A well-maintained home is an investment, a reflection of how much you care about the space, and a daily source of comfort. Home improvement and maintenance are crucial to preserving a home’s value and ease of living. From minor repairs to big cosmetic renovations, strategic upgrades can have a lasting impact on a property. No matter whether a homeowner is planning to sell, build a forever home, or keep up the status quo, home improvement can help you avoid stress, save money, and create a home that truly reflects and grounds your life. These seven facts about home improvement highlight all that’s possible and give you an idea of how big a part it is of a homeowner’s lifestyle.
7 Home Maintenance and Improvement Facts
1. Blocked dryer vents are a drain on efficiency. (Source)
While most of us remember to clean out lint filters to prevent fires, we should also turn that same attention to our ductwork. The ducts leading out of a dryer can become clogged, pose fire hazards, and slash your dryer’s efficiency. Clean the ducts to save energy and keep your home safe.
2. Americans spend an average of 5 hours and 20 minutes per week on cleaning tasks. (Source)
Millennials report feeling the most burnt out by housework and chores. This may be due to a lack of education on cleaning standards and frequency. More than half of younger individuals feel uncertain about these expectations, leading them to seek guidance on social media for how to manage their cleaning responsibilities.
3. Clean refrigerator coils for a better cooling performance. (Source)
One in five homeowners doesn’t know that they have to vacuum their refrigerator coils, but dust and dirt reduce performance and drive up energy bills. Vacuuming under and behind a refrigerator twice a year greatly improves performance.
4. Replacing a garage door has the highest ROI of any home improvement project. (Source)
While the initial job cost is around $4,672, the replacement can add up to $12,507 to a home’s resale value. That’s a 268% increase.
5. The average insurance claim for water damage is $12,000. (Source)
Smart devices can detect water leaks, or homeowners can walk around pipes to look for signs of water damage. Periodically flush drains with vinegar to keep them clear.
6. 41% of people who renovated their home hired a professional contractor. (Source)
DIY enthusiasts with their own professional tool collection might opt to take on renovation projects. 40% of people planning a renovation are doing so because they plan to sell in the near future.
7. 50% of air conditioner repair calls could have been prevented by regular maintenance. (Source)
Yearly tune-ups and proper cleaning can help prevent expensive repairs and keep AC units as efficient as possible. Air conditioners are prone to clogged filters and ductwork, so keeping them clean and clear will reduce the risk of costly repairs.
Featured image photo credit: Karola G
