Your house is your sanctuary, and unless you’re perfect, there are going to be times when you’re not always on top of your house repairs. From the rooms to the home decor, to the kind of roof and garage door you install, there are ways nature and normal wear and tear will make home repairs difficult. Your repair home plan includes attention to roofing, septic system cleaners, the driveway, and your electrical system, but going forward, you should note that home repairs can be costly, especially when they’re not addressed right away and your health is on the line.
But even with your repair home plan, bad things can happen. Repairs can go sideways and appliances and parts of your home can end up with more damage than what they had before. Additionally, you may notice adverse weather may cause water damage to get worse, while the contractors you hire for one repair job might not be effective at handling another. Ultimately, the time and money you invest in your repair home plan will be worth it as long as you don’t have misconceptions about what it takes to keep everything in your home running smoothly. Now that you’re ready to be an effective homeowner, keep these common misconceptions in mind so your home functions the way you need it to.
Misconception #1: It’s Okay to Put Off Roofing Repairs
From damaged shingles to leaks, roof damage can become a problem, especially if you let the problem sit before looking for help fixing things. From attic leaks and paint blistering to visible evidence of shingle damage, the signs of a damaged roof should indicate a need for roofing services. Not fixing your roof right away can lead to significant leaks. However, you’ll still want to avoid doing too much roof work on your own. Roofers climb tall buildings and resort to backbreaking labor that could jeopardize householders who don’t know the ropes. So, if you’re thinking about hiring a roofer, understand that roof replacement may require a full tear-off of the old roof system and replacement of the roof underlayment. Roofers will understand a roof’s structure. That way, you don’t have to make the mistake of letting a roofing problem wait until next year.
Misconception #2: Lack of Maintenance Won’t Cause Septic System Failure
When you think of septic systems, you might think of dirt, debris, and smelly odors. In reality, a septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure that uses a series of tunnels, pumps, and sewer pipes to collect wastewater. If these systems get backed up because of flooding, poor installation, or clogs, one sign you might notice is strange gurgling sounds in the plumbing lines that may indicate that a blockage is preventing water from flowing through your drains. You might also recognize septic odors or experience total backup of plumbing in the house. At the very least, your repair home plan should include septic clean out services that might prevent you from having to spend a lot of money on the damage. Unless having a flooded mess interests you, forget the thinking that not maintaining your septic system isn’t the problem. As a homeowner, one of the last things you want to do is wake up to smell a home that smells of sewage.
Misconception #3: You Don’t Need a Realistic Budget for Driveway Sealcoating
The condition of your driveway can make the process of pulling your vehicle in and out either easier or more challenging. A lot of that has to do with common issues like the way puddles of water can sit on your driveway and cause long-term damage such as potholes and cracks. Most driveways are made out of either asphalt or concrete, each offering its share of advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of whether your driveway is asphalt or concrete, driveway sealcoating should be an important part of your repair home plan. While you’ll still need to do visual inspections of your driveway, keep in mind that driveway sealcoating serves as a protective layer for your asphalt or concrete. While necessary, you need to think about setting a realistic budget for this service. According to Pavement Pro, the cost of driveway sealcoating services is about $0.08 to $0.30 a square foot, so, $48 to $180 for a 600 square foot parking lot. That’s a little bit of money if you have other home repair costs to consider, so be sure to set enough money aside because your vehicle will thank you.
Misconception #4: It’s Always Better to Replace Your Carpet
Carpet restoration might be a better choice than replacing your carpet altogether. For one, replacing a carpet means you have to buy a new one, but thankfully, according to Thumbtack, you can get your carpet repaired for about $200. Buying a new carpet might cost you deeper into the hundreds and even the thousands, and on top of that, may require more time for professionals to install. Fortunately, if you’re having problems with carpet stains, wear and tear, discoloration, and stretched or bulging carpet, carpet restoration services might be in your best interests. These professionals use hot water extraction and heavy-duty vacuum cleaners to get dirt and deep stains from your carpet. While some equipment is suitable for homeowners, only the professionals have the best.
If you’ve ever thought a repaired carpet won’t look as good as a new one, think about saving money today, and you’ll see the appeal of a repaired carpet tomorrow. A nice-looking carpet adds a lot of appeal to your home, but when it’s too damaged, you can think of stripping the carpet and adding hardwood flooring instead. Perhaps the most significant benefit surrounding hardwood flooring is that its low maintenance and easy to clean. You don’t have to stress about stains because you can wipe them away with nothing but a paper towel. And hardwood floors have the added benefit of not trapping pollutants and irritants that make breathing difficult for people with allergies and medical conditions. So, when you’re putting together your repair home plan, make sure it includes either carpet restoration or hardwood flooring. The easier it is to maintain your home, the less time you’ll have to spend cleaning it when it comes time to do repairs.
Misconception #5: Your HVAC System Doesn’t Matter Unless You Need It
Your air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system need to be in great shape so that it keeps you and your family feeling cool, warm, or refreshed while you’re at home. Everyone in your home needs to feel comfortable through the changing seasons, so residents can all stay safe and well. In extreme conditions, overheating a home can result in severe discomfort and breathing problems, while keeping a home too cold can lead to the freezing and bursting of pipes. Even more importantly, your HVAC system helps purify the air of harmful pollutants that can make you feel sick, irritate the lungs of those with allergies, or cause people to come down with a disease or condition related to the pollutants in the air. All of these problems can take place because dust particles and AC repair should be done by trained professionals who know how to make sure HVAC systems are both energy-efficient and working well.
Misconception #6: Skipping the Electrical System Tune-Up Isn’t A Big Deal
Your electrical system includes the electrical components that provide electricity to your home. You might be tempted to ignore the breaker box in your basement, the outlets, the plugs, and any signs of faulty wiring. But the worst thing you can do is play the role of electrician and risk causing real damage. Whether plugs are warm to the touch or you hear buzzing sounds throughout the home, hiring an electrician is essential for your repair home plan because the contractors will come prepared with safety equipment to reduce the risk of injury or fire.
On the energy-efficient side of things, only an electrician might notice signs that your appliances are drawing too much power. Long-term electrical problems, in particular, require electrical repair services and professionals who are qualified to complete work that meets state and federal regulations. They’ll read blueprints and study complex diagrams, then repair wiring, inspect transformers and circuit breakers, and install new wiring and lighting systems. Electrical repair systems must be put in place to ensure a home’s electricity functions don’t jeopardize the safety of the homeowners.
Misconception #7: You Don’t Need to Worry About Your Home’s Foundation
The structural integrity of your home depends on the condition of the materials that hold your home together. Your home can teeter in one direction or another depending on the integrity of the structure. Experts providing foundation repairs address foundation cracks and other signs of damage to determine how much and what kind of repair work needs to be done. Unfortunately, you might have made the mistake of believing your home’s foundation isn’t important when, in reality, it should be part of your repair home plan. The worst-case scenario would be for your home to collapse while you’re in it. Even if you’re away, the damage can be significant enough to leave you without a home for days or weeks at a time. Worse, you might have homeowners insurance and the company might know you knew about the condition of your home’s foundation and did nothing to address it. As a homeowner, you never want to allow circumstances within your control to get out of hand. Your home’s foundation is how your home stands. Wouldn’t you want to make sure you’re sleeping in a sturdy environment?
Misconception #8: Putting Off Home Repairs Won’t Jeopardize Your Family’s Health
While you might be able to get away with leaving some home repairs off the hook, others could put your family’s health at risk if you’re not paying attention. A leak in your basement might be a common occurrence, but if you’re not careful, the excess moisture in your basement could lead to the development of harmful mold and mildew. Any sign of water damage should warrant an immediate call to the appropriate contractor, as much of your home will fall apart if there is an excess of moisture sitting in one place. And if you think repainting your old home isn’t a good idea, just remember that old homes are sometimes found to have asbestos and lead, both of which could put your family at risk. As long as you understand how home repairs can harm your family’s health, there is a good chance your repair home plan will cover every inch of your home to preserve your family’s future.
Putting together your repair home plan is one of the most necessary steps you’ll ever make as a homeowner. Your priorities will shift over time from simply adding on new renovations to repairing your existing property. By the time you finished this article, you should have realized that home repairs can have a major impact on your health. From the ongoing problems with irritants in carpets to roof repairs that go unnoticed, anything concerning your house that can go wrong can also make you sick. If you allow it to happen, home repairs can become such a chore that you no longer address them at all. That’s when you’ll notice the real damage happening.
It’s more likely that you want to keep your home in the best possible condition. To do that, you’ll need to remember to keep your septic system clean and the paint on the walls looking new and optimistic. Windows should be upgraded for the winter, and patios can be remodeled for spring, but when something is broken, it has to be fixed today. The common misconceptions surrounding home repairs generally indicate that people think that seemingly harmless repairs can wait for another day. But maybe you’re a homeowner with a plan and your repair home plan appeals to everyone else. If so, go ahead and make the right choices now that you know about the myths surrounding home repair. You’ll be glad you did and the condition of your home will reflect your decision.
