How much maintenance should a home require?

Most homeowners are happier if repairs and maintenance are kept to a minimum. It’s a good idea to find out the life-span and maintenance requirements of materials when having your home upgraded. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that there are beautiful materials you can select that don’t cost any more than the more maintenance-heavy types and look just as great.

Metal roofing is one; most come with a 40 to 50 year warranty. Baked on enamel finishes with rust-proof undercoating warranted for the life of the product are good options. 

Laminate plank flooring is easily installed (less labor costs), and has a tough, clear plastic wear layer that resists scratches, moisture and stains.  No refinishing ever required! Life expectancy 25+ years.

Quartz countertops are the top choice for kitchens and baths. It is composed of about 95% quartz particles with resin binders and costs about the same as granite. It is a tough, durable, antimicrobial and scratch-resistant material. It is non-porous and never needs sealing. Life expectancy is 30+ years.

Composite decking mimics wood very well, and never needs re-staining. It won’t rot and is impervious to insects. Life expectancy is 25 years. Maintenance varies depending on location, but basically only needs to be scrubbed with soap and water every two to three years.