If you’re planning to buy a new home or have recently done so, then you’re probably filled with anticipation about having your own place. With all the excitement, don’t forget to include routine maintenance costs when calculating your budget. Home lenders have a rule of thumb that about two and a half times your annual salary should be set aside for buying a house, including the maintenance costs for the first year. Below are a few types of routine maintenance you should be anticipating.
Chimney Cleaning
Before using your fireplace, you should have your chimney cleaned and inspected by professional chimney cleaning in Washington DC. Chimney sweep services will remove any debris that has built up in the chimney and evict any animals that may have taken residence inside it. These professional services will also inspect the chimney for structural damage and perform any needed repairs or updates.
Air Duct Cleaning
Your HVAC system relies on air ducts to move the heated or cooled air throughout your home. If there’s too much build-up of debris within the ducts, then the distribution of air and your comfort level will be negatively impacted. Moreover, the indoor air quality itself might decline. Periodic air duct cleaning and inspection will alleviate these problems.
Sewer Rodding
If any of your plumbing fixtures have slow drainage that you can’t correct with ordinary tools, such as a plunger, then you should call a plumber. If you see sewer backup, then you should make the call immediately. Depending on the circumstances, your sewer may need rodding, a process in which debris and sometimes even tree roots are removed from the inside of the sewer pipes.
You should look around your new property and list all the other regular maintenance costs in your budget too. By planning for these costs from the beginning, you’ll be equipped to enjoy your new home with greater peace of mind.
