Maintenance work is essential to optimize your comfort. They are also necessary to reduce your energy costs. And if you’re thinking of putting your property up for sale, there are some things that will make it easier to fall in love with it and sell it for a fair price. Find out which items are most important to consider.
Maintenance and renovation of facades
The facades are the face of your property. It is therefore important to take care of them. The only problem is that they are constantly exposed to stress factors. In addition to the weather, there is pollution, moss, graffiti and other dirt that can tarnish facades.
It is even possible that the deterioration has an impact on the structure, such as the appearance of cracks or traces of chalking. Renovation is required as soon as the building is affected. Take the opportunity to check for signs of damp. If this is the case, it will be necessary to identify the cause. This may be due to capillary rise, infiltration, etc.
Renovation is an excellent opportunity to review your insulation system. For example, it is possible to carry out an ETI (external thermal insulation) which can boost the efficiency of your internal insulation. You will gain in comfort, and you will notice a decrease in your energy bills.
Repainting your interior
A lick of paint is needed as soon as the existing coat shows signs of wear: loss of shine, flaking, stains…. It is also advisable to repaint your walls when they are out of fashion. This will give your interior a fresh look.
Look out for signs that may indicate building damage. If your walls are damp or have traces of mould, it means that your property is suffering from the effects of damp. You should therefore treat this problem at its source to avoid repainting too often. Check your side gutters to make sure they are not pierced. Also make sure that your pipes are in good condition. If necessary, professionals will inspect underground pipes. Sometimes roof leaks and groundwater infiltration cause interior walls to deteriorate. Be careful!
While you are at it, don’t hesitate to rethink your insulation. You can improve it, if necessary, before you put rollers and brushes on the walls.
Painting and insulation can be done room by room. You will therefore evolve according to your physical abilities and your financial means.
Inspecting the waterproofing and maintaining your roof
As we briefly mentioned above, the roof deserves your full attention. At least once a year, inspect it with binoculars. Make sure that all the tiles are in place, that the seals are still perfect and that the various fasteners are working efficiently. The inspection is also carried out after any event that may have damaged the roof. This includes severe weather, but also interventions by technicians (installation/repair of antennas), chimney sweeps, etc.
Pay attention to every detail. Porous roof tiles, gutters that overflow onto the facade and the like should get your attention. Repairing them will improve the efficiency and lifespan of the roof.
If you notice that vegetation is growing on your roof, take advantage of the renovation to carry out a thorough cleaning.
It is also recommended to check the insulation of the attic, even if it is uninhabited.
Don’t forget to protect the woodwork against insect and pest intrusion.
Change the windows
Single-glazed windows should be replaced with more energy-efficient models. Double or triple glazing is preferable, even if the cost seems high. It is an investment that protects you from heat loss and will therefore reduce your energy bills.
When you replace your windows, you will have to check that they are watertight. It may be necessary to install a ventilation system. By improving ventilation, you can limit the development of mould. You can choose between a central ventilation system that distributes the air via ducts or a decentralized model that ventilates each room individually.
While you’re at it, don’t hesitate to install roller shutters. They are very practical and can be controlled via your smartphone if you have a home automation system. Motorization of existing shutters is an alternative to consider. Of course, make sure that these new elements are consistent with the style of the property.
If you can afford it, consider replacing your front door at the same time as your windows. You can then opt for the same design to give the property a new lease of life. At the same time, you will considerably reduce heat loss.
A modern heating system
Anticipation is the best option when it comes to heating. If you do it at the last minute, you will be faced with a very limited choice. Moreover, you run the risk of not being heated in the middle of winter. But how do you know when a new installation is needed? First, check your energy bills. If your energy bills, which include heating, show significant increases, you should invest in a new system. An old installation is also worth replacing because it can fail at any time.
Several solutions exist today for efficient heating without increasing energy costs. The purchase of the most efficient models may seem expensive, but there are financial aid schemes available. In addition, the investment pays for itself very quickly. Ideally, equip your heating system with a control system. You can easily find one for a few hundred euros.
Take advantage of the work to inspect your radiators. If they are cold, it probably means that the installation is jammed and that you need to intervene quickly to restore its initial efficiency.
It is also possible to invest in renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic panels to cover all or part of your heating needs.
Once you have done these 5 things, you will be able to increase the value of your property, whether for your own use or for sale.