ousing experts recommend setting aside 1% to 3% of the market value of your home each year, to cover basic maintenance and long term repair costs. Even if your home is brand new, a little planning and saving today will help alleviate sticker shock when faced with larger repair and replacement costs 5 to 10 years from now.

Regular Home repair & maintenance:
  • Improves the comfort of your home
  • Maintains the value of your property
  • Can reduce the scope & cost of larger repairs

Even if you’re the type that would rather watch Desperate House Wives than HGTV or the DIY Network, you probably won’t spend your entire home repair and maintenance budget each year. The accumulating leftovers will go a long way towards paying for the larger expenses like replacing a roof or the heating and cooling systems.
The time and money you spend today on your largest investment will pay future dividends in the form of fewer complex and expensive repairs. It is much easier to prevent structural damage or the formation of unsafe/unhealthy conditions than to pay high medical or contractor bills or both.

Inspect your house regularly. Repairs and maintenance should be done as soon as a problem appears. This sooner-than-later approach will prevent further damage and increased repair costs. 

Follow a system. Inspect a different part of your home every month. Start at the foundation and work your way upward and inward. This keeps the task manageable and ensures regular inspection of the entire house.
A few things you want to keep an eye on:
  • Clean your roof and gutters
  • Clean and paint outside walls
  • Keep flooring and walls clean and in good repair
  • Keep drains running freely
  • Fix broken glass in windows & doors
  • Replace warped or worn shingles
  • Repair cracked or heaved concrete
  • Replace worn out faucets

HOCOA® - Your Home Repair Network is a AAA type concierge service for Homeowners across Northeast Ohio. You can reach HOCOA® at 440.230.9066, on Facebook or at www.HocoaNeo.com.