Our homes are among our biggest assets and so it is always important to continually invest in them to keep them in great shape. However, we sometimes get so caught up on the idea of the big projects that we forget that the smaller investments are just as important.
Here is a menu of things you can do to show your home some love that will help save you money in the long run.
1. BUY A HOME WARRANTY.
If your home is more than 5 years old, you may want to consider purchasing a home warranty. A home warranty will cover your air conditioning, water heater, appliances, ceiling fans, garbage disposal, and more. We have had great personal success with both Fidelity National Home Warranty and One Guard. Both companies cover garage door springs and freon — which are key. The cost is between $550 and $1,000 annually depending on the coverage.
2. GET A ROOF TUNE-UP.
The roofing company we have used for years, Shamrock Roofing at (480) 888-6648, will come out and do a free roof inspection. Fixing broken tiles, sealing around vent pipes, repairing cracked mortar caps, clearing roof debris, and keeping your roof wellmaintained is a great way to extend the life of your roof and prepare your home before monsoon season. You can expect to spend between $500 and $1,000 depending on what small issues are addressed.
3. GET YOUR AC SERVICED.
Your HVACs should be serviced each year to preserve the life of your units. Be sure to also change your air filters more frequently in the summer during dust storm season. Be sure to use a reputable AC company and don’t replace your units unless you have gotten a second opinion. Call us if you need a referral. The cost of AC annual service is approximately $150 per unit.
4. DO A DEEP CLEANING.
Clean houses function better mechanically and are also better for your respiratory health. Take the time this summer to have the carpets cleaned, scrub your home from top to bottom (including inside all closets and cabinets), and clean the windows inside and out. Dryer ducts need cleaning too! Expect to spend between $500 and $1,000.
5. INVEST IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY.
Add summer sunscreens on your west windows, install programmable thermostats to take advantage of SRPs time of use plans, or swap to LED lightbulbs. Spend between $100 and $1,000 on these items.
6. UPDATE YOUR LIGHT FIXTURES.
Amazon, Wayfair, and Lowes all have affordable updated light fixtures and fans that will transform your interiors. You can expect to spend between $100 and $1,000 in this area.
7. UPGRADE THE THING THAT IRRITATES YOU MOST!
For some it may be an old dishwasher, for others it may be slow internet caused by an old router, for someone else it may be an ugly wall color — figure out what bugs you most about your house and tackle that thing first. Your home should be your sanctuary!
John and Natascha Karadsheh are co-owners of KOR Properties, a boutique real estate brokerage serving the Valley of the Sun, and the creators and founding sponsors of Mesa Food Truck Fridays.
John has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for over 20 years and is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), a member of the Arizona Regional MLS Rules & Policies Committee & Appeals Committee, and the West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley Professional Standards Committee.
Natascha is an Associate Broker, a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, Founder of Mesa Food Truck Fridays, and Member, and Past-Chair of the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board and serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.
You can reach John at (602) 615-0843 and Natascha at (602) 909-4995, or visit their website: KORProperties.com