9/27/23 - Wednesday

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Hey there my maintenance maidens (...and mans…?)

Today, I’m (Jill) advocating for some regular maintenance to keep your long-term housing costs as low as possible.

👉 If you’re renting, I’m talking “We’re getting that security deposit back” or better yet “We’re negotiating this rent price down for all this maintenance we’re doing around here!”

👉 And if you own, the script is more like “I can’t have another bill, so better keep this stuff working.”

Learning and implementing ways to cut costs on home maintenance can help you reduce your overall expenses and keep your home in tip-top shape for the long run.

Here are a few of our favs for saving:

1. Do it yourself. 💪 Check out YouTube channels like this one for tutorials on how to fix minor issues like repairing a leaky faucet, patching small holes in walls, or replacing a damaged tile.

2. Prevent issues by creating a maintenance schedule. 🕓 You could include cleaning gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water damage and changing HVAC filters to keep your system efficient. Also, check out this article from Forbes where they outline monthly tasks to consider.

3. Negotiate, negotiate, negotiate. 🗣 If you have regular service contracts for things like pest control, lawn care, or HVAC maintenance, negotiate service contracts by asking about bundles or paying for months upfront to get discounts on regular visits.

4. Clean the big stuff. 🎛️ Beyond just washing our floors occasionally, it’s a good idea to regularly clean and maintain appliances like your refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher to prolong their lifespan and reduce the need for professional repairs. Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens, we’ve got a list of what to use and how to clean.

5. Caulk! It’s a small but mighty tip– from pests 🐜 to moisture the small cracks and holes around the house can lead to bigger issues and larger bills if not sealed. Even if areas were originally sealed with caulk, as the structure settles this can become weakened.

We recommend taking a look around the perimeter of your home annually and utilizing some quality exterior acrylic latex caulk (although consult a professional for the exact places you intend to utilize caulk). Here’s another article for some inspo!

Until next time,

<3 jill

⭐️⭐️ P.S. Want to share all this goodness with your friends AND earn cool Frugal Friends merch?

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