maintenance | CASTLEMANAGER

Budgeting For Home Maintenance – Some Tips

April 23, 2021 Comments Off

Like taking care of yourself and staying in shape, taking care of a home is much the same in that it requires constant dedication and a long-term focus. In some areas across the country homes are subject to some of the hottest and most humid summers in the nation, whereas in other areas it is the cold and snow that tend to be bad. Other natural elements that act to degrade a home’s exterior are UV rays from the sun, rain, wind and natural erosion.
These types of problems can have the effect of undermining your home’s ultimate market value. Plus, spending relatively small amounts of time and money can keep small problems from turning into much larger ones at a later point. Plus, even when the cost of repairs is factored into the purchase price, buyers are less inclined to buy a home that represents a large repair or renovation project.
Here are some considerations:
A check of your home’s basic structural and functional components should be checked on an annual basis. Things like gutters, foundation, water heaters, air conditioners, roofing, etc. should be checked to the best of your ability to detect a problem. A certain portion of your income should be allocated for nothing but home maintenance. It has been estimated that as much as 3 percent of a home’s market value is spent annually on maintaining a home.
Don’t let future repairs take you by surprise. For example, in areas of the country where summers can get quite humid and you may find yourself using the air conditioner for extended periods of time. If you have a 15-year old furnace, for example, you should strongly consider saving a portion of your income for a replacement unit in the near future. As well, you should be aware of other things that are susceptible to breaking down, such as roofing, siding and so on. By having a good idea of when you will likely have to repair or replace certain things you will be less likely to be caught off guard by an unanticipated expense.
If you are not in a position to pay for maintenance:
Not being able to pay for needed repairs in a timely manner is bad enough. If you are in a situation where needed repairs have gone unaddressed for years, then this is a good indicator that your home is simply too expensive for your means. This will cause you problems when it comes time to sell your home as the build-up of maintenance issues will make your home less marketable.
If you should fall into such a predicament don’t just sweep it under the carpet. Take action. Taking an objective look at your finances can help you gain a clear perspective. Make the repairs you can afford to make and then consider moving into a less expensive home.
Some final thoughts:
Always consider the cost of maintenance when evaluating the cost of buying a home. It’s better to buy a slightly less expensive home and be able to afford the required maintenance than to buy a more expensive home and not be able to maintain it. The former will maintain its value over time and likely appreciate, where as the latter will likely depreciate.…

Three Important Steps to Easy Log Home Maintenance

January 20, 2021 Comments Off

There are three important log home maintenance steps that need to be completed to ensure that the home lasts a long time and maintains its beauty. While maintenance of any home is very important, maintenance for a log home is especially important to ensure that the structure of the home remains solid and without defect. These three steps can ensure that it lasts a lifetime and longer.
Inspect the Home at Least Once Each Year
One of the most important steps in log maintenance is to inspect the entire home from the foundations to the roof at least once a year. During this inspection, look for anything that indicates damage to the wood or the structure of the walls and ceiling. This can include looking for water damage, insect damage or the like. This maintenance step might need seem like it improves anything, but a visual inspection can ensure that any issues are discovered long before they affect the beauty of the log home or its structure. It is especially important to inspect the areas around the foundation as this is where water can settle and cause problems.
Refinish and Seal the Logs
A great maintenance taste that results in the home lasting as long as possible is the refinishing and sealing of the logs. Ideally this should be done as often as recommended by the manufacturer, refinishing and sealing a log home can be a time consuming task but it should be done at least once every couple of years. Refinishing the logs ensures that they are as beautiful as possible and removes and debris or dirt from the outside of the home. It also ensures that the original luster of the logs is restored. After refinishing, sealing the logs can help hold in their beauty and keep out water and other damaging things. A seal also can increase the beauty of the logs.
Repair Small Problems Before They Grow
The final log maintenance step that ensure the home will last a long time is to fix any small problems before they become large. With a log home this is especially important because wood can show only a small area of damage but have larger problems hidden further in the wood where it is hard to see. So, if there is a problem, addressing it quickly can ensure that larger problems are swiftly identified and corrected as well. When repairing a log home, hiring a professional is always a good idea because a professional has the experience to identify problems early and correct them properly.
There are three main steps to proper log home maintenance. First, always inspect the home at least once each year to identify any problems before they become major issues. Also, ensure that any small problems are addressed quickly and by a professional to make sure that they don’t become larger problems. The final step to maintaining a log home so that it lasts for a lifetime is to refinish and reseal the home as often as possible.…

Easy Exterior Home Maintenance Tips for All

December 17, 2020 Comments Off

Maintaining the exterior of your home in good condition gives you comfort and security while increasing the value of the property. How do you maintain the exterior of your house? How well do you do it? Use some simple advice on how to get and keep everything from the roof and gutter guard to the walls in perfect condition.
Inspect the roof and chimney regularly and make timely repairs. Experts recommend that you inspect the roof and chimney every year in the fall. In this way, you will have enough time to fix any damage and/or wear and tear before winter comes. Make the minor repairs yourself. Strengthen the flashing around penetrations and seal any gaps. For more serious problems and damages, you should call a professional to make the repairs.
Inspect, secure and clean the gutters annually or twice a year, if you have heavy rainfalls in your area. If there is any rust or damage on walls of the gutters, you should definitely have them replaced. All gutters should be perfectly secured in place. Make any necessary repairs to ensure this. Even if you are using a gutter guard system, clean the gutters to ensure there are not any debris inside. Remove the gutter protection, if possible and use a brush to clean the interior of the gutters. If the gutter guard panels cannot be removed, use a strong water flow to do the cleaning.
Install a gutter guard system, if you do not have one. Gutter protection did not use to be very effective in the past, but with the advancement of technology manufacturers have started making sophisticated gutter protection systems that have special angled ski slope designs and flat surface that allow for the debris to fall down on the ground naturally. In addition, the gutter guard surface is made from a thin mesh that does not allow for any debris to get inside the gutter.
Repair the exterior walls and the trim, if you notice any moisture, damage or discoloration when inspecting the house. Consider placing insulation materials to deal with moisture and small surface cracks. Call a professional for major repairs. Repaint the walls every five years or at a shorter period of time, if necessary. Reseal the area around wall penetrations, such as doors, windows and vents with silicon and repair window glazing, if required.
Now you know how to maintain your home exterior without much effort and keep your property in perfect condition.…

The Importance of Regular Home Maintenance

November 28, 2020 Comments Off

One of the key responsibilities of owning a home is keeping it well maintained. From regularly cleaning the property to ensuring that the structure is sound and that everything works as it should, maintenance can be somewhat time consuming, but offers pleasant rewards for those who take it seriously. Enjoying a greater peace of mind and feeling proud about a home are prominent benefits obtained through the practice of regular maintenance, and homeowners can also avoid potentially costly repairs for issues allowed to worsen over time when proper maintenance is observed. Though these advantages are certainly enough to warrant a serious effort in caring for one’s home, there is still another more important result: greater security. Home security often involves the use of specialized security systems and devices including alarms and cameras, but some of the most effective security measures are actually delivered by a homeowner that takes the time to keep their property well maintained. By understanding how crucial this element is to a safe dwelling, homeowners can prioritize their maintenance tasks and keep themselves, their loved ones, and their belongings safe.
A large part of the positive consequences of keeping a home maintained is the depth of knowledge it lends to the homeowner. Despite their regular use of a home, many people are not precisely aware of how their dwelling is constructed or of how various home elements have been installed. When a homeowner performs their own maintenance, it’s easy to gain a thorough understanding of the most important aspects of the property and to gain insight on various parts of the home. In particular, those who perform maintenance themselves are likely to notice irregularities and potential problems that may lead to making a home more vulnerable to damage or break-ins. From doors that have been improperly fitted or installed to windows that require different kinds of locks or paneling in order to deliver a reasonable level of security, there are many possible problems lurking in and around buildings that may go unnoticed if owners do not regularly practice maintenance. Problems with a property that occur over time can also be easily spotted by homeowners who perform their own maintenance. Those who contract the work out to professionals or allow others to take care of their maintenance needs may never realize that a certain home element has begun to show weaknesses, and thieves and other criminals may take advantage of this.
While security breaches are less likely in homes that are regularly and thoroughly maintained by owners, they can still sometimes occur. During such an event, it’s important to be able to rely on any security features a home may possess, and when a home is properly maintained, achieving this reliability is a simple feat. From specially-installed doors with advanced safety mechanisms to safety features surrounding special entrances for basements or sheds, there are many objects typically used to keep properties safe from intrusion that may fail unexpectedly if they aren’t cared for and deliberately inspected from time to time. When in-depth knowledge of a home is combined with the certainty that security measures are operating as intended, homeowners can better protect their property while also feeling far more secure.
A further important benefit of regular home maintenance is the appearance that such an activity is likely to yield. Well-maintained homes typically look neater, cleaner, and better able to withstand any difficulties that may come their way. While this certainly has benefits for homeowners in terms of providing a sense of comfort, it’s also a great way to warn potential criminals that a home is being watched and that owners have likely taken measures to prevent theft and damage. More traditional security tactics such as employing specialty equipment or purchasing home alarm monitoring service may be of greater help when crimes are actually carried out, but the prevention that quality maintenance can deliver may be responsible for fending off break-ins and trespassing in the first place. Fortifying this move with complementary actions such as keeping lawns and gardens neat, parking cars in front of the house, regularly disposing of garbage, and otherwise giving a home the obvious appearance of being occupied and well-used is a step in the right direction for anyone concerned about the security of their home.
The satisfaction of a job well done is often the handyman’s greatest reward, but when working on their own home, a maintainer has the power to create high-quality security measures that may both prevent crimes and help homeowners effectively respond if such events do take place. Whether maintenance is scheduled as a weekly or monthly activity or homeowners make a point of performing maintenance tasks whenever the mood seems right, taking the initiative and following through on necessary maintenance tasks is absolutely essential for responsible home ownership.…

Log Home Maintenance: Keeping Your Home Beautiful

November 1, 2020 Comments Off

If you are the proud owner of a log home, keep yourself updated on maintenance tips. They will help keep your home in tiptop shape, providing you with a beautiful and comfortable shelter for a long time. Just like any other type of dwelling, a log home needs to be checked every now and then for possible repairs that need to be done. It is better to work on minor problems at once before they become bigger and more difficult to tackle.
The Beauty of a Log Home
There is something inherently charming about a log cabin. It exudes warmth, charm, and an overall welcoming feeling. It has a classic appearance that withstands the test of time. It can be decades old but the design still holds some appeal. Unlike some modern structures which seem to be too cold and unwelcoming, a log home practically invites you to relax within its comforting living areas. When you are in a log home, you feel like you are always on a camping trip, evoking images of hotdogs and marshmallows roasting by the fire, singing campfire songs and sharing horror stories with your loved ones. It is like having one big campout!
Maintaining Your Log Home
It is important to care for your home just like you would anything precious that you own. It is best to periodically check its interior and exterior for possible damage that can be remedied. For example, dirty spots can be cleaned with a simple water and bleach solution. Using a soft brush dipped in the solution, gently scrub the dirty spots until they disappear. Be sure to let them dry thoroughly before applying a new coat of stain. It is also normal for the logs to develop cracks as they adjust with the weather conditions. Caulking might be necessary to prevent them from getting out of hand, letting in water and cold air. Also, if you can feel the cold air coming in around the doors and windows, you might need to fill them in with expanding foam. There is a foam gun available specifically for this purpose. It is easy to handle and will deliver the precise amount of foam that you would need.
Staining Your Log Home
An important part of log maintenance is staining. It will protect the logs from harsh weather conditions such as extreme sunlight and heavy rains. Some home care experts suggest using an oil-based stain which is easier to handle and can protect your home for about five to seven years. Another type is the water-based stain, but it might need to be reapplied after only three to five years. To do a simple test whether your stain is still working, you could try sprinkling an external part of your home with some water. If the logs don’t absorb it, causing it to trickle down, then your stain is still performing its job.
Make sure to practice log home maintenance to protect the beauty of your home. The way you care for it will help provide you and your family with a lovely abode for many years to come. You will never regret having your log home because it is a truly classic design that is both cozy and stylish.…

Home Maintenance Tips – Keeping Your Home Secured

October 18, 2020 Comments Off

Home maintenance tips are essential when it comes to keeping a property in top value. This is especially true for those who are clueless in making their residences free from any form of damage which it may incur through time.
There are many reasons why residences must be conserved today. For one, they must remain comfortable and safe for the sake of our families. No one knows when disasters and emergencies might come. At any time you must be prepared in keeping your family secured even inside the bounds of your home. Moreover, big expenses caused by the need for major repairs may be avoided. As the saying goes – an ounce of prevention is better than cure.
Let us say you need home repair assistance. Here is a reminder to consider before you start with your overhaul project. Take each area or room one at a time. Starting the work all at the same time will just leave your whole house in total disarray, more so inoperative. Never jump to the next spot unless the first spot gets fully repaired. This practice will enable your family to have a resting place even though construction is ongoing inside your residence.
Regular upkeep of your environment is more inexpensive and, at times, more beneficial than replacements. In connection to this, it is important that property owners are aware of home maintenance tips that help combat simple residential problems.
Toilet and wiring failures are two of the most common household concerns which need abrupt attention. Toilets are prone to clogging. Once clogged you would not be able to use them properly. In other instances, there are toilets that run. When the water continuously flows from the tank to the bowl, lots of water gets wasted and bigger plumbing problems arise.
Wiring failures, on the other hand, cause certain parts of the grounded or lacking flow of electricity. Never address wiring issues on your own. Contact an electrician right away. Walls, roofs, gutters are other parts of the house which must be regularly checked. Any damage with your roof can expose your family to the weather and other mishaps. Leaks or blockages in the gutter can get a part of your house flooding. Cracks on walls may signal corrosion. They better be instantly examined before they collapse on your loved ones or before they bring the whole house down.
A house is definitely one of the greatest investments a person can have. With the proper observance of these home maintenance tips, this investment can be secured in the years to come. The good news about this is that home owners need not spend a fortune just to enjoy a well-kept property. There are things that they can do on their own to preserve its value. However, there might come a time that a specialist needs to look into certain maintenance issues. In this case, concerned owners must do a thorough research first about the appropriate service provider who will take care of their needs. With this, they can be protected from signing deceitful contracts.…