If you've lived in your current home for at least 10 years you may need to start thinking about some updates, which stinks because nothing is cheap when it comes to home maintenance!
I've been in my current home 11 years and our hot water heater just needed to be replaced. Are you starting to wonder what needs be replaced soon or maybe updated in your own home? Even if you make home maintenance a priority, some things in your home are going to need an update or are going to need to be replaced after they’ve been used for 10 years. Here are some updates to consider making in your home with each decade.
1. Hot Water Tank
Even if your tank isn’t leaking (or not working) quite yet, it is usually ready for replacement every 10 years. It is important to make note of how old your water heater is to prevent any major issues, so be sure to check the manufacturing date and consider replacement once it has worked for 10 years.
2. Ceiling Fans
If you are someone who has the fans in your home running often, they will likely need to be replaced after cooling your home for a decade. If you notice lightbulbs are burning out frequently, it is time to consider replacing your fans.
3. Carpet
The average carpet on the market today is expected to last 10 years. If you’ve got pets or a heavily trafficked home, you may want to consider replacing your carpets before you hit that 10-year mark. If you’ve got stains, tears, or hard-to-remove odors, it is probably time for an update.
4. Dishwasher
If your dishwasher has been around for 10 years, it is likely in need of replacement. The plus side of replacing your dishwasher now is that many on the market are extremely energy-efficient and will end up saving you money over time, making the initial investment to upgrade worth it. If your dishwasher has buttons that don’t work, cracks inside, or has trouble cleaning dishes as well as it used to, it is probably time to replace.
5. Washer & Dryer
If you have a working set after 10 years, you’re lucky. Many sets have a lifespan of around 8 years, so after a decade, it may be time to upgrade.
6. Bathroom Caulking
This is the best DIY when it comes to updating your bathroom and protecting against leaks. Re-caulking the shower, tub, and sink is an easy task and gives your bathroom a new breath of life.
7. Garbage Disposal
All blades dull over time, and with the average lifespan of a disposal at between 10-12 years, it may be a good idea to replace your disposal blade after a decade.
8. Paint
While repainting after 10 years isn’t necessary, it can help give your home a fresh look. Most people don’t wait that long to repaint heavily trafficked rooms, so if it has been 10 years, it is probably time to add a new coat of paint.
Need more home maintenance tips? Reach out to kbrechka@gmail.com for a month to month home maintenance list.