“A 12-14 year aged Chardonnay? Bring it on!
A 15-20 year aged home? No thanks!”
Imagine being offered to buy an old vacant house or a bottle of old wine? What will win your trust first? Old house? No? I didn’t think so.
Houses that remain vacant for a long time come with trust issues.
What all could go wrong with a property that hasn’t been looked after or maintained as a lived-in house or home as we lovingly call it? If you are a prospective buyer or tenant, chances are that your imagination will run wild with all the shortcomings. The checklist of concerns will grow longer. If you are the owner, you might start calculating the expenses of repairs.
A house may survive for decades, but the individual components that make up the house may — or may not — be as resilient. The actual lifespan of a house and its components depends greatly on the quality of installation, level of maintenance, weather, climate conditions, and intensity of use.
For instance, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) study found that a wood deck can last about 20 to 25 years in a dry climate. Similarly, good-quality exterior or interior paint might have a lifespan of about 5-7 years. Kitchens, bathroom appliances, and floor coverings normally last between 10 and 15 years, while pipes and windows last around 20 years.
After 10-15 years, some level of home repairs becomes absolutely necessary. Consider it a mid-life crisis for the house! A makeover can work wonders in ensuring the property gets the best value in the present market, whether for sale or rent.
Regardless of the reason a property remains vacant, one thing is clear:
When a property and its systems—like water and air circulation, pest control, plumbing, and electrical points—are left unattended for a long period, problems inevitably arise.
Moisture, or the dreaded ‘M’ word, is often a major culprit. Signs of moisture or mold can significantly lower property value and even pose health risks. Stains or moisture on plaster walls raise red flags about drainage and plumbing quality, leading to skyrocketing repair costs.
If it is a rental property, refurbishing it is a fantastic idea. Not only does it extend the house’s lifespan, but it also ensures better rental offers.
Peter Richner, Deputy Director of EMPA, Switzerland, aptly states, “An important component of longevity is a building’s adaptability.” Modern construction projects are designed to adapt to future requirements, such as modular kitchen layouts or flexible room configurations. These designs simplify renovations, whether for kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas. A well-maintained home radiates positive energy, making it highly appealing to potential tenants.
This highlights the importance of developing a regular property check process. Weekly or bi-weekly visits are essential, especially after heavy rains or storms, to ensure there are no noticeable issues or damage.
For those who live out of town—or even within the same city—consistent property management can be overwhelming. A regular checklist might include:
- Checking all doors, locks, windows, and alarms
- Flushing toilets and running sinks to prevent methane gas leakage from dry P-traps
- Regular cleaning of the house
- Inspecting lights, alarms, and smoke detectors
- Checking outside hoses and water taps for leaks
- Removing flyers, mail, or evidence that the property is unoccupied
- Conducting visual inspections of the house exterior and lawn
- Keeping the property neat and move-in ready
Hiring a professional property management company to handle these tasks can save significant time and effort.
For homeowners in Gurgaon, Native Sutra is a leading property management company in Gurgaon specializing in end-to-end property management services. We ensure that your property is maintained meticulously, maximizing its longevity and ensuring high returns on investment.
Whether you need residential property management or services from a trusted real estate management company, Native Sutra delivers comprehensive solutions tailored to your needs.
DISCLAIMER: Native Sutra does not provide legal advisory services or legal opinions. This document reflects the author’s opinion only and should not be construed as legal advice. Please obtain independent legal counsel to ensure compliance in using the document.
