Practical Tips to Make Your Apartment Maintenance Free

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While there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free home, it is important to invest in the right materials that will go the distance for you and your home. Read our guide for practical tips to make your home a low maintenance one.

Imagine an apartment you never have to repaint or a deck that’s going to last longer than you. It’s not as far-fetched as you might think. With some careful choices and extra resources, you can upgrade your home with long lasting materials that will take some maintenance chores off your to-do list. 

Weighing the odds

Cheaper materials have an allure, especially when money is tight however the initial lower cost may be deceptive. When it comes to choosing materials, the general rule of thumb is that longevity doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay a premium for longer lasting materials that lead to a more maintenance-free home. 

Another factor to consider is labour costs. Again doing things yourself, attempting a DIY will keep costs down however in certain circumstances it pays you to get things done by a professional. 

Installation is key

Most appliances and materials won’t perform as intended unless installed correctly. Therefore, when you’re replacing such items it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s too generic to come with instructions, do some research and find the currently accepted installation methods. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Read the Warranty

Most manufacturers offer some sort of warranty with their products. Unfortunately, not all warranties are the same.

Manufacturers typically define “lifetime warranty” as a specific life expectancy of the product, while others may define the term as the duration of ownership. The best advice is to read the fine print in the warranty before purchasing a product.

Banish Humidity

Malta’s hot summers and southeasterly winds mean year-round humidity, which gives rise to indoor mould and mildew. Therefore it’s important to keep this dreaded duo at bay, with the following steps;

Prevention:

  • Open up your windows daily to circulate the air within your home. Another plus point would be to switch on fans to help in this process. 
  • Wipe away steam and spills from surfaces after showering and cooking to prevent mould spores from settling.
  • Invest in humidity monitors to warn when levels are high as well as a dehumidifier to absorb excess moisture.
  • Paint walls with waterproof paint which won’t flake and peel over time. 

Cure:

  • Wash mould and mildew with soap or white vinegar and water and in extreme cases use bleach to lift stains.

Sun Protection

Malta’s strong sunlight can cause furniture and upholstery to fade, especially when owning a south facing home. Invest in curtains, builds and tinted windows in order to prevent fabrics from fading, appliances from yellowing and plastics from cracking.

Blessing or Burden?

Owning a home can be a huge blessing in your life. It offers a warm, safe place to raise a family, nurture children, and be hospitable to friends and loved ones. The right home can weave itself into the fabric of your family. It’s the conduit through which life happens. But if you aren’t careful, a home can be a massive burden instead – weighing you down, suffocating your finances, and leaving you with little-to-no free time to do the things you love.

There are plenty of unique factors that influence whether a home is a blessing or a burden. While being completely maintenance-free is impossible, the less time and energy it takes to clean and maintain the house, the lesser the burden.

GAP builds new, low-maintenance homes that only require small amounts of energy and effort to keep up. Lower the stress and burden of homeownership and enjoy more of the blessings and benefits that come from owning your own home by entrusting GAP to help you with this process.

If you’re in the market for a new home, make sure to check out our Current Developments, a selection of new-build highly-finished homes.