehensive report of all the issues, if there are any. It is fortunate if you don’t have any major problems to address, but if you do, it is time to move on to the next step.
2. Take care of all the repairs
Okay, so you hired an inspection firm; they provided you with a report and highlighted the elements that can compromise the home’s structural integrity. However, the team mentioned that the issues were minor. It is common to assume that the word “minor” means that there is no need to care for it for now. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest mistakes that people make. Over time, that minor issue aggravates and becomes a colossal hassle that soaks up considerable money and time.
There are some problems you may be able to fix yourself if you have prior experience. For example, a drywall repair is something that can fall in the DIY category. If there are deeper, underlying problems, you need to contact a professional repair company. Either way, you must address all repairs promptly. A small investment now will save you from a substantial loss down the line.
3. Ensure to follow a regular maintenance schedule
You may avoid a lot of typical issues that result in bigger, more expensive repairs by keeping up with routine maintenance. Create an ongoing cleaning routine for each room in your home to get started. Grime, dirt, and dust can harm surfaces; regular maintenance will help eliminate them. Along with cleaning, you should deep clean your upholstery and carpets at least once a year and hoover them frequently.
Examining for wear and tear is a crucial component of routine maintenance. For instance, search for water stains, loose tiles, flaking paint, fractures in the walls, ceilings, or flooring, as well as any other signs of damage. To stop future harm, take immediate action if you notice any issues.
Don’t forget about the outdoors, either! Ensure that your downspouts and gutters are debris-free by frequently inspecting them. To stop pests from getting in, prune shrubs and trees away from your home and clear the area of fallen leaves and other yard garbage.
4. Invest in high-quality materials
Many contractors or homeowners can cut corners during construction to save a few bucks. However, that results in a shoddy construction job that can become a health and injury risk to residents. Therefore, when performing repairs, renovations, or even construction, using the best quality materials is ideal. These may require additional money, but the peace of mind and long-term cost savings that come with it are well worth the investment.
5. Understand when it may be time to call in professional help
Social media and a plethora of tutorial videos on the internet can make many people believe that they can execute a lot of things on their own. That is not the case, though, as these individuals can learn once they are halfway through and the results are not as expected. If you have experience, it is a different case entirely, but when you don’t, there is no harm in calling a professional from time to time. There are several issues that may require expert guidance.
Extensive plumbing leaks, wide-scale electrical damage, foundation cracks, or a major ceiling issue are all things that a professional can handle much better than you. And don’t give yourself the reason that a skilled service provider will cost a hefty amount because when you try doing it yourself, the final bill will be much higher. You can also easily find a reliable yet affordable professional in your area. All you need to do is search extensively for the right business.
Conclusion
Ensuring the structural integrity of your home is a major task. Since this is your abode, the place where your family resides, you wouldn’t want anything lingering over their heads that can be troubling for them. Weak residential structures and poorly maintained homes fall in the category of things that can put your loved ones in harm’s way. In order to avoid this, it is better to follow a routine and follow it religiously. Perform comprehensive inspections occasionally, seek professional help, and be wary of any arising issues before they become a massive pain for you.