Emily Merkley, association executive, Cache-Rich Association of REALTORS®
For countless years, homeownership has been a large part of the American Dream, and regardless of economic highs and lows, or the fluctuations of the housing market, owning a home has held fast as an ideal that citizens strive to achieve.
There is pride in owning a piece of land and a home, and of being part of a neighborhood in a functioning community. This pride is largely manifested in the way homeowners care for their homes. There are key benefits of maintaining the structural quality of a home, and homeowners work tirelessly to ensure the safety, efficiency and functionality of their homes. Homeowners also have a financial interest in the maintenance of a home, and a financial stake in their neighborhood.
This invested interest is a factor that distinguishes neighborhoods of homeowners from neighborhoods predominantly occupied by rental housing. The surrounding neighborhood influences the value of homes, and statistical research supports the notion that within communities, high levels of homeownership offer increased and even greater home maintenance as homeowners consider the effect their home maintenance efforts have on their own investment, as well as on their community.
Cache Valley is a prime example of the benefits homeownership brings to a community. Countless residents dotted throughout Cache Valley are visual examples of homeowners striving to maintain the beauty of their homes and the surrounding area, and these efforts set a standard that areas throughout the country strive to achieve and enjoy.
Save Money on Home Improvement Projects for Spring
Spring is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about projects that will make your home look and function best. Here are some tips that can help you decide what will have the greatest impact and ideas to help you save money.
Pest Control
Pests are not just a nuisance, but can cost homeowners time, money and their health.
Tip: Look for ways to save by using traps and other pest control substances that are safe for your home and will eliminate the problem before it gets bigger, saving you money down the road.
Siding Repair
The exterior of your home is what creates curb appeal for your property, but it also functions as a protective exterior barrier for the structure of your home.
Tip: Most external materials can be painted with exterior-purpose paint, so replacing a small section of siding that you can color match to the existing siding will save you lots of money.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutters carry heavy rainfall and moisture away from your roof and siding that would otherwise cause leaks and water buildup around your home. Throughout the fall and winter, debris such as leaves, dirt and even pine needles can clog your gutters, causing them to overflow.
Tip: Look at installing a guard over your gutters to prevent them from clogging.
Deck Staining
A deck not only functions as additional usable space for your property, but can provide shade to parts of your home, as well as play a pivotal role in the curb appeal of your home. Because most decks are exposed to the elements, they sustain general wear and tear and need to be maintained to avoid more serious problems down the road.
Tip: There are plenty of resources that can help you stain your deck yourself, saving you a significant amount of money on labor costs.
Attic Insulation
The insulation in your home plays a big factor on the heating and cooling efficiency of your home. Many homes have inadequate insulation that has degraded over time or has been affected by pests.
Tip: Insulation has improved over the last few years and has become a superior product of many energy-efficiency companies. Many of these companies now offer multi-layer insulations that not only protect your home, but exceed expectations in controlling and moderating the temperatures inside your home, saving you money each month.
