Have you ever heard the saying, “an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure”?  Whoever said it was spot on!! Nowhere is this quote more accurate than with homeownership.  There are numerous instances where a minor nuisance can become a huge expense when left unchecked.  Here are some examples of relatively cheap actions that you can take now to prevent costly home repairs and serious damage to your home down the road.

Clean Your Gutters

One way to prevent costly home repairs is to clean your gutters regularly. Gutters are intended to provide an efficient way for water to be removed from your property.  When gutters are blocked by leaves, twigs and other debris, standing water can seep into the soil and damage your home’s foundation and basement. 

Gutter cleaning is simple and usually cheap.  In general, gutters should be cleaned twice a year.  If you have heavy foliage, such as pine trees, near your property, gutter cleaning may be required every 3 months.

Hire an exterminator

Termites and carpenter ants can do serious damage to your home without much warning.  These pests feast on wood framing and flooring that are common components of most homes. 

Detecting the presence of termites and carpenter ants can be difficult.  Sometimes you may find flying ants or piles of sawdust.  If in doubt, contact a trained professional who can devise a treatment plan specific to your needs.   

Fix Leaky Plumbing

One common headache of homeownership is leaking pipes and plumbing fixtures.  Many homes today have multiple bathrooms, dishwashers, refrigerators with ice and water dispensers and washing machines.

At some point, some of these appliances or the pipes that supply water to these appliances, will start to leak.  Never ignore water leaks!!  And unless you’re a licensed plumber, never try to fix it yourself (DIY)!!

Leaking plumbing that goes unchecked can cause higher water bills, structural damage, mold and can cost thousands of dollars to correct.  On the other hand, a licensed plumber may charge a few hundred bucks.  You do the math.   

Power wash your home when necessary

Mold, mildew and grime can grow on the exterior of your home, making it appear old, dirty and run-down.  Power washing uses heated water and detergent to remove mold and dirt leaving your home looking like new. 

Although many people try power washing their home themselves, I recommend that you hire a professional to do the job.  If you’re not careful, you can damage vinyl siding or get water under the siding which can cause rot and/or mold to the wood surfaces. 

Repair or replace your roof

Roof repair or replacement is not something that homeowners take lightly.  So, it may appear strange that I’m including it in this list of cheap fixes but believe me; it’s way cheaper to fix your roof than let it go.

You must recognize that your roof covers your ENTIRE house and all of its contents.  It keeps water and debris out while providing ventilation to help fresh air circulate and reduces condensation. 

Install Fire and carbon monoxide detectors

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that commonly enters the home from a car exhaust or a defective furnace.  Fires are started from numerous causes.  Both fires and carbon monoxide can be deadly.

Thankfully, homeowners can protect their families with inexpensive devices that can detect a fire or the presence of carbon monoxide early.  To further put your mind at ease, contact a fire prevention specialist for more information.   

Check your furnace annually

The last thing you need during a snowstorm is for your furnace to malfunction.  According to Murphy’s Law, you could end up without heat on the coldest day of the winter.

To prevent costly home repairs like that from happening to you, have your furnace checked by a professional each year. Preferably in October, before the cold weather sets in. These annual tune-ups can keep your furnace operating more efficiently. This is especially important if you have an older furnace.

Clean your dryer exhaust vents

Improper dryer ventilation and maintenance is a common cause of home fires.  Over time, lint buildup can restrict airflow and increase the temperature in your dryer, greatly increasing the risk of fire.  Always clean your lint filters before using your dryer.  Vents should be cleaned monthly, depending on your usage.

Prevent costly home repairs checklist:

Whether you plan to sell or keep your home, it’s in your best interest to prevent costly home repairs now.

If you can’t make the repairs yourself, hire professionals. Leaving these small tasks undone for years can amount to serious, and expensive, damage that becomes a headache to fix. Set reminders for doing home upkeep and budget for the simple fixes before they turn into big problems.