If you want to be close to nature, rural houses might be the way to go. They can be wonderful to live in and far from the hustle and bustle of big cities, they can feel like a peaceful slice of heaven. That peace does come with a bit of a price, though. All houses need regular maintenance to stay in good condition, and rural houses are no exception. In fact, they need a little extra TLC to stay in top shape.
Protection from the Elements
Being out in the middle of nature means you’ll need to put some extra effort into protecting your rural house from the elements. You’ll need to take into account the conditions specific to your climate, whether that means cold snow, hot sun, or an abundance or lack of water. Your roof especially should be given special consideration, since it helps protect the rest of the house. Check for discoloration that can indicate water damage, especially in the seams and corners. If your region is prone to snow, you’ll need to make sure that your roof prevents too much snow from accumulating on it. When that happens, it creates an ice dam.
Utilities
When it comes to rural living, you may find that utilities pose an extra challenge. There’s getting them set up, for starters, and then there’s the extra maintenance you’ll need to do once you do have them up and going. You’ll want to make sure your power source is well maintained to keep it running optimally. When it comes to your water source, you’ll need to make sure you check it regularly to ensure it’s not been contaminated. And you’ll need to have plans for dealing with waste disposal. Septic systems are ideal for this. There are numerous benefits to a home that has a septic system. After all, no one wants to be digging new latrines all the time.
Landscaping
You might think that with being out in the middle of nature you wouldn’t have to deal with landscaping so much, but you’d be wrong. In order to keep your house safe, you should make sure the surrounding land slopes away from the house to prevent water accumulation at the foundations. You’ll also want to make sure you clear the area surrounding the house. This discourages various pests that make themselves at home in your rural house. It also can make utility management and maintenance easier. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you remove overhanging branches. No one wants their house crushed by a falling tree branch.
Rural houses can be a lot of extra work, but they’re worth it, especially if you want to escape the city noise and find some peace and tranquility. Just make sure you take the time to maintain them properly. Keep the surrounding land clear. Have a solid plan for utilities. Be mindful of your climate and keep the house protected from the elements the best you can. This way you’ll be able to enjoy your house for years to come.
An important part of maintaining any home is making sure it has a good roof. Contact us to schedule a free roof inspection!