Six Easy Home Repairs to Save you Money



While staying on top of home repairs is an ideal way to ensure that your house remains in tip-top shape, occasionally some costly home repairs are overlooked. Save money and the integrity of your home by considering these six easily overlooked home repairs.

1. Leaky faucets
Seemingly insignificant dripping faucets cost you higher water bills. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s Water Science School, one faucet that drips 20 drips per minute results in 694 wasted gallons of water per year. A leaky faucet is often caused by a worn down rubber seal or washer. Simply replace these items and the faucet stops dripping.

2. Leaking water heater
A leaking or faulty water heater can cause extensive damage to your home, both in the long term if it is a slow leak or over the short term if it is a major leak. Water damage can lead to dry rot, mold and mildew build-up. Fixing a leaking water heater can save you a substantial amount of money in repairs. Leaks involving valves or piping can generally be fixed at minimal cost, but if the leak is occurring because of corrosion of the tank itself, it’s necessary to replace the entire water heater.

3. Roof leaks
Small roof leaks often go undetected until they turn into larger problems. The best way to prevent a small problem from becoming a large one is to do a roof inspection. Get up on top of the roof or have a roofer do so to detect any torn or missing shingles or broken tiles. Minor repairs now will cost you very little compared to major repairs later.

4. Damaged windows and siding
Like a leaking roof, damaged siding and windows with worn out seals can lead to slow water leaks that become big leaks over time. Prevent the insidious and devastating effects of water damage by resealing windows every five years or so and fixing any cracked or warped siding as soon as you notice the problem.

5. Worn-out caulking
The caulk surrounding your bathtub walls, sinks and countertops wears down over time. Even minor cracks in caulk can let in moisture, which can lead to water damage and rot in your walls and surrounding areas. Re-caulk anywhere you have running water, including bathrooms and kitchens, every three to five years.

6. Peeling paint
Besides looking unsightly, peeling and flaking paint on the exterior of your home exposes wood to the elements, which can lead to rotting and splitting. Protecting the exterior surface of your home by painting at the first signs of wear and tear keeps your home protected and looking its best. If there are only a few areas that contain peeling paint and the rest of the paint appears to be intact, you can do some spot painting. If you no longer have the original paint or it has dried, take a one-inch-square piece of peeling paint to the paint or hardware store and have it matched so that you get a seamless look when you paint.

Performing these necessary home repairs does take some time, but the result of a well-protected and maintained house is well worth the effort.

Original article can be found here.

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