Home ownership is great. Not only do you benefit from appreciating real estate values, but you also get to enjoy the freedom of knowing you’re in charge. Home ownership also has a frustrating side, however. We’re talking about maintenance, of course.
7 Tips for a Low Maintenance House
Some people don’t buy houses because they can’t afford to do so. (They either don’t have the financial resources, or their credit has been dinged up so badly that no lender will qualify them for a mortgage.) Other people refuse to buy houses because of the maintenance involved. But just because you own a home doesn’t mean you have to deal with constant upkeep, repairs, and maintenance.
It’s possible to have the best of both worlds – owning a home without constantly working on it. Here’s how:
- James Hardie Siding
When it comes to maintaining your house, siding is a critical choice. There are plenty of options to choose from, but most require significant lifetime maintenance. Others are low maintenance yet expensive (like brick). But there’s one option that’s both cost-effective and low maintenance. We’re talking about James Hardie siding, of course.
James Hardie siding, which is basically durable fiber cement siding that stands up to weather, lasts for many years and requires very little fuss. If it does need to be cleaned, you can do so with nothing more than a garden hose and nylon brush.
- Artificial Turf
If you have a large property, you can easily spend a couple of hours a week mowing the lawn. Then there’s all of the time, attention, and cost that goes into fertilizing, watering, weeding, etc. But with one simple switch, you can eliminate the need for all of this (and enjoy perfectly manicured green grass all year round).
Artificial grass is expensive on the front end, but it’s maintenance-free for years to come. There’s no mowing, watering, weeding, or chemicals required. If it does get dirty, you simply rake it off and clean with a hose.
- Hardscaping
Not sold on artificial turf? Hardscaping is another low-maintenance landscaping option. Concrete, pavers, rocks, and gravel not only cut down on the amount of yard work you have to do, but they also look great. Start with a few hardscape features and expand over time.
- Metal Roof
While a roof with architectural shingles can last for many years, they eventually have to be replaced. (They’re also highly susceptible to wind damage and can be totally destroyed in storms.) A metal roof, on the other hand, can take a beating.
Metal roofs can last somewhere between 40 and 70 years and require very little maintenance over that time. Plus, they reflect solar radiant heat, which reduces cooling costs by as much as 10 to 25 percent.
- Easy-Care Flooring
Carpet and tile are cheap, but they don’t always hold up to heavy traffic. If you want something that looks great and lasts for years, try vinyl flooring. It doesn’t chip or stain, is easy to wipe down, and looks like a million bucks!
On the exterior, plastic-composite decking makes for great choices on patios and decks. They’re designed in such a way that they don’t warp, crack, or splinter. And because they come pre-colored, they need no additional staining. Just power wash occasionally and you’re good to go!
- Quartz Countertops
Stone, granite, and marble countertops all look great, but they require significant upkeep. If you want a luxury countertop that’s visually pleasing and durable, go with quartz. It doesn’t stain, requires no regular sealing, and is non-porous. That makes it an obvious choice!
- Tankless Water Heater
Most older homes have traditional water heaters – meaning tanks that sit in a garage, utility closet, or basement. And while these options are inexpensive and effective, they tend to wear down after a few years. They’re also a common source of leaks. By upgrading to a tankless option, you get an extended life span, fewer breakdowns, and greater energy efficiency.
Start Enjoying Your House
Your house doesn’t have to be a source of stress and contention in your life. With the right approach, it can be a wonderful blessing that provides years of safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Make the most of your house by investing in these low maintenance upgrades and improvements. It might cost you a bit on the front end, but you’ll save time and money for years to come.