6 Tips to Design a Low-Maintenance Home in Orange County NY
Homeownership is an amazing opportunity, and shouldn’t be taken for granted. But, it is also a lot of work. While some people enjoy the challenge of a never-ending list of maintenance and DIY projects, most of us don’t. Whether you’re looking to save money, spend more time with family or just simplify your life, there are many reasons more and more people are looking to build or buy homes that require less maintenance. Here are 6 tips to help you design a low-maintenance home.
1. Easy-to-clean surfaces are a must
Cleaning is already a daily chore, so why make it harder? Flooring and walls that have grout or seams collect dirt and dust, and can be tricky to scrub. If you have children or pets, wooden floors or tile will probably be easier to clean and maintain than carpet. If you do choose tile, opt for large tiles to minimize the amount of grout. For other surfaces, like countertops, a pattern or texture won’t show every smudge or crumb like a plain color will. And be mindful of the materials you’re using. Durable materials may cost more at the outset, but will likely save you time and money in the long run.
2. Not too many nooks and crannies
Avoid design elements that leave lots of surfaces open to collect dust. That includes open shelving, things like crown molding or trim around doors and windows, or cupboards that don’t go from floor to ceiling. Keep an eye on what type of light fixtures you choose, too. Things like ceiling fans or other items with a lot of surface area will naturally collect more dust.
3. consider a Metal Roof
Shingles need to be replaced fairly regularly, and more often following severe weather like blizzards, high winds or hail. We know Orange County New York weather can sometimes be harsh from season to season. Metal roofing is more expensive than initially than shingles, but can come with up to a 50-plus year warranty. It also comes in different styles and colors so your home will still have the aesthetic you’d like. Plus, metal roofs are more fire-resistant. So if you live in a fire-prone area, this could be a safety feature.
Siding
If just thinking about having to repaint your house every few years is a drag, consider siding. Vinyl or plastic siding is durable and comes in just about any color you’d like.
Composite deck
Wood decks require a lot of work. They need to be cleaned, sanded and stained yearly, as well as checked annually for signs of warping and decay. Composite decking, on the other hand, lasts for years with minimal maintenance. (It will still need to be washed.) High-quality composites like TimberTech, our preferred brand, come with 25- to 50-year warranties, so you’ll have peace of mind for decades to come.
Artificial lawn
If you don’t have the time or energy to maintain a yard, consider an artificial lawn. Or maybe some pavers and unique landscaping can transform your backyard into a maintenance-free haven. We provide backyard evaluations to help you determine the best option for your space.
Looking for other low-maintenance options? We’d love to help! Contact us at 845-988-4644, or email us here.