Maintenance costs can look like a lot on the surface. Hundreds of dollars for inspections, upkeep, and check-ins. You know your home, things aren’t currently wrong with it. 

But problems can persist in places that you can’t see. And unseen problems can affect renovation plans, structural integrity and your family’s health and safety. Here’s a quick rundown of areas you should be regularly maintaining for maximum safety and security.

Regular maintenance costs 

Paint

It costs between $5,844 and $9,321 on average to have your home’s exterior painted professionally. This depends on the type of home you have (one-story, two-story, etc.) and size. The normal range for professional interior painting is between $900 and $3,060.

It’s recommended that homeowners paint the exterior and interior regularly. The type of material determines the timeline. For example:

• Wood: three to seven years
• Stucco/Concrete: five to six years
• Aluminum: five years
• Brick (if painted): 15 to 20 years

Faded exterior paint colors can lead to higher energy bills. Lighter colors reflect more UV rays, which means your home doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures.

HVAC maintenance

Homeowners should be scheduling at least two HVAC maintenance visits a year—one for spring, the other for fall. Depending on the contractor you can expect to pay between $75 and $200. That’s better than the $2,000 to $3,000 you can expect to pay if more substantial parts are required. 

If not well-maintained, you can run into problems. For example, your AC unit’s drip pan can turn into a petri dish full of mildew and mold, causing or worsening health problems in your home. 

Twice a year maintenance should add years to the lifespan of your HVAC unit. 

Roofing

Minor roof repairs can include things like 

• Minor leaks
• Damaged or missing shingles
• Holes and punctures
• Pooling water
• Minor flashing damage

Tackling these problems can cost you between $150 and $1,500 depending on the problem. However, these minor problems can easily lead to larger structural issues with your home, so it’s better to tackle them immediately. 

Getting a roof inspection once a year will help you avoid bigger repair costs down the road. 

Septic tank

Your septic tank should also be maintained, just like the rest of your property. Experts recommend that you empty your septic tank every two to three years, though this may depend on the size of your household. Well-maintained system maintenance should cost you between $250 to $500. 

However, malfunctioning septic system repairs can be as expensive as $5,000 to $15,000 if not more than that. Regular maintenance is key. 

Attic

Attics sit in the sun all day and some can get up to 130 degrees during the summer. This means your attic should be inspected regularly—at least once a year to check for any problems such as pest infestations, leaks, and ventilation checks. You can probably get your roof inspection and attic inspection done in one fell swoop.

Debowsky Design Group

At Debowsky Design Group, we understand that sustainable design means ease of maintenance for the homeowner. Whether you’re looking for a renovation partner or just thinking about starting a project, our team of experts is ready to help you craft the right design plan. Get in touch with us today! Let’s start your new project.