Maintaining your home is a source of pride for many people. It feels good to accomplish a task with your own two hands. Nobody likes dealing with a bunch of strangers coming in and out of your home. There are plenty of maintenance tasks you can handle on your own. But it’s better to call in the professionals for some things. When you neglect simple maintenance, you may end up with a bigger problem and a hefty repair bill. As a homeowner in Northern Colorado, having these three annual maintenance contracts will prevent damage and costly repairs.
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
One of the first things you should do when you move into a new home is to sign up for a reliable HVAC maintenance plan. Your heating and cooling systems affect your day-to-day life year-round—particularly in Northern Colorado, where the weather can change from snow to sunshine in a matter of hours. You want your systems running smoothly and efficiently. Having yearly HVAC maintenance means that you won’t end up without heat on a snowy evening or stuck in the sweltering summer heat when your AC unit breaks down.
A service plan with a professional HVAC company will ensure that your system is serviced at least twice a year during the change of seasons. A knowledgeable technician will test, inspect, and clean as necessary to ensure all is safe and functioning correctly. These maintenance visits are usually scheduled in the early fall and the spring before you start cranking the AC or heat. Entering into a yearly contract will save you money, especially if you schedule visits in advance.
Pest Control
Nobody likes to admit it, but pests like mice, spiders, wasps, and mosquitoes are very common in Colorado. Pest control is not a true DIY job. You can set up a couple of mouse traps and spray for wasps as needed. Still, these fixes are not as good as preventative measures a professional technician will use.
A service contract with a pest control company will schedule regular maintenance and inspections throughout the year. They know what to look for at certain times of the year and will help you pest-proof your home. Hopefully, these measures will prevent any infestation. If you run into a bigger problem, you want people with serious know-how to protect your home. When you have regular inspections and assessments, your servicer will have insight into your home’s potential problem areas to efficiently deal with infestations.
Chimney Maintenance
If your home has a working fireplace, chimney maintenance is a must. This is one task you definitely want to hand over to a professional. Cleaning and inspecting chimneys is difficult, dangerous, and dirty! Left unchecked, dysfunctional fireplaces are a significant health and safety hazard. Without proper ventilation, you could be breathing in harmful fumes. In extreme cases, dirty fireplaces could lead to a house fire.
A certified chimney sweep will ensure everything is in working order to prevent combustion issues and mitigate creosote buildup. Don’t skip this tip if your home doesn’t have a cozy fireplace! Some homes have chimneys to vent gas heaters or water heaters. Any type of chimney should be professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year.
Stay a Happy Homeowner in Northern Colorado
At first glance, it seems like a lot of money to spend every year when your home doesn’t have urgent repairs. However, the upfront costs will be well worth it in the long run. Building solid contracts with reliable and trustworthy businesses will ensure your home is appropriately serviced and safe if any unexpected crisis occurs.
As a real estate professional and homeowner in Northern Colorado, I am well-versed in the specific household maintenance needs of the region. I am happy to provide my list of recommended contractors so you can settle into your new home with confidence and answer any questions you have regarding this topic. And, if you’re still in the home buying process, check out my past blog where I share 4 Mortgage Secrets You Should Know Before Buying a House.
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