6 common home repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid
As time passes, our homes develop several problems, like leaky pipes and broken furniture, that can harm those living there. One way to ensure the residents’ safety is to maintain and repair the house regularly. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when maintaining the house, which leads to a waste of precious time and energy. So, one should avoid these mistakes as far as possible and ensure that home maintenance and repairs are carried out correctly.
Not setting a budget
As soon as a person realizes the time has come for home repairs, they must first make a list of all the tasks to be done. Based on this list, one must then set a budget. The budget would include all the necessary expenses related to the repairs, including the cost of materials and the fees of professional renovators. With a fixed budget, one can allot an appropriate amount to every repair job and avoid unnecessary expenses. However, one should research how much certain repairs cost before creating the budget. For instance, one can read about the market price of a paint job and allot a budget for it accordingly. This way, if one hires professionals, they would know how much to settle for.
Not hiring a reputable contractor
If one thinks their house needs major repairs, they should not shy away from hiring a professional contractor. However, individuals should not sign up in a hurry. Before hiring someone, a homeowner must check if the contractor and its teams are reputable. To hire a good contractor, one can seek recommendations from friends and family or search online. When choosing, one must consider several factors, such as the skill and experience of the contractor and their previous customers’ reviews.
Ignoring minor plumbing issues
Many people delay fixing plumbing issues if they are minor, which is a big mistake. Regardless of how small a plumbing issue may be, one should never ignore it. Whether a leaky faucet, a leaky pipe, or a drain blockage, the problem must be addressed as soon as it occurs. If minor leaks are left unrepaired, they can lead to bigger issues, like water damage, mold and mildew buildup, and corrosion, which can cost much more to repair.
Neglecting exterior maintenance
People generally focus on their interiors and overlook the exteriors when repairing or maintaining the house. This is a bad idea because the outside undergoes a lot of weather damage. Harsh sunlight, snow, and rain can chip away the paint. It may also leave minor gaps or cracks on the exterior walls, letting air and water pass through and slowly damaging the interiors. So, to avoid trouble, one should not overlook the exterior when performing home repairs. Individuals should allot a budget for cleaning and painting the outside walls as a part of the project.
Overusing the powerwasher
A powerwasher is a great tool for cleaning and washing the house’s exterior and removing grime from the walls. However, it can damage certain surfaces because it shoots water at a very high pressure. One can damage the stucco and bricks in their walls if they do not use the tool carefully. Individuals can follow these two safety tips when using a powerwasher to avoid trouble:
- Use a low-pressure nozzle for fragile surfaces like wood, bricks, and stucco.
- Keep the washer at least half a foot away from the surface.
One can call a professional to powerwash their house if unsure how to use the equipment. Sure, individuals will have to pay for the service, but they can rest assured that the job will be done correctly. Several contractors perform the task, and one can easily find them with a little research.
Using unsuitable cleaning materials
Cleaning the house is an essential step in maintenance. Since it is the easiest part, many individuals prefer the DIY approach. However, while cleaning the house themselves, people usually make a crucial mistake: using unsuitable cleaning materials. A lot of people use homemade cleaning agents that contain vinegar. However, vinegar is highly acidic and unsuitable for many surfaces. It can damage marble, hardwood, grout, etc., and lead to unnecessary expenses. So, it is better to go for something mild and gentle when selecting cleaning agents for the house.
