Seven common home maintenance mistakes
A home is the biggest asset people will own in their lifetime and it requires a certain amount of ongoing maintenance & preventative care over the years to ensure that it will properly withstand weather conditions, general living ‘wear and tear’ and maintain value. Without proper care, it is easy to see how a house can develop problem areas that always come back to bite, especially when selling and a home inspection highlights some of these problems that can result in price reductions.
Here are some of the most common home maintenance mistakes that homeowners often make.
Home Maintenance Mistake #1: Forgetting to Unclog Gutters.
Gutter maintenance is a commonly overlooked maintenance task for many homeowners as they are out of sight and out of mind. Gutters channel water away from your home’s roof and foundation. If you neglect to properly maintain your gutters, it can lead to roof leaks and problems with the foundation. It is important to clean out your gutters for any clogs or backups at least twice a year given our season changes and the amount of debris that collects there. Also, ensure your gutters drain water away with proper installation angles. If you do not want to do this maintenance on your own, you should hire a professional to help you unclog your gutters and check for any leaks, proper installation, and any deterioration. Also, especially important to ensure your gutter downspouts are properly draining away from your house, at least 6 ft. out as a minimum.
Home Maintenance Mistake #2: Ignoring Minor Leaks.
Plumbing leaks are the costliest of all of the mistakes, because ignoring even the seemingly smallest and “most harmless” water leak can eventually compound over time and result in a very expensive repair (or replacement) costs. From damage to laminate flooring, carpet, roofing, drywall, cabinets, insulation, and unseen structural supports (such as wall studs or floor joists)—water leaks and damage caused by water need to be addressed right away. Ignoring any leaks can also prove deadly if mold and mildew start to develop, often unseen and hidden. Leaks in taps, faucets, showers, tubs, roof, gutters, and water penetrating around faulty windows and doors are areas leaks often develop over time.
Home Maintenance Mistake #3: Disregarding Foggy Windows.
If you ever notice foggy looking windows, it is a potential sign that the seal of the window is broken and may need replacing. Disregarding foggy windows may result in added heating and cooling expenses and of course it reduces visual clarity and aesthetically looks unappealing, so be sure to replace broken seals as soon as possible. Broken seals may also highlight the need for new window replacement as well in some cases. Remember when selling one of the highest return on investment items and home appeal items are new windows!
Home Maintenance Mistake #4: Filling Grout Gaps.
The purpose of grout is not just aesthetic with their multitude of colors these days, the real purpose of grout is to properly seal gaps between floor, bathroom and kitchen tiles and fixtures. If you have a gap in grout, you should not ignore them or simply fill them without proper investigation and repair. Gaps in grout means that moisture
is already starting to get through the grout and mold or mildew growth, plus potential water damage to walls, floors is already a risk. The best way to manage any gaps in grout is to clean out and thoroughly remove any old grout and replace and seal the gap with brand new grout. Do not just fill grout on top of old grout as you may not get a good seal and you are simply covering up a deeper existing problem behind the old grout.
Home Maintenance Mistake #5: Let Paint Chip and Peel Off.
Neglecting paint that is chipping or peeling is never a good idea. Cracks in the paint expose drywall or exterior wood surfaces. This means that water is likely getting to the surfaces underneath the paint, which will cause further damage and only worsen the cracking and peeling paint. If you spot any paint peeling or chipping, remove any loose paint from the surface, dry out and repair any damage, properly sand back the surfaces, prime with a good coat of primer and then repaint. Replace any rotting wood, do not paint over it!
Home Maintenance Mistake #6: Neglecting Servicing Home Heating and Other Systems.
You should have your furnaces, hot water tanks, sump pumps, septic systems and any other home & property systems checked and serviced regularly to ensure proper operation, avoid leaks and damage, dirt & chemical buildup. Regular maintenance extends equipment life, provides peace of mind, and reduces expenses in the long run.
Home Maintenance Mistake #7: Neglecting Cleaning/Dusting Duty.
Another common home maintenance mistake that some people make is neglecting the battle with dirt and dust. Many people will take care of the obvious dirt or dust that they see visibly on surfaces, but what about the dirt you cannot see? It is important to change your air conditioning and heater filters regularly as they can build up dirt and dust, preventing proper air flow and energy efficiency. Have your ducting cleaned out periodically. Additionally, cleaning the coils on the refrigerator is also advised to prevent premature breakdown and help keep down energy costs. Dirt and dust also break down carpet fibers, causing increased wear and tear. You can help the battle with flooring by placing doormats outside and inside all doors and vacuuming carpet often, especially if you have any pets.
If you properly maintain your home, you will help save on a lot of unnecessary repairs and expenses, including additional energy costs to run an improperly maintained home. Additionally, a well- maintained home will provide greater peace of mind and a greater return on your investment when it comes time to sell.
In our current hot market, especially in the city and towns, some buyers are sacrificing home inspections to compete and secure a purchase. If possible, try to keep in a home inspection as part of your purchase process. This is still one of the reasons I am a strong believer in prelisting home inspections so sellers can be aware of any of the problems noted above and rectify them before listing which in turn provides confidence in the sale process reducing comeback by buyers on issues.
Wayne Chaulk
Realtor, BComm
www.chaulkrealestate.com
