Maintaining a home can be a daunting process for inexperienced and first-time homeowners. There are common mistakes that one can easily make if they aren’t careful. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when owning a house so that you don’t make the same mistakes many people do.
Water Leaks
Home maintenance can be costly, and we don’t always have the necessary money saved to call out the plumber when every small thing goes wrong. However, small water leaks don’t seem so bad, but they can lead to expensive renovations in the future like mold, reduced structural integrity and thousands of dollars in damages.
Windows
Windows need to be cleaned in order to have your home looking its best, but while many believe that pressure washing windows is the most effective way to clean them, they can lead to other complications. Pressure washers are powerful tools, and can put a lot of strain on your windows, leading to microcracks or loosened seals.
The Wrong Cleaning Supplies
Knowing what to use when cleaning your home is just as important as knowing how to clean it. The right chemicals are needed for the right purpose, and if changed around, they can damage surfaces. Ensure you’re well researched about what cleaning supplies to use for the necessary task before any permanent damage is done to your hardwood floors or marble countertops.
HVAC Maintenance
HVAC systems offer a comfortable way to live in your home, but many owners don’t think to check to see if the system needs a check-up. Especially in older houses, HVAC systems need to be maintained and cleaned out every few years to ensure good ventilation and airflow. Unmaintained HVAC systems can severely reduce their lifespan and lead to increased energy costs.
Faulty Appliances
We know that appliances are expensive, and as they age, they’ll become less-reliable and start to pack up. Many homeowner prefer to repair their old, possibly faulty, appliances instead of replacing them entirely. Replacing the whole unit is costly, but will be cheaper than continually fixes up old appliances that are unreliable and less energy efficient.
Your Home’s Microbiome
Although many believe that a home is at its best when it’s sanitary and exceptionally clean. However, this isn’t always the case, as your home has a unique microbiome that is important for its structural integrity. Harsh cleaning agents used in huge quantities can disrupt this delicate environment, and lead to an accelerated decay of building materials.
Foundation Cracks
As the earth shifts and moves, so does your home and its foundation. This can sometimes result in small cracks along the foundation of your home. Many homeowners neglect these cracks, but if left untreated, they can cause severe structural damage to your home.
Gutter Maintenance
Gutters are important structures that ensure that there isn’t excess water collecting around and on your home and redirecting it to the ground. Unmaintained and clogged gutters can block the path of the water, causing an overflow. This can cause foundational flooding and even basement flooding.
Roof Repairs
Roof maintenance seems relatively straightforward, but a single overlooked roof tile or shingle will stop your roof from effectively keeping out the rain. The leaks can pool in your ceiling, drywall, and insulation, causing catastrophic damage to your home. Roof issues must be addressed quickly to prevent damage.
Electrical Circuits
While it may seem efficient to plug all of your appliances into one electrical outlet through adaptors or extensions, this can cause a lot of strain on your home’s electrical circuits. Try to space out your electrical appliances and other devices in different outlets to mitigate the change over an overload that could cost you a pretty penny in electrician fees.
Water Heaters
Water heaters are amazing tools to keep us with hot running water for cleaning dishes and showering, but these heaters need regular maintenance to make them last as long as possible. Neglecting them can lead to a shortened lifespan and replacement sooner than otherwise needed.
Pest Entry Points
Homes can develop all sorts of cracks and gaps as they get older. This requires diligent maintenance as critters and pests can take advantage of these entrances, attracted by the warmth and food that’s in your home. Some of these uninvited guests, like termites, can lead to infestations that can damage the structural integrity of your home.