You want to protect your home and keep it in top shape, but how do you know when to repair or replace certain features? Some things need to be replaced more frequently than others, but it can be difficult to gauge when the right time is.
This guide will cover common home improvement projects and how often they need to be done to get the most out of your home.

Gutters

Generally speaking, you should aim to clean your gutters out twice a year at the very least. Leaves and debris can get trapped inside, causing blockages that will lead to further problems, like ice dams, later in the year. If you have trees or other foliage near your home, you may want to consider cleaning the gutters out once every three months.
You can do it yourself, although hiring a professional to keep your gutters clean year-round is highly recommended. Doing so ensures your home is safe and can properly drain excess water from the roof. It’s better to clean the gutters than to replace them entirely, which you can avoid with a professional’s help.

Roof

Though designed to keep the elements outside, even the best roofs won’t last forever. When your roof gets damaged, it can be a costly investment to do the repairs. A good roof can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance, but eventually, you will need a roof replacement.
There are many types of roofs to choose from, each with a different lifespan. It’s important to research these before making your final decision. Consult a roofing professional to get their advice on what will be the best way to keep your home safe.
A new roof is also the perfect opportunity to add solar panels if you’re feeling up to the challenge!

Plumbing

Depending on your home, knowing when to do plumbing work can be tricky. The materials used have varying lifespans. Metal pipes tend to last longer (about 80-100 years if maintained), and PVC pipes only make it about 20-45 years before needing replacement. Replacing the pipes is a time-consuming project, so it’s important to understand the type of pipes in your home – especially if it’s an older structure.
A professional can determine what type of piping is in your home and how to best approach the replacement. Sometimes a simple fix will do the trick but prepare yourself for a full replacement if necessary to avoid further damage to the home.

HVAC Systems

The air conditioning and heating systems in your home are crucial to keeping you comfortable, though they won’t last forever. If you’re lucky enough to avoid issues with it during its lifetime, you won’t need to replace it for its 10-year lifespan. After that, you may want to consider replacing your HVAC unit with a new one that will be more cost-efficient.
Providing yearly maintenance can extend the life of your HVAC unit, saving you from untimely replacements. If you have both a furnace and an AC unit, it’s recommended to have them both serviced once a year, but at separate times.

Conclusion

When it comes to your home, don’t cut corners. Regular inspections can save you money in the long run as you can avoid costly repairs and replacements. Whether it’s something simple like cleaning out the gutters or more intensive, like redoing all the plumbing in your home, it’s important to know what your home needs to stay in top form year-round.
Don’t hesitate to call a professional for assistance with home improvement. They’re equipped with the tools and knowledge to get the job done right the first time!