Just as a medical professional recommends a routine physical examination each year in order to help keep you healthy, some real estate professionals recommend that homeowners routinely examine their homes to keep them in good operating condition.

Not just a roof over your head, your home is also an investment and it's in your best interest to protect and preserve it. When it comes to maintaining your home, nowhere is it truer that an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure.

Get out that notepad and pencil and take a walk. Once a year, conduct a complete visual inspection of your home's major systems including the roof, foundation, plumbing and electrical wiring. Take note of any visual damage or areas of disrepair and look into correcting these areas as soon as possible.

For homeowners, this may save you money, time and peace of mind. What may be a small problem today, if left unchecked, could turn into a major repair later on and that could mean spending more money than you had in mind.

If you are not able to safely make the repairs yourself, contact a local home maintenance or repair professional for assistance. If you are unsure of how to identify a reputable construction contractor, electrician, plumber, etc., consider a local real estate professional as a resource. Making an informed decision is crucial when selecting who will complete the needed repairs on your home.

Should you remodel?

In addition to protecting and preserving what may be the largest single purchase in your lifetime, your home is also intended to be lived in and enjoyed. It's been said that a person's home is his or her castle, so why not make it so?

No matter what the age of your home, sooner or later, you're going to want or need to join the millions of homeowners who want to remodel. Among the major reasons homeowners remodel is more space, upgrading outdated areas or elements such as kitchens or baths, improving the overall energy efficiency of the home or trying to increase the home's overall value for resale.

Whether conducting routine home maintenance or considering the addition of a guest room or breakfast nook, remember that while homeownership can be a dream come true, it requires a great deal of work and responsibility in order to enjoy it and keep it in good condition.

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