Keeping your home in good shape is a big job. And making a few big mistakes can cost a lot of money. Let’s talk about what you might be doing wrong, and how you can do better, courtesy of some really smart folks.
1. Inspections? Who Needs ‘Em?
Turns out, we all do. A lot of us just wait until something is obviously wrong. But by then, the damage is done, and listening to yourself swear about the high costs is a given. How can you skip the drama? Check your roof, pipes, heating and cooling, and foundation every year. This way, you’ll spot problems early, when they’re easier (and cheaper) to fix.
2. Your Gutters Are Talking. Are You Listening?
Gutters and downspouts keep rainwater from pooling against your home and causing trouble. Not keeping them clean? Expect water damage, foundation problems, and maybe even a flooded basement. Want to avoid all that? Clean your gutters and downspouts twice a year, before the rain really gets going. And consider gutter guards to avoid debris buildup.
3. The Price of Forgetting Your HVAC
Your heating, cooling, and ventilation systems can’t just run on their own. They need care. Forget to look after them and you’ll get an energy-thirsty system, high bills, and maybe even a total breakdown. It’s wise to invite a pro to check out your HVAC at least once a year. Do this to prevent costly fixes later on.
4. Forget Pest Prevention:
Home bugs cause damage, both to health and home. Some people don’t think about bugs until they’re a real problem. Experts say, patch up cracks, store food right, plan bug checks. Facing the issue early stops a big bug hassle and saves money.
5. Leave Roof Upkeep:
A roof protects your home from weather. Ignore the upkeep and it leaks, lets in water and falls apart. Experts tell homeowners to check roofs often, look for broken or lost roof tiles, find leak signs, spot troubles. Fix it early, take care of it right to extend its life and avoid expensive fixes.
6. Delay Fixing Plumbing:
Drippy taps, blocked drains, and tank problems can seem small. But to ignore them grows big water woes and high bills. Experts say fix plumbing glitches fast to stop more problems. Check fixtures, look for drips, solve troubles fast. Doing this can stop expensive fixes and keep water damage away.
7. Choose Wrong Cleaners:
Clean up is key to home care. But wrong cleaners hurt more than they help. Experts warn about strong, harsh cleaners that ruin surfaces and finishes. Follow the maker’s suggested clean up steps to make appliances, fixtures, and surfaces last long.
8. Missed Testing and Servicing of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are life-saving devices that are often ignored. Experts suggest checking these gadgets each month and changing the batteries twice yearly. Regular care confirms they’re working properly and will promptly warn you of any danger.
9. Ignoring Maintenance of Outer Home Paint:
Exterior paint not only boosts your home’s charm but also shields it from harsh weather. Ignoring its maintenance may lead to issues like wood decay and mold. Experts suggest repainting your home every 5-10 years depending on the weather and paint type. Checking for damaged paint and fixing it quickly can avoid any severe damage.
10. Overlooking Landscaping Upkeep:
Proper landscaping makes your property attractive and helps keep troubles away. Some homeowners forget about looking after their landscape, and this can lead to problems such as unruly plants, blocked gutters, and impaired drainage. Experts recommend routine pruning, cleaning of debris, and appropriate grading to avoid water accumulation near the foundation.
Dodging common house care faults can spare you effort, funds and unnecessary stress. Regular checks, being ahead of problems, and prompt repairments are vital to sustaining your home’s worth and life span. By following expert advice and being proactive, you’ll be able to keep your home a secure and comfortable sanctuary for the future.