10 Small Problems That Can Lead To Big Repair Bills
There’s a common theme amongst home owners talking about the “projects” they plan on getting done around their house. Sometimes it seems never ending, other times it may be easily forgotten about and pushed to the side.
But what happens when a small project suddenly becomes a big project?
It’s usually unexpected and almost definitely adds a layer of stress to home owners that now need to pay off a much larger bill than they had planned for.
Today’s insights are going to focus on 10 different repairs/maintenance items that can lead to bigger problems.
1)Over Flowing Gutters
A gutter system which isn’t effectively moving water away from the home can result in major problems.
When gutters aren’t draining, water can accumulate near the structure.
If it’s able to sit next to the foundation long enough, it will eventually start to degrade.
Repairs on foundations can be extremely expensive, especially when structural integrity begins to compromise.
Solution - If you notice water overflowing from the gutter system…. Have them cleaned! It’s a simple solution to avoid a problem that could cost you.
2) Hairline Foundation Cracks
Cracks in foundations are relatively normal. Concrete shrinks, grows and settles from the time it’s poured and onwards.
Although it is normal to have cracks, they can still become a problem if water is able to accumulate next to it or they grow in size.
Cracks can allow water to ingress through the structure. Eventually causing damage to any adjacent materials or further progressing the crack to something that may need more costly repairs.
Solution - Have it patched! It’s just that easy and takes close to no time at all.
3) Missing/Damaged Caulking
Caulking is used to seal openings around windows, doors, along siding edges, in showers/tubs, etc.
As always, the primary function of caulking would be preventing water or moisture from entering through these openings.
It should be pretty obvious where I’m going with this… Water causes damage and spreads easily. If water or moisture is left for a long enough time eventually it’s going to damage or degrade materials to the point where major repairs could be required.
Solution - A wide variety of caulkings are available depending on where it’s required. It’s cheap and easy to apply.
4) Dirty Furnace Filters
Filters aren’t necessarily a major component for a furnace. They keep the air being pushed into the house free of particulates that would otherwise be in the breathing air. Which then attributes to better comfort in the home.
If filters are not changed, the dust and other particulates can begin to clog the furnaces screen. Making it harder for air to pass through and ultimately adding more strain to the furnace motor.
Strain over a long period of time will lead to repairs or even replacement of components being necessary. This can be very expensive…
Solution - Change the furnace filter approximately every 3 - 4 months. Or at least check to ensure there isn’t any buildup.
5) Poor Exterior Grading
There’s no question that unwanted water in or around a house can be bad news. It’s especially unhelpful if there are sections that encourage such a situation.
Sometimes soil along the perimeter of the home can subtly slope towards the foundation. So when water appears, it can linger in that area and cause damage that (like I’ve mentioned…) can lead to some pretty costly remedies.
Solution - either dig or add soil/dirt to make it slope away from the home.
6) Loose/Missing Roof Flashing
Flashing on the roof is used to protect the seams/edges of shingles from water run off.
Any missing or loose pieces means an easier point of access for water.
Water entering through the roof means there is a lot of opportunity to flow downwards and cause damage to any material in the area.
Solution - hiring a roofer to add, replace or refasten flashing will end costing a lot less than addressing water damage.
7) Small Plumbing Leaks
I’m gonna be quick with this one… water leaking is BAD!
Big water leaks are obvious but small ones can go unnoticed for extended periods of time.
Solution - If a small leak is found, don’t wait to repair it because it will be eventually cost you. Hire a plumber to address it immediately.
8) Bathroom Exhaust Venting Poorly
Bathroom vents are used to remove the warm and moist air that’s created from hot showers and baths.
If they aren’t venting properly, that air/steam will stay inside.
Moisture so a prolonged period of time can result in mould growth and degradation of materials. Usually costly to repair…
Solution - Ensure vent fans are actually removing steam generated within the bathroom. Hiring a licensed professional to assess is the best solution to make sure the fan is working AND venting outdoors.
9) Small Electrical Issues
When we say “small electrical issues”, we are referring to things like missing or loose cover plates, receptacles with reverse polarity or open grounds, missing GFCI & AFCI safety features, unprotected/exposed wiring, improper techniques used within panels… The list could go on and on.
The most important thing to consider is that there is not one person who can move faster than electricity.
Simply put, electricity is dangerous and can pose a serious direct safety risk or fire hazard if not managed properly.
Solution - If any deficiencies are observed, it’s always recommended that you hire a licensed electrician to upgrade/repair/replace where necessary. Most of these solutions inexpensive and non-invasive and are certainly better than risking what may happen if electricity is not taken care of.
10) Vegetation Touching Home
Ideally, vegetation surrounding the home would never be in direct contact with the home.
Water and other moisture has a higher chance of lingering due to that vegetation. (Less chance for it to run off or evaporate with the help of direct sunlight).
Additionally, vegetation actually growing into the structure can also become a possible issue. Vines can penetrate building envelopes, trees can grow and possibly begin to affect the structure if close enough.
Solution - Landscaping is key! Ideally ensure there is always a gap between the home and vegetation (no/minimal contact). It’s always far cheaper to trim back foliage than to repair parts of the home.
I hope anyone who reads this is able to take some valuable information away from these inspection insights.
The moral of the story is that sometimes those daunting tasks that are easy to procrastinate may be worth tackling sooner than later.
Your home will always give back whatever you put into it!