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These Home Maintenance Mistakes Can Cost You

Becoming a homeowner is a major milestone for most people. Not only is it a place to live landlord-free, but it also helps you build wealth — especially if you choose the route of real estate investing and second home ownership. Yet, owning a home is not all fun and games. You have to take care of your investment, and this includes scheduling and performing regular maintenance on the property.

If you skip the maintenance or try to cut corners while doing it, you run the risk of creating more damage that costs more to repair down the road. You’ll have to pay to fix the original problem as well as any other issues that subsequently creep up. Here are some of the top home maintenance mistakes that you should take care of now rather than later.

Ignoring Water Damage

You should always pay attention to signs of a water leak in your home. Ignore it and the water can cause structural damage that comes with a hefty repair bill. It gets worse over time, as mold can grow in the damp area. When you notice dark spots on the walls or ceiling, cracks or bubbles in the drywall or paint, or water puddles on the floor or counter, it’s time to have the place checked. Other signs of a water leak include a higher utility bill, running water sounds, and a musty smell.

Harsh Power Washing

A power washer is a great tool for getting rid of grease and grime outside your home. However, you can cause some damage with this power tool if you don’t know how to use it properly. Working with too much force can chip paint or allow mineral deposits to seep out of the masonry, leading to significant damage. Learn how to use the pressure washer, including how to hold the nozzle, where to angle it as you work, and what type of cleaner to use on the surfaces you’re cleaning.

Avoiding Clogged Gutters

Cleaning gutters may not be the most glamorous job on your to-do list, but it’s an important one. Blocked gutters don’t let water flow through them properly, which can let water pool near shingles. This can lead to water damage and leaks in the roof. Your roof won’t last forever, but that doesn’t mean you should replace it sooner than is necessary.

Skipping the Permit Office

Depending on the rules in your local area, you may need to apply for a permit before you do work on your house. In general, jobs that typically need to be done by a licensed professional also require a permit. This can include roof work, electrical upgrades, and plumbing repairs. Check with the local buildings department to verify whether you need a permit for the work. Skip it and you may have problems later when you want to sell the house.

Not Having the Right Tools

Some home projects require specific tools, and you may be tempted to substitute different tools if you don’t have the ones you need. However, using the wrong tools can be dangerous. You could break the tool, damage the part of the house where you’re working, or get hurt in the process. You should be able to rent tools from your local hardware or home improvement store if you don’t want to invest the money in purchasing tools you don’t use regularly.

Using Drain Cleaners Regularly

Drain cleaners are convenient to use in a pinch when a sink won’t drain. Simply pour and wait for the clog to move. But if you find yourself turning to drain cleaner too frequently — or you always keep a few spares on hand — you may have a bigger problem. Drain cleaner is harsh and can damage your pipes, leading to a bigger repair later. It also doesn’t completely remove the clog, which can make it harder for a plumber to locate later.

Effortless Ownership With OpenAiRE

The OpenAiRE team makes effortless ownership possible. From interior design updates to 24/7 property management, our team has skills and knowledge you can rely on if you’re planning to sell or rent your home. Find out how we can help you manage your investment properties so you can spend more time doing what you love and less time cleaning the gutters.

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