10 home repairs you shouldn’t ignore

If you’re like most people, your home is the largest purchase – and most significant investment – you’ll ever make. So you’ll want to maintain it, and a large part of proper upkeep means staying on the lookout for potential problems. In fact, if you allow your home’s condition to deteriorate, your home insurance company may refuse to pay for the damages. Don’t wait until a minor annoyance becomes a big problem. Here are 10 home repairs you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Water leaks

Water damage can be devastating. If you have a standard home insurance policy, it will cover water damage resulting from a burst pipe. But if you negligently allow a known water leak persist until it results in a big insurance claim, your insurance company may not be too keen to pay. Insurance companies keep track of your home insurance claims, and follow your progress. If you notice a water leak, get it fixed as quickly as possible. You don’t want your home to end up a home insurance blacklist.

2. Foundation cracks

Your foundation is your home’s main support. Cracks in the foundation can invite water leaks from outside, or even lead to walls buckling and other problems. If you notice that your doors are not closing as they should, that could be one sign that your foundation is settling, or warping, and that an inspection for cracks could be in order. Be sure to have these cracks repaired so that your home isn’t at risk.

3. Peeling paint

If you want to protect your home, it’s important to take care of peeling paint. Paint acts as a protective skin to a home. It keeps water from seeping inside. It also protects wood from dryness and cracking. In addition, paint helps keep pests at bay. One of the best ways to keep your home in good shape – and keep your home insurance company happy – is to be careful of your paint. If you notice peeling paint, remove it, sand the area and repaint. In homes built before 1978, you should have a lead test performed before removing the paint.

4. Rats or mice

Rodents and other pests can wreak havoc on a home. Rats and mice can chew up wires and insulation. This can become a fire hazard. Other pests, such as termites, can reduce the stability of your home’s construction. It is important to have rodents and other pests taken eliminated upon discovery. You can do it yourself, with traps and poison, or you can hire an exterminator to take care of the problem. You should also consider that pest control is considered a regular maintenance costs. Therefore, your home insurance policy isn’t likely to cover it.

5. Spiking fuel costs

You may not notice anything wrong inside your home. But then you receive an unusually expensive fuel bill. It can be a clue that something is amiss with your home. If your gas company didn’t increase its rates, but your bill is alarmingly high, it could be an indication that you have a leak or that maybe your furnace needs to be inspected and cleaned – or even upgraded. In either case, it may be a good idea to conduct an energy audit in your home.

6. Flickering lights

Your home insurance policy may have you covered, but that will be small comfort if your home burns down due to faulty wiring. A warning to signal that something is wrong can be flickering lights. It can mean that too many things were plugged into one circuit or that your wiring has deteriorated. These can be fire hazards. To fix the problem, you should try to reduce your energy consumption, or redistribute your appliances so that they are plugged into different circuits. (You can also add more circuits.)

7. Frayed wires

If rodents have been in your home, you should check for frayed wires. Conduct regular inspections in search of frayed wires. These can be fire hazards, as well as reduce your energy efficiency, costing you money.

8. Broken air conditioner filter

Another household item that requires attention is your air condition filter. If you have clogged filter, a number of problems can result. A clogged filter can produce mud, and that can lead to mold. Standard home insurance won’t pay for mold removal. Your air conditioning system is an expensive part of your home, and a filter can be an integral part of keeping it in working shape. Filters cost between $2 to $25, depending on the type you buy. If you switch your filter regularly, you will avoid costly home repairs.

9. Smoky chimney

A smoky chimney can be a sign that it is time to get it cleaned. A dirty chimney can actually catch fire, putting your home and your life in danger. There are certified chimney sweeps that can help you clean your chimney regularly. You can also modify your wood burning practices to create smaller fires that smoke less, and by not burning trash in your fireplace at home.

10. Clogged gutters

A clogged gutter can lead to leaks that your home insurance company may not cover. You should make sure that your gutters aren’t pulling away from the house. Regularly clean out your gutters, and make sure that they are firmly attached to the house. You can reduce the chances of debris getting into your gutters by making use of screens. This makes cleaning gutters easier.