Sonia
Maintaining a home is no less than nurturing a child; you have to be gentle, attentive, and caring. Yet, sometimes, even having the best team and being the most well-intentioned homeowners is not enough. However, here are 20 such home maintenance mistakes to avoid.
Neglecting Routine Inspections
We understand that life may get hectic, and inspecting every inch of your house might not be a routine job. But the truth is, those routine inspections are preventive care for your house. Your home needs routine maintenance, just like your half-yearly/ annual doctor visit. These inspections can detect little problems before they become major concerns.
Skipping Gutter Cleaning
Those tasks of cleaning gutters are surely the hated ones. Although they may not seem appealing, they are crucial for increasing the value of your home in the long run. Those trash, twigs, and leaves blocking your gutters can cause water overflow and maybe damage the foundation. So, just clean up your gutters a few times a year.
Ignoring HVAC Maintenance
The HVAC system keeps your home comfortably warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But it also needs some care between those seasons. Ignoring HVAC maintenance is a mistake, and while it may continue to operate, you may see the damage in the long run. Check soon if your HVAC system needs maintenance.
Forgoing Chimney Sweeping
There is nothing quite like the warm crackle of a fireplace on a freezing night. While curling up with a hot beverage and a nice book, you must ignore a certain task: chimney cleaning. Doing so is not about maintaining order; safety is also important. After all, you do not want to encounter a fire hazard.
Overlooking Pest Prevention
Do not overlook this maintenance because bugs and critters are common. They may appear innocuous at first, but once they settle down in your home, pests may cause serious damage. This is why it is crucial to prevent pests by staying one step ahead of them. To stop infestations early on, arrange pest control frequently.
Neglecting Exterior Maintenance
Yes, the exterior of your house is how your property presents to the outside world. However, people often neglect their home exterior while focusing mainly on interiors. Ignoring small problems like peeling paint or cracked brickwork can cause bigger ones later on, and it may even lower the value of your home.
Failing To Seal Windows And Doors
Do you know those terrible winds that, in winter, make your house feel like an igloo? Most likely, your doors and windows are not properly sealed. Properly sealing your windows and doors will save energy costs and maintain a comfortable and inviting home. Additionally, you can finally say goodbye to those unwanted drafts.
Overlooking Roof Maintenance
Out of sight, out of mind—that is often the case with roofs. Roofs are the first defense line of a home against any element in the environment. Everything from rain and snow to scorching sun abuses roofs all year round. Regular roof care is, therefore, essential. A little care today will save you expensive repairs in the future.
Neglecting Landscaping
The landscaping of your house acts as a layer of beauty and charm on the building. However, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing, a well-kept landscape has useful functions. From offering organic insulation, absorbing rainfall, and lessening soil erosion, benefits are many. Thus, remember to complete your landscaping tasks.
Improperly Venting Appliances
Have you ever wondered why your bathroom becomes steamier than a sauna after a hot shower? It could be the result of improper appliance venting. Appliances such as stoves and dryers produce heat and moisture that must be vented outdoors. Avoiding their maintenance can cause mold and mildew in the long run.
Overlooking Water Heater Maintenance
Even though it is hidden in some corners of your house, your water heater is undoubtedly one of the most crucial. Imagine taking a chilly shower as soon as you wake up; it is not the ideal way to start the day. Because of this, it is strongly discouraged to skip water heater maintenance.
Ignoring Plumbing Leaks
The electrical system in your house keeps everything in working order. To keep it in good working order, though, it requires routine maintenance. Ignoring electrical maintenance can result in expensive repairs and safety risks. Thus, schedule a routine check for everything, from wiring examinations to circuit overload checks.
Neglecting Electrical System Upkeep
The electrical system in your house maintains everything in working order. To keep it in good working order, though, it requires routine maintenance. Ignoring electrical maintenance can result in expensive repairs and safety risks. Thus, from wiring examinations to circuit overload checks, schedule a routine check for them all and secure your home.
Skipping Fire Safety Measures
Fire safety is unquestionably one of the most important issues. In the event of a fire, essential appliances, like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, can save lives and property. Thus, take all necessary fire safety precautions. In fact, maintain an emergency plan for your family in case of an emergency.
Ignoring Seasonal Maintenance
The changing of the seasons is a time for warm sweaters, things with a hint of pumpkin spice, and occasional house maintenance work. Seasonal repair is definitely not exciting, and homeowners often avoid it, but it can keep your home in shape year-round. Tasks like fall gutter cleaning, winter HVAC system preparation, and more are crucial.
Neglecting Insulation
It might be time to check the insulation in your house. Insulation neglect results in unpleasant living conditions and increased energy costs. Proper insulation allows for comfortable interior temperatures throughout the year. So, avoid having your house seem like a leaky sponge by making an insulation investment that will last all year.
Too Much DIY Dependence
Yes, doing renovations on your own can give you a certain sense of satisfaction. The truth is, though, that some jobs are best left to the experts. Ignoring professional assistance while performing significant renovations, plumbing repairs, or electrical work can result in expensive errors and safety risks. Therefore, consider professional help instead of DIYs wherever necessary.
Neglecting Foundation Maintenance
Your house has stood strong for all those years, thanks to its foundation. However, homeowners often neglect foundation maintenance. Foundation problems may seriously affect the structural strength of your home, causing everything from water damage to cracks and sinking. Therefore, stay alert for warning indications of difficulty and repair them soon.
Overlooking Sump Pump Maintenance
The sump pump is like an insurance policy for your basement, and maintaining it in excellent operating order is crucial. If sump pump maintenance is neglected, it may result in water damage and basement flooding, transforming your dry home into a damp mess. Thus, make sure your sump pump is installed and operating correctly.
Neglecting Garage Door Maintenance
Beyond simply being convenient, your garage door plays a vital role in the security of your house. However, maintenance is often overlooked. Insufficient garage door maintenance can result in problems such as broken springs, uneven tracks, and broken openers. Maintain the best possible condition for your garage door by lubricating the moving parts.
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