Common Maintenance Pitfalls to Avoid When Owning a Home

Owning a home is already expensive and it can be very tempting to ignore any maintenance issues that may increase your costs. However, if you turn a blind eye to the small things, you could end up with a major repair on your hands. Here are some of the common maintenance pitfalls to avoid when owning a home.

Hiring unskilled workmen to save on costs

While it may appear to be a simple way to save money, hiring someone unskilled to do repairs can be a headache-inducing experience and result in potentially non-compliant repairs. Experts may charge you more, but they are more likely to perform a thorough, long-lasting and compliant repair. That means you'll need to hire a professional technician who won't make you repeat repairs. As a result, you will save a significant amount of money in the long run. As the old saying goes "Buy cheap, buy twice".

Failure to conduct routine home inspections

Preventative maintenance will save you both money and time. Every time you perform a routine inspection of your property, you will be able to identify some issues before they become more serious. 

9 of the areas you should inspect:
 

1. Examine the condition of your drainage system - Determine how stormwater flows away from the house. Does it use the proper channels that will not harm your property? Do you require roof downpipes and gutters? What about ponding water? Is there a risk that the water will sink into the ground beneath the foundations?
    

2. Check for rotten wood - If we have rotten doors, window frames, or roofing timbers, it could be a sign of termites, borer beetles, or wood-destroying fungi. Rotten window and door frames, timber floors, and roofing timbers may indicate the presence of borer beetles, termites, and wood-destroying fungi.
    

3. Poor ventilation - Poorly ventilated rooms can cause structural damage as well as a variety of health risks.
    

4. Hazardous materials - There are various types of hazardous materials to consider. Lead-based paint, unhealthy levels of potentially toxic moulds, and asbestos are just a few examples.
    

5. Examine the electrical, plumbing, and gas installations for faults - Examine the wiring, hot water geysers, distribution boards, gas lines, and other sanitary ware for obvious faults or risks.
    

6. Check the roof - is it leaking? Whether it is due to clogged gutters, or ageing roof coverings. It may even require you safely climbing on to the roof to inspect.
    

7. Water seepage through windows and doors - Water may occasionally seep through the doors and windows. Re-caulking windows and doors, as well as performing other weather-stripping and repairs as needed.
    

8. Check insulation - Examine the insulation in your roof to see if it is insufficient or defective.
    

9. Check for structural damage - structural damage can occur as a result of settling, or weakened foundations. Weak foundations imply unstable doorways, roof structures, walls, and support, as well as beams.

Thoroughly inspecting your property and addressing any maintenance issues with a professional contractor, as well as going the extra mile to ensure your property is ready to sell, when the time comes, will cost you less in the long run, and can put more money in your pocket from a competitive sale.