Want to avoid pricey home repairs? Take a page from Ben Franklin’s book: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
The key to not having to shell out major cash to fully replace or fix parts of your home is by simply doing regular maintenance. See a crack in the wall? Take care of it now so it doesn’t turn into an even larger crack.
“The more effort you put into caring for your home, the less money you’ll spend on costly repairs,” says Andrea Collins, head of brand marketing for Hippo Insurance.
Smart-home care and tech-driven devices mean homeowners can be savvier than ever in keeping up their homes. From do-it-yourself inspections to simple preventive measures, here’s a handy guide to keeping your home in top shape.
Plan for regular home inspections
Systems, structures and appliances wear out over time. “Even when certain items in your home seem to be functioning, it’s important to double-check and make sure there aren’t any issues,” Collins says. “Neglected or ignored systems and appliances can cause all sorts of trouble.”
In some cases, you can do a diagnostic check on your own, but other times it’s necessary to engage a qualified professional, such as a plumber, electrician or chimney sweep. Here are some key elements of your home to check regularly and how to know if you can do it yourself or if it is time to call in the expert.
Roof
Installing a new roof will cost you thousands, but minor repairs and regular maintenance will be easier on your budget. Homeowners can perform a visual check on their roof a couple of times a year. Look for missing or loose shingles and any areas that are discolored or appear to have shifted. It’s also smart to inspect your attic, checking for anything that might indicate a leak — damp patches on walls or ceilings are a big warning.
Every five years (or more often if you see signs of significant wear), hire a professional roofing contractor to do a more detailed inspection. It’s also worth having a professional take a look after extreme weather like heavy rain or snow — or in advance of potentially harmful conditions like hurricane season.
Pipes
Water issues are a major concern for homeowners because the cost and inconvenience of a leak or sewage backup can be significant. On a less extreme financial level, leaky faucets or pipes can be a big water waster, which costs you over time.
One tip: “Find hidden leaks in your kitchen and bathroom by wrapping paper towels around pipes and looking for wet spots,” Collins says.
You can do additional self-monitoring with water- or mold-monitoring sensors, such as those from Monnit or Streamlabs, which alert you the moment there’s a problem.</…….
Source: https://www.bankrate.com/homeownership/how-to-avoid-pricey-home-repairs/