It is a typical scenario nowadays to find senior couples staying alone, while the kids have moved out of town or country. If the family has settled in a city for a long time, it is quite possible that they are living in an independent house. While an independent home has its drawbacks in that it needs constant maintenance, those used to it, may not want to shift out to an apartment. Additionally, if one has lived in the area for long, there is the comfort factor of knowing the neighbours, the grocery stores, doctors and the like. So, it is quite natural to prefer to continue to stay in one’s own independent house. The challenge is in maintaining it well, managing regular wear and tear and of course, security issues.
Maintenance
Garden/Yard
An independent house needs a good amount of support every year. For example, if you have a garden space outside, that needs to be neatly kept. If you have plants, and pots, then they would trimming, and re-potting periodically, apart from the daily watering. If you are comfortable and able to do it on your own, well and good; else, you may have to engage the services of a gardener for the same. You can usually hire a gardener from known local contacts or nowadays even a few online gardening, and nursery sites offer such services.
Winter/Monsoon
Another maintenance challenge is the yearly house maintenance before winter or monsoon approaches. For example, before the monsoon arrives, check your walls for any leaks and also the terrace for waterlogging and seepage issues. Waterproofing can be done to avoid such problems and leaks, and cracks in the walls can also be plastered. Even any plumbing or electrical issues can be checked once in a year, with the help of known plumbers or electricians or using such online/app services like Housejoy or Urbanclap. Cleaning the sump or overhead water tanks, checking the water pumps, etc. are a few such things that need to be taken into account.
Before winter, you can ensure that any openings and cracks are nicely packed to avoid the cold. If you are living in places with snowfall, then yearly necessary precautions need to be taken. Even for this, it is better to take the help of known contacts locally and maintain the same person/agency throughout.
Daily Maintenance
An independent house needs weekly, if not, daily maintenance as well, with proper sweeping, dusting and mopping. Once again, you may employ a maid for this through local contacts or agencies. The house needs a good cleaning in the kitchen and bathroom areas, which cannot be avoided. Also, the beds and blankets need to be aired. Windows and doors need special care and any carpets and sofas, etc. need thorough vacuuming once in a while. If you do not have a regular maid, you can again pick up such services from the above mentioned Urbanclap or Housejoy, kind of service providers. They even help with any appliance repair, or event organizing as well.
Safety and security
It is better to have an alarm system installed for safety purposes in an independent house. Any reputed provider can help you with that. Many such systems also include CCTV surveillance, and you can check out the options and choose one. Also, if you have a periphery, it is best to cover at least the approaches using grills so that unwanted outsiders cannot get access unless you allow them in. Make sure that the door is protected in such a way that you will open it if you know the person or are convinced about the visitor and his purpose.
Enjoy the comfort of your own home with safety and utility levels that are necessary.
