Your home isn’t just a place to live, it’s more than that, it is one of the most important investments that needs to be maintained properly to keep its value intact. This can be done properly, with due care and attention regularly. Although the cost might tempt you to put off the repairs until later, ignoring these small repairs at the right time can lead to bigger and costlier problems later. Whether you are someone who is a seasoned homeowner or just want to tick off the items from your first-time home buyer checklist, it is ideal that you understand which repairs need immediate attention. You can handle some fixes by conducting regular DIY home maintenance, but in case of some excessive damage, comes the need to hire professional expertise. If you are confused about which is which, in this blog we will cover the five most important home repairs that shouldn’t be ignored and how can a home warranty plan help you to avoid any unwanted expenses.
Many times you may observe that one or more faucets may be dripping or there can arise an issue of a minor leak in the pipes that wouldn’t seem to be a significant issue at first. But if not paid attention to, they can cause major water damage and other critical issues, that includes:
Higher water bills: While it may only look like a few droplets of water, a leaky faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water in a year, causing unnecessary expenses arising from increased water bills.
Mold growth and water damage: With excessive and persistent moisture, the environment becomes perfect for the growth of mold and mildew, that is a threat to your home’s health and may cause other significant issues.
Structural weakening: With time, water leaks may cause other water-related damage like deterioration of walls, floors, and ceilings, ultimately weakening the entire structure of your house over a period of time.
In case you are facing small leaks, a DIY solution for them can be to replace the worn-out washers or use a plumber’s tape, offering convenience and reliability. But in the face of more complex problems, it is better to take the expertise of home maintenance professionals to manage and prevent any further damage. In such a case a home warranty plan can come in quite handy to cover the costs of plumbing repairs, and help you save on the expensive costs.
One of the most hazardous issues that most homeowners face is electrical problems, often posing the risk of critical damage if left unattended. Some of the signs to look out for, that are indicative of electrical trouble are:
Flickering lights or frequent power surges
Outlets that don’t work or spark when in use
Circuit breakers tripping frequently
Burning smells or discoloration around outlets
If ignored, they can also result in life-threatening consequences like electrical fires, damage to appliances, or even complete electrical failure of the entire property.
Simple tasks such as changing light bulbs, or setting back an MCB, can be easily carried out during the regular DIY home maintenance routine, however, it is for the best to leave any complicated tasks that involve wiring, to those who are certified home maintenance professionals. Repairing electrical damages can be difficult and complicated, and if not handles correctly they can also be very dangerous. Having a comprehensive home warranty plan will help cover the cost of repairs and reduce extremely high out-of-pocket expenses.
Roof comes to be the first and most important shelter of protection of the complete house, and it is very crucial to keep the roof in an optimal condition, so that it can secure you from outside elements. Some common issues of the roof include:
Missing or damaged shingles
Leaks or water stains on ceilings
Sagging or uneven sections
However, if these issues are ignored, it can lead to excessive damage caused by water, increased energy inefficiency, and ultimately expensive structural repairs.
Make sure to check the roof for signs of wear and tear, in case there are any missing shingles or minor leaks, apply a patch or replace those shingles during your DIY home maintenance plan. But, in case you notice that the damage is something beyond what can be repaired by a simple DIY repair, it will require the skills of a professional roofer. Here a home warranty plan will be a small cost of investment as compared to the expensive potential cost of complete roof replacement if the issue increases.
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a very crucial role in keeping the home comfortable and habitable for the residents all around the year. If the small issues that arise in the HVAC system are ignored, not only will it hamper the comfort, but also lead to bigger issues like:
Higher energy bills
Uneven heating or cooling
Complete system failure during extreme weather
Basic DIY home maintenance for HVAC systems includes changing air filters every 1-3 months, cleaning vents, and ensuring outdoor units are free from debris. However, annual professional servicing is crucial to maintain efficiency and prevent costly breakdowns. Many home warranty plans include HVAC repair coverage, making the home warranty price a worthwhile investment.
The foundation of a house supports the entire structure of the building and in case of even a minor crack there can be several severe problems. Some of the most common issues that are caused in homes due to foundational damage are:
Water intrusion and flooding
Compromised structural stability
Decreased property value
If you see small cracks you can seal them with the help of epoxy or concrete fillers during your DIY home maintenance routine. But we suggest you do not follow the same for larger cracks or foundational shifts. Such extensive damages will require professional assessment and repair. However, keep in mind that home warranty plans do not directly cover foundation repairs, instead, they will cover other issues that arise out of damages caused due to foundational problems such as plumbing or HVAC repairs resulting from foundation shifts often are.
Now that we have covered all the major problems and how to deal with them, it is also important that you keep in mind to establish regular maintenance on a house routine to prevent such damages. This includes:
Checking for leaks and water damage monthly
Inspecting electrical systems and outlets regularly
Cleaning gutters and checking the roof after storms
Servicing HVAC systems seasonally
Performing appliance maintenance, such as cleaning refrigerator coils and flushing the water heater
It can be quite overwhelming for new homeowners to manage their newly bought property, but with a few things in hand, it can become much more convenient. Firstly you should use a first-time home buyer checklist and it must include the following:
Ensuring the home’s HVAC system is functioning properly
Checking plumbing and insulation
Reviewing electrical panel conditions
Inspecting the roof for damages
Creating a DIY home maintenance schedule
Moving ahead, after you have paid attention to the structural maintenance, the next most crucial part is to pay attention to is taking care of the home appliances, their proper functioning, repairing any other issues, and more. Here are a few appliance maintenance tips that we suggest:
Regularly cleaning and inspecting major appliances
Ensuring proper ventilation for refrigerators and dryers
Scheduling annual servicing for water heaters and dishwashers
Apart from this, you can also consider investing in an appliance warranty, that can help to mitigate the repair costs. Appliance warranty companies also offer specialized plans that cover essential household appliances and so reduce the amount of financial burden of unexpected breakdowns.
Despite following the best and most effective DIY home maintenance practices regularly, it is possible to face unexpected breakdowns and repairs. So in case of such a mishap, a home warranty plan will provide coverage for essential systems and appliances, helping you save on such expenses.
Affordability: As compared to the cost of repairs, home warranty plan is a relatively affordable investment.
Peace of Mind: Once you have the knowledge that the major systems of your home are covered, you can relax and maintain your house without financial stress.
Access to Professionals: Rather than wasting time in search of home maintenance professionals in an emergency, you have access to a trusted network of experts.
Being a crucial part of owning a house, its prompt maintenance will save you from incurring expensive repairs and going through stress. If you follow a first-time home buyer checklist, ensure regular maintenance on a house, and keep up to date with appliance maintenance, any such unexpected breakdowns can be prevented ensuring safety and peace of mind.
A beginner’s guide to DIY & home repair should always include preventive maintenance tips and an understanding of when to call in professionals. Additionally, investing in a home warranty plan from appliance warranty companies can help manage repair costs, making the home warranty price a small price to pay for long-term protection. By staying proactive, you can maintain the safety, efficiency, and value of your home for years to come.
