Did you know that the homeownership rate in the United States as of the fourth quarter of last year was 65.7%?
It probably won’t come as much of a surprise to learn that most people would list their homes as their single largest investment. Cars in the garage or driveway may cost a fortune, but they’re not assets. They’re liabilities. Money invested in the stock market, mutual funds, cryptocurrency, high-interest savings accounts, and other investment vehicles can help build financial wealth. But it goes without saying that your dwelling likely makes up the majority of your net worth. If you own a home, you want the property to appreciate in value so the initial investment nets you a tangible return if you sell it.
That’s one reason to be mindful of the concrete on your property. Continue reading to learn about three reasons you should take concrete maintenance and repair seriously rather than ignore it and watch the concrete erode and possibly slash the valuation of your property.
1. Structural Integrity Is at Stake
When considering the concrete on your property, you should be mindful of structural integrity. It’s not just about aesthetics — though aesthetics is also important since curb appeal directly impacts home valuation. But concrete also serves a functional purpose.
Whether it’s the concrete supporting your residence’s foundation, the driveway you drive and walk on, or the walkways and pathways you use every day, damaged concrete can jeopardize structural integrity. Cracks might appear minor initially. But if you do nothing about the cracks or other imperfections, they will worsen over time.
It’s best to contact a concrete repair company to explore repair and replacement options rather than wait until a small problem becomes a big one. If the structural integrity of your concrete structures is in question, that could also lead to serious injuries. The last thing you need is for someone to trip, slip, or fall on your property due to problems with the concrete. You could find yourself facing lawsuits in such scenarios.
Your best bet is to book an appointment so a concrete repair company can perform an assessment, explain your options, and help you make the right choice.
2. Curb Appeal and Property Value
As was touched on earlier, curb appeal is real. It’s not just some intangible concept that has no real meaning. If selling your home, the exterior of your property will help or hinder your chances of getting a good return on your real estate investment.
Prospective homebuyers might look elsewhere or table lowball offers if the concrete is in a poor state of repair. Cracked driveways, chipped walkways, or damaged retaining walls will do a number on curb appeal. In addition to ensuring the concrete is in good shape, you should also keep it clean so it’s visually appealing.
3. Pests and Plant Intrusion
If the concrete on your property is in poor shape, the cracks and other imperfections can lead to the growth of moss and weeds that create further damage. Such problems can also provide opportunities for pests to slip through the cracks, burrow down, and nest beneath the concrete.
You’ll want to nip such issues in the bud by contacting a concrete repair company that can provide solutions to your problems.
Concrete structures and fixtures should be maintained, repaired, or replaced as needed. You don’t want to underestimate the functional and aesthetic benefits they offer. If your concrete needs work, the worst thing you can do is drag your feet. The damage won’t get better over time. In fact, it’ll worsen and cost you a small fortune. Your best bet is to find a concrete repair company you can trust and get to work.
