For several years, many of us have turned to professional designers, decorators and real estate agents on television or the Internet to help us make big decisions about our homes. They have years of experience to offer homeowners going through the ups and downs of decision-making about remodeling with new decor or selling and moving into larger or smaller homes. Plus, it’s fun to see what they can do with an old house.
All Hollywood television and film producers, directors and script writers know one thing: Audiences are attracted to people who overcome tension and conflict in their daily lives. These “reality’ TV home shows are no different: They have mastered the format. For example, will it be what she wants (glamorous master suite) versus what he wants (a man cave with TV/bar)? Usually, there’s some compromise or the fireworks begin!
Often as not, though, once these big decisions are made another new big problem suddenly emerges during renovation or remodeling construction. Aging wiring, bad plumbing, termite damage, roof leaks, non-working HVAC, etc., suddenly emerge as an unexpected costly plot twist surprise to the homeowners that threatens their budget and a happily-ever-after ending at their existing or new home in these 30 to 60 minute episodes.
While you can’t see what’s behind the walls as real estate agents say, homeowners typically know if they’ve been neglecting major maintenance. The problems with deferred maintenance always show up sooner or later. When you’re selling, agents and their buyers look for move-in ready properties, and home inspectors can be brutally honest with buyers and sellers alike in explaining any deferred maintenance flaws they find.
Which is our way of reminding everyone, it is late January: Do you have your Annual Maintenance Calendar set up? Deferred maintenance is often the costly must do catch-up task that usually comes at the worst time. It has sunk home sale deals, required second jobs, postponed retirements, caused DIY accidents, cancelled vacations or worse. Planned maintenance lets you skip all the TV drama in your real life.
At Helfrich Associates, we’ve always advocated the pay as you go maintenance plan for several reasons: Scheduled inspections and repairs extend the life of home equipment and systems to postpone major repairs or replacement. Financial planners also will tell you that a monthly maintenance budget is the no-stress approach to keeping your home in good working order.
If you’re selling or buying, mortgage rates are high: Be sure the home is move-in ready. For sellers, your property will be shown more. For buyers, you’ll avoid costly surprises. As structural engineers, we can help identify the real cost of repairs to basements, foundations, attics, roofs, plumbing and electrical that will meet code.
If you’re renovating, financing, materials and labor costs are high—so you’ll want to make your money work hard. At Helfrich Associations, we specialize in major home renovations, additions and accident restorations. We’ll find the best repair or replacement options, obtain permits and guide you through the inspection process to make it a stress-free stay, go or buy experience.