Treat your home with care

A RECENT survey has found that many home owners are not maintaining their homes – but luckily there are easy things that can be done to keep your property in good order and avoid trouble down the line, experts say.
Most home owner insurance policies will only cover damage caused by unforeseen events and regard home maintenance as the responsibility of the homeowner, thus any claims determined as a result of poor maintenance or neglect are most likely to be rejected.”

She said a recent FNB Home Loans survey found that only 41. 5 percent of home owners in South Africa actively maintain their homes, a sharp decline from the 79.5 percent recorded in 2004.

“While we may have been through a very difficult economic period, these figures are still highly alarming and highlight the need for home owners to prioritise their spending patterns to ensure that they are taking care of their most important asset, or risk greater financial losses in the long term.”

Chief executive of RE/MAX of Southern Africa Adrian Goslett said a new home title comes with important maintenance responsibilities.

“Prevention is better than cure, and by simply doing regular maintenance inspections a home owner will have advanced warning and sufficient time to get several quotes and do comparative shopping as opposed to crisis management when the unexpected happens.”

He said preventative maintenance inspections should be done at least twice and certain elements would require more attention than others. “Not all inspections and maintenance can be done by the home owners themselves, and in these instances, it is advisable to hire a professional contractor to perform the necessary repairs required. Regular checks and maintenance will ensure that minor issues don’t become larger and more costly problems in the future…

“Spending a little bit now can mean saving a lot in the long run.” Rob Johnson, executive director of the Master Builders’ and Allied Trades’ Association in the Western Cape, advised home owners to make sure they know the location of the water stop-cocks, including the municipality’s main stop-cock connection within the boundary of their home.

“Check your electrical distribution board, test the earth leakage, and establish which are hot water cylinder and main electrical switches. Ensure that you are aware of the position and capacity of your hot water cylinder. Check that the cylinder is mounted on a tray with the fitted overflow leading to the exterior of the house. “It is advisable to request your electrician to fit a timer on your hot water cylinder – this should, in a normal household, save you at least 25 percent in your electrical monthly cost.”

He said home owners who hired contractors should ensure the contractor cleared all stormwater and drainage pipes after doing any work. The drainage of all basins and sinks should also be checked to ensure that all drains and traps were free of residual tile adhesive and other matter. To avoid claim rejections, Fourie advised home owners to pay regular attention to the following in their homes:

l Roof: Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home as it protects you, your belongings and the structure of the building from damage from rain and wind. It is very important to regularly check the roof of your home for leaks. Look around for any water spots, standing water or mould. Dampness on ceilings or walls can signal leaks that are starting. l Gutters: Clean gutters and drain pipes to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging them. It is also a good idea to ensure that the water is draining away from the house. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, which will result in rotting and leaks. Make sure to check your gutters at least twice a year. The best time to do so will be in the transitional seasons of spring and summer.

l Fireplace: Along with the pleasure of having a fireplace, comes the responsibility of maintaining it properly. Check the chimney for loose or missing mortar and make sure the damper closes tightly. It is also advisable to have the chimney cleaned professionally at least once a year. l Safety equipment: In the interest of the safety of those living in your home it is vital that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries in appropriate devices as needed, or at least twice a year.

l Air conditioners: To prolong the lifespan of your air conditioners make sure weatherproof covers are put on them. It is vital to clean or replace the filter of the air conditioner at least once a month. l Taps: Always check for leaking taps in kitchens and bathrooms. If the taps are leaking from the spout it is likely that the washers need replacing. Stop the water supply when working on leaking taps.

l Geyser: Draining the geyser to remove sediment from the bottom of the tank is important. Although this can be done as a DIY project, using a plumber would be better as he can replace the anode if necessary, and clean the geyser valve. l Refrigerator: Make sure door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily, the latch may need adjusting or the seal may need replacing.

l Windows and doors: Over time the door and frame materials can deteriorate and fail. Sealing drafty doors and windows by replacing the seals not only keeps the cold outside, but could add to the resale value. l Cladding and paint: Regular checking for cracks and holes in the cladding and paint of your home is important as it may indicate signs of a leak. Replace caulk to avoid water and mould seeping into crevices.