Preventive maintenance.
Who doesn’t love another exhortation to stay ahead of problems?
The reason it gets reiterated so frequently is that most people can’t seem to get the message. Rather than spend a few dollars to do a small task ahead of time, people inevitably wait until the damage is already done.
In the realm of homeownership, this can often be a five-figure blunder.
To help you avoid this unsavory scenario, keep reading as we explore some of the most common home maintenance mistakes and offer some practical advice on how to avoid them.
Sticking Too Strictly to a Schedule
Don’t get it twisted.
Having a clearly-defined maintenance schedule is essential for the ongoing structural integrity of your home. It can help you stay ahead of issues. It reduces the risk of oversight. It eliminates guesswork.
With that said, it is also important to use your eyes and own best judgment. For example, if you see obvious signs of a roof leak, such as missing shingles or discoloration, don’t ignore it simply because it’s still six months until your roof is due for an inspection.
Just as you wouldn’t ignore concerning health symptoms ahead of your annual check-up, stay attuned to the appearance and performance of your home around routine maintenance dates.
Neglecting Appliances
As a non-permanent fixture in the home, it can be easy to overlook appliance upkeep as part of a comprehensive maintenance plan. After all, once that cranky old refrigerator finally gives up the ghost, you can finally go and get the luxury model you have had your eye on for some time.
There is a problem with this line of thinking.
Most appliances draw heavily from the home’s utility infrastructure. Dishwashers that require insanely hot water to function. Dryers that pull hefty electrical amperage. Old-fashioned furnaces that are energy inefficient.
When something goes haywire, it increases the risk of blowing a circuit, busting a water line, or any other type of large-scale catastrophe. This obviously transforms the scenario from one of routine maintenance to major repair.
Do yourself a favor and change the HVAC filters on schedule. Clean your dishwasher filter when it starts to stink. If you are tired of your refrigerator, just replace it. It can save a lot of stress in the long run.
Assuming Concrete Is Indestructable
Concrete is one of the quintessential home construction materials. It can be found everywhere from foundation walls to countertops, sidewalks to roofing tiles.
There is a reason for this.
Concrete is a versatile, durable material that comes at a palatable price point.
However, concrete is not indestructible. It is rather porous. Without regular sealing, it will absorb moisture. This puts it at risk of cracking during the freeze/thaw cycle. Concrete can also be prone to discoloration from oil and grease stains. Not only does this pose a long-term threat to its structural integrity, but it immediately creates an eyesore that detracts from curb appeal.
Therefore, take steps to protect the ongoing viability of the concrete in and around your home. Add steel rebar to any load-bearing structures for additional support against shifting and cracking. Perform concrete patio maintenance to eliminate stains and limit porosity issues. Apply drainage mats to concrete foundation walls to prevent moisture damage in below-grade areas.
Focusing Solely on the Interior
The interior of your home is your safe haven. It is your escape from the eyes of the world. Therefore, it is understandable if you show it a little extra love.
While there is nothing wrong with giving the grout in your bathroom some added attention, be sure not to overlook the exterior as part of your home maintenance regimen.
Many common issues start outside and make their way into your interior sanctuary. Clogged gutters. Pooling water from the sprinklers. Chipped paint on your cladding.
Staying one step ahead of exterior issues helps guarantee that all areas of your home remain in top condition.
Creating Havens for Pests
We live in a material society.
Consciously or subconsciously, collecting items can feel like a hallmark of being well-off.
The truth is that less is often more when it comes to stylish home design. In fact, clutter not only ends up being unsightly, but it creates the ideal breeding ground for pests.
Moths form in old clothing that hasn’t seen the light of day in years. Mice will make nests under the dark recesses of furniture piled in the corner of a guest room. Ants will quickly fall in love with the Costco run left in your garage over the weekend.
Therefore, make decluttering an essential component of your home maintenance routine. Not only will it feel better being able to access all corners of your property, but it will help keep it clear of those annoying varmints that can cause insidious damage.
Avoid the Worst Case Scenario with Thoughtful Home Maintenance
Taking the time to stay ahead of trouble can often save you thousands of dollars as a homeowner. From staying constantly vigilant to avoiding clutter, consider any of the ideas listed above to avoid common home maintenance pitfalls. For more of the latest trends in home improvement and design, explore the content at Enthralling Gumption for ideas and inspiration!
Tommy Hardy, an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, has been a go-to figure in residential upkeep and innovation for over 18 years. His career commenced in a leading home appliance manufacturing company, where he mastered the intricacies of household systems. Joining our platform in 2020, Tommy quickly became a reader favorite for his practical and easy-to-follow guides. He took the helm of our DIY section in 2019, consistently delivering content that empowers homeowners. Beyond his professional pursuits, Tommy is a passionate gardener and enjoys woodworking, skills enhancing his hands-on approach to home care.
