Home maintenance is an ongoing task. Falling behind on HVAC systems’ maintenance, appliance maintenance, and even plumbing can require a complete replacement. One of the best ways to maintain a home and its structural integrity is cleaning things and repairing them at the first signs of wear, but aside from neglecting the same, people can make several mistakes when caring for their home. So, here are eleven common home repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid. Not winterizing Many homeowners forget about winterizing, a crucial step in maintaining their property. Winterizing is taking preventative measures to protect the property against damage that freezing temperatures can cause. Tasks like insulating pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting, clearing gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage, sealing windows and doors to prevent drafts, and servicing heating systems to ensure they function efficiently during the colder months are all part of the winterizing process. Winterizing a home or property helps prevent costly damage and ensures the comfort and safety of occupants during months when the area sees freezing temperatures. Not addressing water damage One of the biggest lapses in maintenance is not addressing water damage immediately. When spaces like bathrooms aren’t kept dry, water damage and mold can affect them and further penetrate the structure, resulting in costly repairs or even complete replacements.

Windows not only protect the inhabitants from external elements but also provide a beautiful view of the outdoors. It is essential to maintain the windows well to ensure their longevity and effective insulation, which makes the house energy-efficient. However, to maintain this level of protection and efficiency, it is essential to be aware of certain factors. Additionally, when installing new windows or replacing damaged ones, it is important to avoid common mistakes. Taking wrong measurements Taking incorrect window opening measurements is a common mistake people make during installation. This can give rise to a host of problems as the installation process progresses. To ensure the window is a proper fit, it is important to take accurate measurements. An incorrectly measured rough opening could lead to an ill-fitting window frame that allows leaks and drafts, compromising the insulation and efficiency of the property. To avoid this problem, homeowners can either stick to standard-size windows to eliminate errors or hire a professional. Following these steps can help avoid being stuck with an inefficient window that needs to be replaced. Poorly attached barriers Another common mistake homeowners usually make when installing windows is not checking if the weather-resistant barriers are properly attached. A loosely attached barrier can cause energy leakage and compromised sealing for the property.

Excess water seepage and flooding can cause a lot of damage to the house. The structure can be compromised if not treated immediately and properly, resulting in an expensive home improvement project that the homeowner must undertake. It is crucial to take immediate steps to treat this problem, with the first step being hiring the right water damage restoration professional. Some mistakes, which are mentioned below, should be avoided during this hiring process. 1. Going the DIY route In some cases, when the damage doesn’t seem too bad, many homeowners take it upon themselves to clean up and restore the place. This might be a bad idea, as water damage often causes mold issues that must be handled professionally. Professionals are well equipped with the knowledge and tools to help eliminate this problem and ensure the home does not succumb to other damages. They can anticipate problems and, accordingly, take the required measures. Even if they reach a roadblock, they will figure out how to remedy the issue. A homeowner may have limited knowledge and be unable to handle such a big responsibility outside of their expertise. Allow the professional to take the lead and trust them with the process.

Every building needs a solid foundation to ensure its stability and longevity over the years. Eventually, however, several factors can cause foundational problems, which can lead to costly repair work if left unattended. Pipe cracks, natural disasters, and poor soil conditions are some reasons a foundation might develop problems. If one is vigilant, one can detect the structural indicators of a possible foundational problem and get them fixed as soon as possible. Difficulty opening doors and windows If a building structure has a weak foundation, it can cause the doors and windows to become misaligned. As a result, they might stick against the hinges, making it difficult to open. This might indicate a larger issue with the foundation of the structure. Sloping floors When there is a problem with the foundation, it can manifest in various ways, one of which is a sudden unevenness in the floors. This can be observed as a slope or tilt in the room or as an unsteady feeling underfoot while walking. It is important to be aware of these signs and take prompt action by getting the foundation assessed. Mildew odor Moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be caused by various reasons, such as rainwater or groundwater seepage.

Concrete leveling, also known as concrete lifting, raising, and slabjacking, is an activity that utilizes concrete to correct uneven or sunken surfaces. This process involves lifting, elevating, and straightening concrete to restore it to its original position. It also involves a lot of planning, installing, and maintaining the concrete. Hiring contractors or home repair experts is recommended for the job, as looking for DIY options may lead one to make common mistakes. Failing to have all the necessary tools Many concrete leveling mistakes overlap with those in concrete pouring, as these two tasks have several similarities and serve the same purpose. One of the most elementary errors people make during DIY concrete leveling is not having the necessary tools before starting the project. Concrete dries quickly, so if a person has already filled in wet cement within a gap on a concrete surface, they have limited time to smooth out the surface before the cement hardens. The entire project can be compromised if one does not have the required tools to smoothen and level the surface in time. So, one must create a checklist of all the tools needed for the leveling project before starting the task. Assuming that all concrete is the same Many assume that all concrete available in the market is the same.

A homeowner may decide to renovate their home for various reasons, including listing it on the real estate market. A well-executed remodeling project can yield high returns on the value of the home and enhance its functionality. However, a house comprises several spaces, and one may not always know where to begin with the project. Additionally, remodeling some spaces could offer more value, especially if the job is done correctly. Bathroom additions The bathroom is a space where people like to spend time relaxing after a tiring workday. So, it’s important to consider it when planning a remodeling job. Upgrading fixtures like showers, low-flow toilets, and shower heads can not only make them more aesthetically pleasing but also help reduce water consumption, which appeals to eco-conscious buyers. Adding more storage to the space can also contribute to a better return on investment (ROI). Other elements to consider are energy-efficient light fixtures and better ventilation. Before listing the home on a real estate website, it’s crucial to address any existing plumbing issues, such as worn-out pipes, broken tiles, and leaky taps. Kitchen upgrades If one is looking to increase the value of the house when selling it, focus on remodeling the kitchen.