No one is perfect, and that includes homeowners when it comes to home routine maintenance tasks. Although we may try our best to keep our real estate in tip-top shape, sometimes we make mistakes.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss six home maintenance mistakes you should avoid. By knowing what these mistakes are and how to fix them, you can help ensure your home stays in good condition.
Ignoring Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common problems faced by homeowners. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States, and yet many homeowners don’t have flood insurance.
Even if you’re not in a flood zone, your home can still be at risk for water damage. Burst pipes, leaky roofs, or even heavy rain can cause water damage. And while it may not seem like a big deal at first, ignoring water damage can lead to more serious problems down the road.
Ignoring water damage can lead to mold growth, and this can cause serious health problems. It can also cause structural damage to your home, leading to expensive repairs.
Water damage can come in many different forms, and it is important to be aware of the various signs that may indicate a problem. Water stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint or wallpaper, mold growth, and musty odors are all potential indications of water damage.
If you suspect that your home has water damage, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are a few things you should do:
– Find the source of the water and repair it immediately.
– Remove any wet carpet or furniture from the affected area.
– Use a dehumidifier to help dry out the area.
– If the damage is severe, you may need to call a professional for help.
Overusing The Pressure Washer
If you’re like most homeowners, you rely on your pressure washer to keep your property looking its best and it’s part of your routine maintenance. But did you know that overusing your pressure washer can actually do more harm than good?
It can be easy to get carried away with your pressure washer, especially if you’re trying to clean a large surface area. But too much pressure can cause the surface you’re cleaning to become damaged or even peel off. Be sure to know what type of surface you’re pressure washing before you start as damage can be caused to materials such as aluminum, bricks, wood, and stucco. Pressure washing with too much pressure can cause these materials to break or chip. Make sure you know the correct pressure to use for the type of material you are cleaning. Additionally, overusing your pressure washer can cause the water to become muddy, and it can be difficult to remove the mud from the surface.
So how can you avoid overusing your pressure washer? First, make sure you’re using the right nozzle for the job. If you’re cleaning a small surface area, use a narrower nozzle to apply more pressure. If you’re cleaning a large surface area, use a wider nozzle to apply less pressure. Second, start with the pressure washer on a lower setting and increase the pressure gradually until you find the right setting for the job. Finally, move the pressure washer back and forth slowly to avoid damaging the surface.
Leaving Clogged Gutters Unchecked
If you’re a homeowner or realtor, then you need to know the importance of keeping gutters clean and free of debris and that leaving clogged gutters unchecked can lead to serious problems. This is one of the maintenance tasks that are easier to keep on top of, providing you feel safe up a ladder, and have the correct tools to complete the job. Here’s a look at some of the potential problems that can occur if you don’t keep your gutters clean:
- Water Damage: One of the most common problems associated with clogged gutters is water damage. When gutters are clogged, they can no longer effectively funnel water away from your home. This can lead to water seeping into the roof or foundation of your property, causing serious damage.
- Mold and Mildew: Another problem that can occur as a result of clogged gutters is the growth of mold and mildew. This is because when gutters are clogged, they provide a moist environment where mold and mildew can thrive. Not only is this unsightly, but as mentioned previously, it can lead to health problems for you and your family.
- Pest Infestation: Clogged gutters can also attract pests such as rodents and insects. These pests can then make their way into your home, where they can cause all sorts of problems.
- Fire Hazard: If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, then clogged gutters can be a real fire hazard. This is because the debris in the gutters can act as kindling for a fire.
- Ice Dams: In areas where it gets cold in the winter, clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams. Ice dams are formed when water from melting snow refreezes at the edge of your roof. This can cause serious damage to your roof and your home.
As you can see, there are a number of serious problems that can occur if you don’t keep your gutters clean. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that you regularly clean your gutters and remove any debris that has been collected in them. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, then you can hire a professional gutter cleaning service to do it for you.
Not Addressing Chipping Paint
As a homeowner, you want your property to look its best at all times. This includes addressing any areas that may have chipping paint. Chipping paint is not only unsightly, but it can also be a safety hazard. The chipped surfaces are often left unguarded against things like water damage and wood rot which put all your important structures at risk!
It may seem obvious, but having a well-manicured house will actually add to the resale value should you ever decide to put your home on the market. One of the first things you’ll need to do is remove any loose paint chips. You can do this with a putty knife or a similar tool. Once you have removed the loose paint, you’ll need to sand down the area to create a smooth surface. Be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper so you don’t damage the underlying surface.
Once you’ve sanded down the area, you’ll need to apply a primer. This will help the new paint adhere better and also provide additional protection against future chipping. After the primer has dried, you can then apply your chosen paint color. Be sure to use high-quality paint for the best results.
If you’re comfortable tackling this project on your own, it’s definitely worth trying. However, if you’re not sure how to proceed or if the job seems too daunting, it’s always best to call in a professional. A good contractor will be able to address any chipping paint issues and help get your home looking its best.
Failing To Winterize
If you’re a homeowner, realtor, or cash buyer, then you know that winterizing your home is essential to protecting it from the elements. But what exactly does winterizing your home entail?
One of the most important aspects of winterizing your home is sealing up any cracks or gaps that might let in cold air. These can be found around doors and windows, as well as in the foundation. Having up-to-date insulation and non-drafty windows will make your home more energy efficient helping to cut down on your utility and energy bills. Also, cutting down on emissions which directly contribute towards global warming!
How do I start this insulation process? To seal up cracks or gaps, you’ll need to use caulk or weatherstripping. You can find weatherstripping at most hardware stores. It comes in a variety of materials, so you can find one that’s best suited for your needs. Foam weatherstripping is a good option for doors and windows, as it’s easy to install and is effective at blocking out cold air.
Once the cracks and gaps are sealed, you’ll want to turn your attention to the outdoor faucets. Be sure to disconnect any hoses and drain them completely. Then, open up the tap and allow it to run until the water coming out is completely clear. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.
Finally, as previously mentioned, take a look at your gutters and downspouts, checking they’re clear to ensure you won’t run into problems associated with the colder temperatures and keep your home running as energy efficient as possible.
Summary
Though home maintenance may seem like a hassle, by taking care of small problems before they turn into big ones, you can save yourself on energy bills, time, and money in the long run. If you are unable to do the work yourself, be sure to hire a professional who will get the job done right. Keep your real estate in top shape by following the simple tips we mentioned above!
Home maintenance is an important part of the selling process. By taking care of small repairs and tasks around your home, you can make a good first impression on potential buyers and increase the chances of a quick sale. It’s a fact that buyers are more likely to make an offer on a property they deem as well-maintained, regardless of its age or condition.
However, if you’re looking for a simple sale that doesn’t involve any of the usual hassles associated with home sales – like maintenance repairs, staging, or marketing – then consider selling your home to a cash buyer. With Simple Sell Home Buyers, our goal is simple – get a fair offer from us that you won’t want to refuse.
We understand selling a home doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. That’s why we offer cash in as-is condition without repair costs and will close when you are happy with our offer. If you are interested in getting into contact with us or to schedule a home tour, give us a call at (+)1-516 603 5748.
Image Credits (h4)
RISMedia’s Housecall/ Google Stock Images
Times-News Network/ Google Stock Images
Affordable House Wash/ Google Stock Images
All Around Window Cleaning LLC/ Google Stock Images
Marcel Painting/ Google Stock Images
Via Capitale/ Google Stock Images
CAIDC / Google Stock Images
