Home improvement projects typically involve the addition of components that improve aesthetic appeal and add functionality to the property. However, many homeowners overlook the importance of making repairs and improvements that enhance the structural safety of the building itself.
Still, home safety is a topic that should be given just as much consideration as interior design, landscaping, and other visual features. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme climates or natural weather phenomena, you might be looking for ways to bolster the structural integrity of your home, not only to increase property value, but to ensure the safety of your family and/or future owners or tenants.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss three steps you can take to protect property value and strengthen your home’s weak points:
1. Have the Property Professionally Inspected
Having the exterior, interior, and all levels of your home professionally inspected for faults that could cause future structural damage is a great way to cut down on unnecessary repair expenses.
It’s also important to utilize the services of a commercial inspection company like the services found at WeInspectTexas.com to have the roof, foundation, and fire protection systems inspected for any issues.
Once a thorough inspection has been conducted, you’ll be able to quickly decide which repairs would be the most essential and cost-effective solutions to start improving the structural integrity of your home.
2. Install Storm Windows
If your home is located in a climate that is susceptible to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe weather patterns, it may be a good idea to have some strong storm windows installed. While this improvement will not directly strengthen the structure of the building, it will protect the interior from debris in high-wind situations.
Furthermore, most storm windows extend around the window frame and the surrounding wall, thereby protecting vulnerable corners from slight damage that could be erode over time and add up to more costly repairs in the long-term.
3. Repair Faults around Windows and Doorframes
Finally, if you followed the first step and had a detailed inspection carried out, you should already be aware of any cracks or faults near door frames and window frames, which could be a serious cause for concern if left unchecked.
Fortunately, having such minor repairs done is a relatively affordable way to conduct routine maintenance that will drastically improve the safety of your home during earthquakes, floods, storms, fires, and any other mishap or natural disaster that could come your way.
In some cases, all it takes is a little bit of caulking and/or some weather stripping to keep door frames and window frames in shape.
Although the above list of tips is by no means a comprehensive or all inclusive one, the first step alone should set you on the right path to assessing and improving the structural integrity of your property, both on the interior and exterior. Keep them in mind, and ensure the safety of all who live in the home.