Common Maintenance Pitfalls

Owning a home means also being ready to deal with different maintenance pitfalls that happen here and then over the years. Once you own a home, it's time to say goodbye to the good old rental times when just a phone call to the landlord was enough to take care of any issue that may occur. As a homeowner, you take over the responsibility for everything that happens inside and outside the home. You are the one who has to call an electrician or plumber and see the repairs through. It is all a natural part of homeownership, and the job of every homeowner is to act on time when they spot something is wrong. Delaying repairs is one of the biggest mistakes, given that they can turn into a disaster and double or even triple the repair costs. Here are some of the most common maintenance pitfalls that usually require immediate action.

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HVAC

It's almost certain that you will have to do additional work on your HVAC system aside from the regular upkeep (changing filters and cleaning). Clogged vents tend to reduce energy efficiency and shorten the system's lifespan, so make sure to clean the vents regularly. The worst-case scenario is having to entirely replace the HVAC installation, which can easily cost you $10,000. Paying for a regular maintenance service can prolong the system's durability. It will certainly pay off more than paying for a completely new HVAC unless the system is completely outdated, eating up energy and collapsing frequently.

Faucet and toilet leakage

Leaking faucets and running toilets are common occurrences and can cause unnecessary water loss and damage to the pipes. That's why it's crucial to get to the bottom of things as soon as you notice something is off. If you are not sure if there is a leak, make a quick water meter test. Then, don't use water for a specified period (1 or 2 hours) and check later if the water meter registered any changes for that period.

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Humidity and mould

Moisture in the home can develop into a serious issue as it encourages mould growth. Mould is likely to appear if the indoor air quality is low and ventilation is inadequate. For example, drying clothes in such an environment or a pipe leak may result in damp patches on the ceiling. Likewise, if you notice wet stains on the wall, you have a humidity problem. Air conditioning, fans and dehumidifiers can help you control the humidity in your home, as well as having all kitchen appliances and household devices vent outside.

The water heater

Whether you prefer a gas or electric water heater, they are similar in terms of function and durability. The expected lifespan for a water heater is between 10 and 15 years which means you don't want to immediately go for a replacement if something breaks and your heater is nowhere near that age. If you are not quite the handyman yourself, arrange for a regular maintenance service to clean and drain the occasional sediment and take care of any necessary repairs. Expensive appliances are always worth the effort as they are a big part of our everyday life.

Owning a home is a lifetime investment that will always require care, attention and a specific budget when unpredictable things happen. On top of that, Detached homes also require outside maintenance like landscaping, roof and gutters, driveway, the backyard, etc. A well-maintained home is usually more worth in the market, so if you should decide to sell it at some point, you will be able to factor it into the asking price. Are you thinking about selling your home? Contact Manoj Kukreja to find out how much your home is worth in the current market and what you can do to sell at the top price.