Wednesday, May 31, 2023

How You Can Count on Saving Money for Outdoor Home Repairs

 With the summer months just around the corner, there is one major thing that you can count on being an issue- outdoor maintenance. There’s something about the summer months where maintenance just becomes rampant. Maybe it's the sweltering temperatures, or maybe it’s all that high wind and heavy rains that blow in during the summer. But in general, you can count on having a handful of outdoor-oriented maintenance projects you’ll (unexpectedly) will need to work on. But speaking of which, how can you save money on some of these repairs?  Can you count on saving money in the long term? Well, keep reading on to find out!

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Start By Researching Contractors

You don’t want to pick the first one you see; that’s almost always a terrible idea. But what you can do instead is look into multiple and compare. For instance, if you’re wanting to get some fencing installed for your home or even get it fixed, then you may want to look into fence repair by Texas State Fence as well as a couple of other companies. That way, you can compare the prices and the overall value to see what would even be best for you. Usually, you’ll have to get a quote, and this may even require a professional to just come out to your place. So make sure these are free quotes so you can save the most money.

Avoid Purchasing In-Season

Items like shovels, rakes, outdoor brooms, and anything related to the outdoors (including repair materials like wood glue) tend to be more pricey in the summer months due to the high demand they have. So, generally speaking, it may be ideal to just in advance by this season or at least buy them during a sale in case they’ll be needed. Usually, the markup for these products could be as high as 110%! So, needless to say, it’s just best to go ahead and take care of it this way and try and buy it all in advance. 

What Can Be DIYed?

For the most part, the summer months are great for doing things yourself outside, and that includes repairs and general maintenance to your home. So, since contractors tend to charge more in the summer since that’s when they’re more in demand, you can instead consider DIYing some of the maintenance yourself. However, there are things to keep in mind to truly ensure that you’re going to save money. So ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I have all the required materials needed for the project?

  • Is it easy enough to where I could do it?

  • Do I have experience in this?

  • If I mess up, will it cost more than the initial repair?

  • Will I need to buy additional materials or tools?


Sometimes, all of the tools and materials will cost roughly the same amount as the actual contractor who does the work. So, in general, it’s important to run over all of the costs and compare it to a free quote. This way, you’ll have a solid estimation of what you can expect in terms of pricing. Whether it’s your garden or your house, it is possible to get all of these repairs and changes done on a tight budget!




Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Do These Things To Save Money On Your Home Over The Longterm

 As a homeowner, it seems that the work is never-ending. There is always something to clean, repair, or replace. While that is true, you can make your life easier and make your home last longer by taking care of it. Follow these tips that will not only save you money over time but will also help maintain the integrity of the home you love.


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Keep Your Roof in Good Order

Your roof is a major component in protecting your home and family. It must be watertight to prevent water and moisture from seeping into your home. When there is damage to your rooftop, it usually goes unnoticed for some time. This is when mold begins to grow, and more avoidable problems become bigger than they should have.


Contact a licensed roofing company for an estimate. They will inspect your roof and inform you of their findings. Professional roofers can repair and replace problematic areas to protect the integrity of the roof. For older roofs that have been left without care, you may need the entire roof replaced. This is an opportunity to upgrade to better products and find the color, material, and design that will really impact your home’s curb appeal.


Clean the Gutters

The gutters and downspouts attached to your home may seem flimsy and insignificant. Make no mistake, however, they are integral parts of your home’s external protective design. Gutters and downspouts collect and guide rainwater to move it off the roof and away from your home. If at any point they begin to pull away, the rainwater will run down the side of your home and pool at the base of the foundation. This increases the chances of a basement leak through cracks or even a basement window.


Pull out a ladder as part of your maintenance schedule, or hire a professional to do it for you and inspect your gutter system routinely. Look for cracks and worn components, and replace them as needed. Clean out the gutters while you are up there to prevent unnecessary clogs from compromising their intended purpose. Consider installing gutter guards to keep debris from entering the gutter system and save you the trouble of cleaning them out.


Inspect the Foundation

Look for cracks and signs of shifting in the foundation. Have a licensed inspector assess the situation or any areas you are concerned about to determine if there is a structural problem versus a simple patch and seal job. 


A home’s foundation supports the entire weight of the house. If it begins to degrade, the home itself may be compromised. As rainy seasons and dry seasons change the nature of the soil around your home, it will have an impact on whether or not the ground shifts. The shifting ground will affect your home’s structure in some manner, whether it is through a sticking door or cracks in the basement ceiling, it is crucial to take care of the base of the home for the benefit of the rest of the home.


Maintain Your Home

Spending time to take care of and properly maintain your home is the best thing you can do to sustain the structure and save money on unnecessary repairs and replacements due to neglect. 


Watch this video for a home maintenance checklist that includes an easy-to-follow schedule.







Clear the Perimeter

While flora is beautiful to look at, you do not want any plants sitting too close to your home. They tend to grow up into the space between vinyl siding and can create a problem as time passes. Other plants, if allowed to grow next to a structure, can grow into the cement in your basement causing tiny cracks that will eventually become larger cracks. In turn, these cracks can allow water and bugs into your home.


To prevent these potential problems, simply make it a part of your routine to walk around the home and pull any weeds growing next to it or cut back overzealous plants. Grab a pair of gardening gloves, garden shears, and a bucket for your cuttings or weeds. Do not throw the pulled weeds on the ground as they can reseed and defeat your efforts. Do this daily in warmer months if you have time. A weekly inspection works well, too.



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Take these suggestions for making your home a place you love that continues to provide you shelter and comfort. When you take care of your home, it will take care of you for years to come. And, you get to spend less time on repairs and more time doing what you enjoy.


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