Your home is the place you come to at the end of every tiring and perhaps stressful day. It should guarantee your comfort, safety, security and peace of mind. It is one of the biggest investments for a lifetime. Everyone wants their home to stay in great shape for many years and if you want to increase the longevity of your home, here are a few things and tips that Big Hills Construction, a leading Asheville builder, offers you.
Use durable building materials
Your home will almost certainly require repairs in the future. On the other hand, the frequency of this procedure is determined by the materials you used during construction. Research and select durable, disaster-resistant materials before you begin construction. Focus on materials known for their durability and sustainability. Durable materials are a worthy investment that ensures your home will stand the test of time. For example, instead of wood for structural members, choose termite-resistant concrete, aluminum, galvanized steel or zinc. These materials resist termites, moisture, fire, earthquakes and other threats better than wood over time. Avoid spray foam insulation, as many insurers don’t cover it. Instead, use safe, non-toxic insulation materials that meet the latest codes.
Keep up with quality care and maintenance
From the yard to the foundation, floor and roof, a home is made up of several structural components whose condition is paramount. Without proper care and maintenance, your home can easily become an uninhabitable space, not to mention uncomfortable. To increase the longevity of your home, be sure to perform maintenance checks and ensure that necessary repairs are made as soon as problems are detected. Big Hills Construction already has a helpful article on this topic.
Do not plant large trees near your home
Sometimes tree roots are very aggressive, splitting cement and penetrating plumbing. These roots, if not pruned regularly, can damage the foundation of your home. Additionally, trees that are closer to your building increase the risk of their branches growing into your window or balcony. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plant trees at all, but plant them with care and forethought so they don’t bother you in the long run.
Never ignore any leaks
After you have built your home, keep checking the walls for holes and leaks. This is because if there was a leak in any of the walls, it would destroy the structure and make the wall weak enough to support the load of the roof. If you notice any holes or leaks, try to contact a contractor immediately to have the leak completely repaired.
Pest Control
It is important to regularly check your home for pests such as termites, ants, and rodents. Not only do they create an unhealthy living environment, but they can also damage the structure of your home if they are not stopped. Regular inspections and pest control measures will ensure that your home remains free of these unwanted intruders.
