Living in your home day in and day out will produce wear and tear, no matter how well you treat it. Home maintenance is a necessity to protect the value of your home, as well as your enjoyment of it. Maintenance is an ongoing responsibility throughout the years, of course. If you want to keep your home in top condition, here are seven areas that need your attention around the ten-year mark.

1. Carpet. The average middle-grade quality carpet lasts just over ten years, depending on the number of people walking on it daily, how often it’s cleaned and treated, and whether you have pets. Stains, odors, snags, and rips all contribute to the need for new carpet. Also, styles change, so if your carpet is worn and dated, that’s all the more reason to update it. Plan to save ahead of time for new carpet if it’s for the entire home because it’s probably a bigger expense than you’d guess. And pay attention to which padding you choose, which is just as important as the carpet itself. Padding affects the cushion of the carpet as well as stain protection, depending on the grade level you purchase.

2. Washer and Dryer. They don’t make them like they used to. Washers and dryers from days gone by once lasted 15 to 25 years. These days, you’re lucky to get a full ten years out of them—the average is eight. Sometimes it’s more cost efficient to repair your laundry appliances, but if they are near or over that ten-year mark, you’ll need to weigh whether it’s better to put that money toward new ones.

3. Dishwasher. If you notice your dishes aren’t getting as clean as they once were or you see cracks in the dishwasher interior, it’s time to go shopping. Also, control boards can go bad, making it hard to set the appliance to wash properly. Look into energy-efficient models that will help pay for themselves over time.

4. Hot Water Tank. This is one of those items whose age you need to know. If you can’t see a manufacturer’s date, look to see if it’s embedded with the serial number. A water heater doesn’t always show symptoms before leaking or failing. And since you’re probably not in the same room as your water tank very often, you might be catching that leak later than you’d like. Change out water tanks that are ten years or older to prevent damage.

5. Paint. Both the interior and exterior of your home need fresh paint at least after ten years. For the exterior, you need paint to protect wood surfaces from moisture, which will cause rotting. Chips and cracks are obvious signs that it’s time to paint outside. In the interior, nicks and scuffs in heavily used areas are easily covered with a fresh coat. When you’re covering those walls, don’t ignore the trim and baseboards. They need a new coat of white to liven up the entire house.

6. Caulking. Showers, tubs and sinks all need re-caulking. Shrunken or damaged caulk can lead to water damage, mold growth, and higher energy bills. Seal up cracks and seams with caulk at least every ten years, if not more often as needed.

7. Window Re-glazing. Glazing is the hardened putty that creates a weathertight seal on the exterior of the window between the wood and the glass. Over time it can fall off or become badly cracked, leaving your window vulnerable to the effects of water and rot. Re-glazing is more cost efficient than replacing windows, though if windows are damaged, warped, or broken, replacement could be the better option.

You made a big investment with the purchase of your home. Continued care and updates will keep you happier living there for years to come…and maintain value in case you want to sell in the future.

Platinum Service Realty