Aging in place is a priority for many seniors. But living independently can be challenging when it comes to maintaining the outside of your house. It is definitely worth the effort if it means you can remain in the place where you raised your family; created precious memories; and celebrate holidays and special occasions. If you have decided not to move after retiring, here are some practical home exterior maintenance tips for seniors.
Be honest with yourself.
Aging is a process that is often difficult to deal with. Two years ago, climbing the stairs was no problem. Be honest with yourself in determining what you can still safely do now, with minimum overdoing it and risk. You might be able to power wash the siding, but can’t work from a ladder to clean the gutters or repair siding panels. Whether it’s a family member, neighbour, friend, or hiring someone, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some home maintenance tasks you might need to hire a professional contractor for include:
- Cleaning the gutters and/or making repairs to the gutter system
- Inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining the roof
- Pruning trees growing close to the house (protect the gutters, siding, roof)
- Washing windows, checking for mould, maintaining/painting the trim
Use checklists and schedules to keep track.
There are home maintenance tasks that need to be done weekly, monthly, and at certain times of the year. Use checklists to keep track of what needs to be done and make a schedule for when you will do it or someone is coming to do it for you.
Roof: Do a homeowner’s inspection with binoculars (from the ground) twice a year (spring and fall) before cleaning the gutters. Conduct visual inspections after stormy weather. Hire a roofer to professionally inspect the roofing system once every two to three years.
Gutters: Clean the gutters twice a year, in the spring and fall, after the blossoms and leaves have fallen.
Siding: Siding should also be cleaned in the spring and the fall (twice a year).
Foundation/exterior walls: DIY a foundation inspection at each change of the season (four times a year). Look for cracks, holes, soil erosion, etc. Also check exterior walls for entry points (holes in siding, loose/broken window panes, gaps in door trim) where pests and burglars can get in.
Access: Sweep debris off steps and pathways to entry doors once a week. Every three to six months clean with a solution of mild dish detergent and water.
Apply for any programs that assist seniors with maintenance costs.
If budgetary concerns will be a factor in preventing you from hiring a contractor if and when you need to, ask about any municipal and/or provincial senior assistance programs that help with home maintenance and repair costs. Contact any non-profit agencies for seniors in your area and inquire how they can help and what they offer – they might paint the exterior of your home, build a ramp, clear out the gutters, or clean the windows for a reduced fee or the cost of materials.
Ask contractors if their company offers discounts.
When senior assistance programs aren’t applicable or available in your area, ask the company you are considering hiring to do maintenance work or repairs, if they offer senior discounts, bundle pricing, or maintenance plans – for example, scheduled roof and gutter cleaning for a combination price rather than paying for each service separately.
