As much as you might love your interior design, you might be tired of constant repainting, resealing, and repairs. Rather than wasting your time and money on repetitive tasks, invest in simple upgrades that will help your interior and exterior stand the test of time.
This may mean introducing more durable materials, practical paints, and smarter solutions, which will make it easier to look after your home throughout the years. Here are five home upgrades that could reduce maintenance tasks for years to come.
1. A Long-Lasting Roof
It’s a good idea to start from the top when attempting to reduce home maintenance tasks. After all, nothing is more important than having a safe and supportive roof over your head. If you’re due a roof replacement, it’s important to be aware that materials matter, as the option you choose will determine your home’s durability.
If you don’t want to replace your shingles regularly or you struggle with leaks, choose a durable material, such as metal, to protect your home. For example, metal has a long lifespan, is energy-efficient, and is incredibly resistant to wind, pests, rot, and a buildup of snow. An experienced metal roofing contractor NH can help you find a modern or traditional option to suit your home’s exterior design and your budget.
2. Durable Siding
Do you often need to repaint your home’s siding? If so, consider replacing it with a more durable option, such as vinyl or fiber cement. Vinyl is a great choice, as it doesn’t require a drop of paint, helping reduce maintenance tasks throughout the years. Fiber cement is also known for holding paint rather well, and it’s also resistant to troublesome pests and rotting.
Whichever option you choose, all you’ll need to do is periodically wash the siding to maintain its visual appeal and check its caulking and seams.
3. Scrubbable Paint
If you often discover food stains on your kitchen walls, coffee splashes in your hallway, or finger paint on your kid’s bedroom walls, scrubbable paint is a wise choice. It makes it easy to wipe away splashes and stains in the home, making it perfect for busy kitchens, living rooms, playrooms, and mudrooms.
Before you buy, read the label and look for terms such as “scrubbable,” “stain-resistant,” or “washable.” Don’t forget to read the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning before picking up a pot, too. Remember, the glossier the finish, the easier it will likely be to clean.
4. Low-Maintenance Landscaping
If the idea of spending many hours tending to a lawn and plants fills you with dread, low-maintenance landscaping is the way to go. It allows you to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space without having to worry about constant mowing, pruning, and watering.
Create a low-maintenance exterior by:
- Adding native plants – they’ll require less watering than more exotic options
- Grouping plants with similar light and water requirements
- Replacing lawn with patios, paths, or gravel
- Investing in drip irrigation to deliver water to plants on a timer
5. Quartz Countertops
As kitchens cost a considerable amount of money, the last thing you’ll want to do is replace your countertops in a few years’ time. Quartz countertops are a smart investment, as they are resistant to stains, cracks, and scratches and don’t require regular resealing. All you need to do is regularly clean them with mild soap and water.