There’s no doubt that safety is at the forefront of every homeowner’s mind. Whether it’s locking the front door every night or not leaving a candle unattended, we will do everything we can to protect our loved ones from harm. But, with so many threats around us, many of us struggle to keep on top of regular maintenance activities. Therefore, our homes are slowly but surely transforming into a hefty safety hazard. Luckily, this article will explore a number of different ways to protect your property.
1. Upgrade Your Septic Tank
If you live close to a public sewer system, your home may contain a vast septic tank. This impressive piece of equipment typically works to hold large quantities of waste water, allowing the solids to drift toward the bottom, whilst elements such as oil and grease float to the top. As such, these tanks help to keep the soil pure and ensure that it’s not being contaminated by high levels of domestic waste. Most homeowners don’t have to worry about their septic tanks as they’re pretty much self-sufficient. However, every 3–5 years, the tank must be emptied in a leach field so that the waste can undergo further purification. Yet, for those looking to keep their tanks in good condition, you may benefit from completing a series of septic inspections. During this process, a qualified inspector will assess the overall performance of your tank and highlight any issues that may be occurring under the surface. Therefore, this is a great way to resolve any minor problems before they evolve into much bigger concerns. A routine septic inspection costs anywhere between $200-$250, so it’s an ideal solution if you’re looking for some affordable ways to protect your property.
2. Request an Assessment of Your Sewage System
Although the majority of us wouldn’t like to spend too much time thinking about the ins and outs of a sewer, it can be one of the best ways to protect your property. A sewer inspection is usually carried out because of an issue in your home or in your local area. So, if you or your neighbors have noticed any slow drains, foul smells, or clogged drains, they may have stemmed from a problem further down the street. A domestic sewer inspection usually involves a trained practitioner inserting a long camera into a pipe and assessing the damage from there. This will give the expert a better look at your internal sewage system, offering a stronger chance of finding a solution. As such, this is a fantastic service for anyone who is concerned about their home’s waterworks and would benefit from receiving a much more detailed assessment. Depending on the types of issues you’re facing, this service can be pretty pricey, with the national average starting at around $500. This may seem like a pretty hefty price to pay, but it’s a useful investment for those who want to extend the longevity of their homes.
3. Implement Fire Safety Practices
According to Worth Insurance, a home fire occurs every 87 seconds. With such astonishing statistics surrounding us, it’s vital that we protect our beloved homes from fire damage. A series of effective fire suppression systems such as sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, and wet chemical foam solutions can help to stop a blaze in its tracks. A traditional sprinkler system usually costs $1-$2 per square foot, making this an affordable way to save countless lives. If you’re looking for some less industrial ways to protect your property from fires, start by installing a standard smoke detector. These can be purchased from an abundance of local hardware stores and must be tested at least once a month. Therefore, you can continue enjoying communal barbecues and long nights in front of the fireplace without worrying about what you would do if the worst were to happen.
4. Close Any Cracks or Gaps
If you’ve been living in your property for a number of years, you’re bound to notice a few cracks here and there. Though they are usually nothing to worry about, they can get worse if left to deteriorate. Not only can these cracks and gaps allow vital heat sources to escape, but they also provide a clear way for pests to enter your home. As such, you could be infested with a wealth of frustrating creatures such as rats, mice, and cockroaches. If you’re in a similar situation at the moment, it’s best that you contact a local rodent control service as soon as possible. These services help to eliminate these animals in a safe and humane way, ensuring that you no longer have to be tormented by them. Since this is quite a common complaint for homeowners, an exterminator can be hired for around $150 per treatment.
5. Clean Your AC Unit
You may scrub your house from top to bottom every Sunday, but if you don’t clean your AC unit, you might as well not bother. Air conditioning units work by absorbing warm air, reducing its temperature, and then expelling that same air back into the room. Thus, they tend to push certain toxins into your house. Although many AC units have a unique filtering system that helps to clean the surrounding air, if you don’t clean the filters on a regular basis, it can cause your room air to be highly polluted. Though you can easily clean these filters by yourself, if you’re eager to give your AC unit an elevated treatment, consider recruiting an HVAC repair service. These experts can help to cleanse your unit with an antibacterial solution, which is useful for those who are trying to stay away from common colds and viruses. Experts suggest that your air conditioner should be cleaned at least twice a year and this service tends to cost anywhere between $300 to $500 per session.
6. Fix Your Roof
Since roofs are such titanic structures, we tend to believe that they can withstand anything. The truth is that roofs can become more vulnerable over time, leading to serious issues such as moisture build-up, leaks, and dampness. As such, one of the most impactful ways to protect your property is to ask a roofing contractor for a detailed survey of your roof. Throughout this process, an experienced contractor will analyze both the interior and exterior of your roof. After they have completed this assessment, they discuss a number of potential solutions or even suggest that you get a new roof entirely. This can cost around $10,000, so it may be more cost-effective to complete regular maintenance checks. These include emptying the gutters when they get too full and applying sealant across any weak points in the structure. It should also be mentioned that fixing your roof can also stop your home from sliding or drooping, which is essential if you wish to preserve the overall alignment of your house.
7. Keep an Eye Out for Mold Infestations
Mold is a type of fungus that usually appears in damp environments such as on window sills, pipes, or damp upholstery. Despite being a natural element, it can reproduce at an astonishingly fast rate and lead to a wealth of serious health concerns. If you have been exposed to large amounts of mold, you’re at a higher risk of developing harsh respiratory viruses and cognitive delays, which may require hospitalization to treat. Thus, if you live in an area that is prone to heavy rainfall or flooding, it’s good practice to get in touch with a collection of mold remediation services. These companies typically use a wealth of experienced techniques, such as dehumidifying a room and spraying a strong antimicrobial agent to help kill this fungus and deter it from growing back. Although you can buy a selection of mold removal sprays online or in your local hardware store, if you’re suffering from a very intense mold infestation, you should reach out to the professionals. The price of a mold remediation service varies on the size of the property but normally costs around $10-$25 per square foot. This is useful to note if you only want the experts to focus on a small section of your home as it can help you save a bit of money.
8. Renovate Your Basement
One of the most unusual ways to protect your property is to give your basement a complete makeover. This is especially aimed at those who use their basement as a space for storage and are yet to uncover its complete potential. If you’re looking to transform your lifeless lower level into a contemporary home office or a chic chill-out area, you must first ensure that it’s fit for use. A selection of experienced contractors can assess your basement for any signs of severe damage and even suggest a plethora of foundation repair solutions to ensure that it can stand the test of time. These types of repairs are very important if your house is starting to sink or collapse, and tend to cost up to $7,500. But, once it’s been approved by a seasoned professional, you’re free to style your basement in any way you like. Thus, you can finally put your basement to good use, making it a key area for gaming or working.
9. Inspect Your Plumbing System
We rely on an effective plumbing system a lot more than you would think, so it’s vital that we complete any glaring plumbing repairs as soon as possible. If you’re not receiving any water, despite paying your bill on time, or are being bombarded by disgusting smells, it’s best that you call a plumber straight away. This contractor is well-versed in these types of systems, so will not struggle to diagnose your problem and provide a selection of effective solutions. Plus, it’s always good practice to rely on a professional plumber when dealing with your water supply as you don’t want to risk making matters worse and potentially harming the rest of your street. Plumbing issues are extremely common, so plumbers can be hired for a minimum of $45 an hour. Yet, if these contractors are expected to order certain parts or work on a project for a long period of time, research shows that this cost can jump to $200 an hour. Therefore, it’s advised that you build a firm savings pot to help you cope when unexpected issues like this occur.
10. Use Energy-Saving Equipment
Even if you’re not that concerned about helping the planet, adding a range of energy-efficient appliances to your home can be one of the most effective ways to protect your property. Some of us may have been using the same appliances for many years, and although they may work perfectly, they may also be putting strain on our key energy sources. Since newer equipment uses much less energy than its older counterparts, these appliances can also help you save money on your utility bill. So, treating yourself to a new kettle or toaster can also help you save money in the long run. The same idea applies to your water heater. By investing in a new system, you can lower your energy usage as well as your monthly bill. Experts state that a water heater replacement costs a minimum of $960, but since these assets last for around 10–15 years, homeowners can expect to see savings in just a few days. As such, even though it may seem like a vast cost in the short term, a new water heater can help you to significantly reduce your running costs in the future.
There are many ways to protect your property, all of which pose their own selection of merits and drawbacks. Yet, what really matters is how much they could impact you and your family, particularly if you plan on staying in your house for a number of years. Therefore, if you’re determined to extend the lifetime of your property, make sure that you consider the advice and guidance included in this article.
