Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a small landlord/ investor, being a homeowner in Boston isn’t easy. In fact, it’s a lot of hard work. A key difference from renting is that you’re responsible for making sure that everything is in good working order. The days of calling someone else to fix your problems are over! Additionally, what many renters don’t realize is that there are a lot more costs associated with being a homeowner. The most obvious are property taxes and insurance, but maintenance costs are often an overlooked category. There are also the very real concerns of out-of-control energy costs and rampant inflation due to misguided energy policies. Contractors and repairmen often have large commercial vehicles to bring the proper equipment to a job site; with gas prices running at record levels, these valuable workers must charge more to make up for their huge transportation costs.
Luckily, there are ways to minimize your long-term maintenance costs. It requires some forethought and regular upkeep but following our tips can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repair costs. Think about not being able to use the central air conditioning during a summer heat wave all because you neglected to change the filter. Not only is it the most inconvenient time for such a repair, but the costliest time. Wouldn’t you rather spend a few minutes of your time and a couple of dollars upfront instead? With uncertainty in our economic outlook, it’s vital that we pay keen attention to the small details.
Now, here are a few maintenance tips for homeowners in Boston:
Clean Out All Exhaust Fans and Vents
Cleaning out the exhaust fans and vents in your home is more important than most homeowners in Boston realize. First, they help rid your home of odors. Exhaust fans and vents also remove moisture and contaminants in the air. When they are dirty, dusty, and clogged these devices simply can’t do their job correctly. More importantly, a dirty…