According to a recent report from insurance firm Hippo, homeowners spent an average of $6,000 on maintenance and repairs last year. As a homeowner, there is no doubt that one of your top priorities is keeping your home in good condition and reducing home maintenance costs. However, many homeowners make critical mistakes when it comes to home maintenance, which can ultimately cost them thousands of dollars in repairs and other expenses.
Here are some of the common home maintenance mistakes that could end up costing you big bucks and provide tips on how to avoid them.
One of the most common home maintenance mistakes that homeowners make is neglecting to clean their gutters. When gutters become clogged with leaves, debris, and other buildup, they can cause water to back up and damage the roof, siding, and foundation of your home. In the worst cases, this could even lead to flooding or mold growth, both of which can be incredibly costly to fix.
To avoid these issues, make sure to clean your gutters twice a year or more if you live in an area with heavy foliage or frequent storms. You can either hire a professional gutter cleaning service or clean the gutters yourself using a ladder and a pair of gloves. This will save you some home maintenance costs.
Another common mistake that homeowners make is ignoring minor repairs around the home. While it may seem like a small issue at first, ignoring things like leaking faucets, cracked grout, or loose shingles could lead to more significant problems down the road. Not only will you have to pay for more expensive repairs later on, but the damage may also be irreversible, and you may even have to replace something entirely.
To avoid these problems, make sure to take care of minor repairs as soon as you notice them. This way, you can prevent the issue from worsening and minimize the potential cost of repairs.
Equipment like your water heater plays a very important role in keeping your home comfortable, especially during extreme temperatures. However, many homeowners neglect to replace their old water heater, leading to water damage to your home, increased energy usage, and even flooding your home.
To avoid these problems and ensure the safety and efficiency of your hot water supply, it’s advisable to replace a worn-out water heater when it shows signs of aging or significant wear and tear. Regular maintenance can extend the life of your water heater, but eventually, all water heaters have a limited lifespan, typically around 10–15 years, depending on the type and quality. Replacing it with a newer, energy-efficient model can provide you with better performance, reliability, and peace of mind. This will save you some home maintenance costs.
Another common home maintenance mistake that can cost you thousands is skipping regular inspections. While it may seem like an additional expense, regular inspections of your home’s systems and appliances can help identify potential issues before they become more significant and costly. For example, if you get your roof inspected regularly, you might discover a minor leak before it becomes a major problem.
To avoid these costly issues, consider scheduling regular inspections for your home’s systems, appliances, and other critical components. Many plumbing companies, like Vossler Plubing Services, offer annual maintenance plans that include regular inspections, so you can ensure that everything stays in good condition without breaking the bank.
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make is attempting to DIY complex repairs. While it can be tempting to save money by tackling home repairs yourself, if a job is beyond your skill set, you could end up making the problem worse. This could lead to more significant repairs and potentially cost you thousands of dollars in the long run.
To save you some home maintenance costs, consider hiring a professional for complex repairs. While it may come with a higher cost upfront, it could ultimately save you significant time, money, and stress.
In conclusion, as a homeowner, it’s essential to prioritize regular home maintenance to keep your home in good condition. By avoiding the common home maintenance mistakes discussed in this post, you could save yourself thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs and other expenses.
If you’re in the Houston area and not sure where to start or need professional help with home plumbing repairs or inspections, don’t hesitate to reach out to Vossler Plumbing Services or contact us at 346-712-0050.
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