Congrats on your new home! As a new homeowner, we’re sure you already anticipate some routine maintenance needs with which you’re certain to become well acquainted – things like cleaning your gutters, attending to your smoke detectors, and making sure your HVAC system is well maintained. But there are some other home-maintenance tasks that you might not even realize may be issues. As a homeowner, some professionals recommend budgeting around 2% of your home’s value for home repairs every year. While we encourage you to play it safe, we’d also like to help you avoid some common pitfalls and the need to spend those repair funds unnecessarily.
Check for Critters
Attics are infamous hideouts for small animals, such as chipmunks, raccoons, or squirrels. The insulation in particular can be attractive to such unwanted guests. In addition to their droppings, though, they often pose more serious threats to your home by nibbling at walls or even wiring. Even if you don’t need to retrieve any items stored in your attic, it’s a good idea to take a look every month or so to make sure you have no little stowaways up there. If you do, you’ll want to hire an exterminator; while you will have to pay for removal service, you’ll pay less than you would if you end up having to get that done along with having wiring and other structures repaired.
Dogs that Dig
In all the excitement (and extra work) involved in moving into your new home, your dog may form a new habit that will cost you: digging. Many dogs dig in order to entertain themselves or signal that they want more attention. If the holes are in the middle of your yard, you won’t have much to do besides filling them in and re-planting grass; however, if your dog is able to dig under a fence or cause damage to the fence itself, the repairs can be far more costly. You’ll be much better off being proactive by spending a little extra time throughout the day playing with your dog or taking it on a walk.
Wash and Weep
Perhaps moving to your new abode brings with it the addition of a brand new high-efficiency washing machine! If this kind of machine is new to you, you should know that HE washers can overwork themselves and break if you use the wrong type or too much detergent. If you’re not cautious about the soap you use, you could end up having to pay hefty repair bills or even needing to buy a new washing machine.
From leaking windows to tree roots that interrupt plumbing lines, so many issues can easily crop up, leading to costly repairs. By routinely doing walk-throughs and paying attention to any small leaks or water damage, you can often avoid more costly repairs.
Nicholas Agency
The Nicholas Insurance Agency, led by Greg Nicholas, is a family owned business serving the York county, Pennsylvania region. Offering exclusively Allstate insurance products, the Nicholas Agency provides auto, homeowners, rental and landlord insurance as well as life & disability, recreational vehicle, motorcycle and personal liability insurance. For more information, visit our York, PA location in the Westgate Plaza or our Manchester, PA location in the Northeast Shopping Center or call us at (717) 764-2024.
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