One of the most valuable assets anyone could own is a house so its upkeep is of prime importance. Some properties like luxury homes and beach homes which are common in Santa Cruz, CA will need more care compared to traditional properties.
Keeping your home in the best shape not only improves your quality of life but increases property value, as well. This is especially important if you’re putting your home for sale in Santa Cruz, CA.
Here are some simple maintenance tips for your Santa Cruz home:
Keep the curb appeal high
Your home’s exterior is the first thing people notice about the property. Simply clearing the yard of debris and repainting the exterior can do wonders for its curb appeal.
If you want to improve on your home’s look even more, start by making sure your front lawn is lush, not patchy. Plant bushes and flower beds to give your home a splash of life and color. If your property has trees, hire an arborist to check if these are still in good condition. A sickly tree could be hazardous to your property, as well.
If you’re putting up your Santa Cruz beach home for sale, you might have to repaint your fences and exterior more often. Beachfront properties are more exposed to the elements and the paint is more prone to fading.
Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are often-overlooked aspects of the property but the easiest to maintain. Having these devices at home makes a lot of difference to the health and safety of everyone residing in it.
Make it a habit to change the batteries of your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they’re in working order. The last thing you need is a broken smoke and carbon monoxide detector during an emergency.
Inspect the HVAC system
Your central heat and air system usually suffers from general wear and tear. This is why HVAC systems need to be serviced at least every two years. If you don’t have it checked regularly, major repairs may be needed with the accompanying hefty bill.
Schedule a technician to inspect your HVAC system and check for signs of damage. Get your vents cleaned regularly to keep the house’s air clean and to ensure that the HVAC system won’t break down unexpectedly.
Also, a well-maintained HVAC system will show up on a buyer’s home inspection result and will help to justify the seller’s asking price.
Check the plumbing
Another major home fixture to check regularly is plumbing. Leaking pipes can lead to mold and mildew. Plus, water damage requires costly repairs. This is why you should make sure to check that your plumbing is in good shape before selling your property. Look for signs of rust or leaks when checking the pipes and sinks. Check the ceiling and walls for water stains because these could be tell-tale signs of leaking pipes.
If you see signs of damage, it’s best to call a professional to fix it for you. Trying to repair it yourself could make it worse.
Need more tips on home maintenance and home selling? Get in touch with me, Amber Melenudo, the top-producing Realtor in Santa Cruz County. Give me a call today at 831.661.5591 or send a message to amber(at)davidlyng(dotted)com.