Managing Home Maintenance Costs

Consumers are just beginning to consider smart house features. New homes can be easily upgraded to add various smart house features. WiFi thermostats, cameras, alarm systems and auto door locks are just a few examples. But is it worth it? Does the money you spend provide sufficient pay back or peace of mind? This is what many consumers are thinking about. Turns out ir really depends on your life style, your wallet, interest in technology and of course the value of your possessions you are trying to protect by alarm systems.

Considerations for Your Smart House

WiFi Thermostats – a useful tool if you need to monitor or change your temperature settings while you are away from the home. Consumers who travel a great deal will appreciate being able to check on your homes temperature remotely and also make adjustments. Many will also send alerts based on your specifications.

Camera Systems – monitor your home while you are away and can provide alerts as well as evidence if intruders enter your home. These systems can be expensive.

Lighting Systems – automated lighting systems are probably the most useful when it comes to making your home look like someone is home. They are also inexpensive.

Alarm Systems – unmonitored systems are useful along with tags on windows to deter thieves. A monitored system will alert the alarm center who in turn will call you and the police. False alarms can be expensive if the police are dispatched. Have the system call your cell phone and then check cameras for intruders can be more useful.

Auto Door Locks – hand with young kids who are leaving for school and forget to lock the door. Can be expensive.

Many of the above systems can be combined into one monthly rental cost. However you need to evaluate the benefits vs. the cost before proceeding.

Now is the time to consider hiring a snow removal contractor. With winter just around the corner, many people are thinking about that awful job of clearing snow from their driveways. They wonder, should they check on their old snowblower to see if it’s working? Or should they contact a snow removal contractor to arrange for snow clearing during the winter?

My neighbor has done this. He loves to stand in his front window drinking his coffee while the contractor clears the snow off his driveway! But other than economics when should you hire a snow removal contractor?

When to Hire a Snow Removal Contractor

When it comes to cost it is simply cheaper to buy your own snowblower and clear the snow yourself. The cost of annual contract times the number of years that you will use a contractor will be far costlier than buying your own snowblower.

However, there are other reasons why many people consider hiring a snow removal contractor. One reason that many people hire a snow removal contractor is simply time. They just do not have the time to spend clearing snow early in the morning before they go to work or after they arrive home so they can get the car in the driveway.

Another reason is health. This is a major issue and should be taken seriously. If you are not the type to do routine work around the house and stay in shape then clearing snow could be dangerous. Many people suffer heart attacks after shoveling snow.

Even if you do use a snowblower there is always some snow that you have to clear by hand. If you are a coach potato, bite the bullet and hire a snow removal contractor now. It is just not worth it to take a chance with your health.

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