The best way to save money on home repairs is to be proactive about protecting your home. Seemingly small home issues can lead to more significant problems if they aren’t dealt with early on.
If your home has any of the issues below, it’s time to take action.
Mold
Mold in your home can become serious enough to cause medical issues and, if seen, is something you should investigate cautiously. Mold is typically caused by poor ventilation or leaks. Common areas to check for mold are bathrooms, basements, and under sinks. You can remove mold with household cleaning products like vinegar or bleach; be sure to wear a mask, gloves, and goggles.
Standing water in the yard
A common sign of poor drainage is water pooling unnaturally in your yard. The fix for poor drainage can be as simple as extending your downspouts or installing a dry well. If not addressed, standing water may find its way back to your house and damage your foundation—or become a health hazard due to growing algae and mosquitoes.
Damaged roof shingles
Roofs are one of the most expensive elements of a home to fix. Damaged shingles leave your roof open to the elements and can deteriorate the underlying material. Fixing damaged shingles can be a simple DIY repair, and waiting too long to fix the issue can lead to costly damage.
Smelly drains
Drains giving off a putrid smell can mean big plumbing problems are on the way. Pipes that aren’t draining properly begin to smell and can easily backup or burst. There are plenty of cheap home remedies to fix smelly drains, such as using baking soda, vinegar, or a drain snake. If you can’t seem to fix the issue on your own, call a plumber.
Cracks
It’s normal for homes to settle and crack. However, if you start to notice excessive horizontal cracking on your walls or cracks in the foundation of your home, it may be time to call an expert.
Water damage
Discoloration on your walls or ceilings due to water can be caused by a variety of home issues, from leaky roofs to busted pipes. Finding the source of the leak quickly is the key to minimizing the damage and saving you money on repairs.
Overgrown landscape near structures
Trees and shrubs rubbing against your home can cause damage to your siding and roof. In addition to helping keep your structure sound, updating your landscape is a great way to increase the value of your home.
Gas fumes
The scent of gas in your home should be dealt with immediately. Remove yourself and others from the home and call your local gas company to investigate.
Flickering lights
Not only are they eerie, but flickering lights can be a sign of dangerous electrical issues. With modern electrical advances, many older homes aren’t able to withstand upgrades and circuits can easily become overloaded. Flickering or dimming lights can also be caused by loose or faulty wiring. An electrician should be able to pinpoint and fix the issue for you.
Broken windows
Inclement weather is the leading cause of home damage. Broken windows are especially dangerous in the event of a storm and can blow in or break easily. If you can’t replace a broken window immediately, cover it with a stable material until the replacement arrives.
Signs of pests
There are many signs that pests may be trying to make your home their own. Droppings, evidence of nesting, chewed wires, claw marks, and strange sounds are all signs you should call your local pest control.
Temperamental walls
If the temperature of an interior wall is vastly different from the temperature of the rest of your home, it could be having a big effect on your energy bill. If your wall is cold to the touch, it is likely missing the necessary insulation to keep your house warm. If your wall is sweating, the insulation may be packed too tightly. Unfortunately, you’ll have to examine the inside of your wall to determine the cause of the issue.
Bonus tip: Clean out your dryer vent regularly
If you smell singed lint, it may be too late. Clogged dryer vents are a common cause of house fires. It is recommended that homeowners clean out dryer vents twice a year.
The bottom line
Seemingly minor home repairs are often the “tip of the iceberg.” In most cases, it’s important to investigate these little red flags quickly to save time, money, and minimize the damage to your home.