What Are the Most Common Home Repairs?
Living in your dream home comes with a lot of extra unforeseen factors and expenses. Down payments, property taxes, mortgages, furniture, and décor are all extras that have to be kept in mind. There is one expense that many people do not consider – maintenance and repairs. So, what are the most common home repairs?
To prepare yourself for home repairs that might come along while living in your dream home, we have compiled a list of the most common home repairs that homeowners have to deal with.
1. Roof Repairs
Your home’s roof is very important. Not only does it protect you from all kinds of weather conditions, but it also keeps everything inside safe, dry, and secure. Because it is exposed to rain, storms, and extreme heat, it is highly susceptible to leaks, damage, rotting, and mold.
Roof repairs are needed when:
- Shingles are loose or lost
- Cracks or breaks in seams of the chimney and vent seals
- Moss, mold, or fungi is present in significant numbers
- Some parts are sagging due to trapped moisture or rotting
Consult a professional before replacing your entire roof. In many cases, only a few shingles need to be replaced or repaired. Most high-quality shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years.
2. HVAC System Repairs
A predominant part of any home is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These are the systems that keep us warm during cold winter days and cool during hot summer nights. When these systems break, they can cause the electricity bill to skyrocket and produce extreme discomfort.
Most water heaters have an average lifespan of between 8 to 10 years, compared to air conditioning systems with an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Regardless of the lifespan, it is still important to keep an eye out for any parts that might need repair. This will prolong the lifespan and save money on power bills.
HVAC system repairs are needed when:
- It’s making rattling noises
- Unusual smells or odors excreting from the unit
- It’s leaking air or water
- It has lost efficiency
- Power bills are much higher than usual
3. Plumbing and Piping Repair
Plumbing problems can cause an array of uncomfortable issues, including low water pressure, leaky toilets, back flooding, stinky smells, and water damage. When spotting a minor issue early, have a professional plumber can fix it right away. Neglecting it can cause significant problems later on.
Plumbing repairs are needed with:
- Flooding on the floor or in the basement
- Water leaking from ceiling or down interior walls
- Toilets back flooding or not flushing correctly
- Higher than usual water bills
- Clogged drains or toilets
- Unusually low water pressure or no running water
- Damp ceilings, walls, or floors
Since your plumbing runs through a complex piping system in the home’s walls and foundation, it is not easy to spot problems. Consulting a professional to perform regular assessments and check-ups on your plumbing is advised.
4. Electrical System Repair
One of the most common home repairs needed is an electrical system repair. Faults in an electrical system can cause fires, shock, burns, and extreme damage to homes. You should never wait to have your electrical system checked out.
Electrical system repairs are needed when:
- Appliances create a spark when it is switched on or plugged in
- Electrical shocks occur when touching an appliance or outlet
- Burning smells from appliances or outlets
- Frequent circuit breaks
- Switches and plugs that malfunction
Trying to fix your electrical system on your own is not a good idea. It is very dangerous working with electrical appliances and circuits. It is best to call a qualified and experienced electrician to repair it on your behalf.
5. Siding Repair
If your home has siding (wood, vinyl, or aluminum), then you have to take extra care of it. It’s the part of the home that protects the family and all your belongings against outside threats. Neglecting to repair and maintain it will cause rotting, insect infestations, mold growth, damage to the interior, and water leakage.
Siding repairs are needed when:
- You notice water damage or rotting
- Dry rotting has occurred
- There’s an infestation of insects either building nests or eating siding parts
- There are missing tiles or loose and damaged tiles/siding
- The color has faded
When your home has unpainted brick instead of siding, you should ensure that it is cleaned every other year. Brick can last up to 15 to 20 years.
6. Paint Repair
Not only does a good paint job add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, but it also creates a barrier between your home and the elements. Even though it is a less obvious repair, it is still worth mentioning and keeping in mind when thinking of home repairs.
Painting repairs are needed when:
- The paint starts peeling off
- Air or water bubbles have accumulated underneath the paint
- Cracking and chipping in the paint occurs
You should repaint wood siding every three to seven years, stucco every five to six years, aluminum siding every five years, and other materials like cement fiberboard siding every 10 to 15 years.
Now You're Ready for House Repairs!
It’s essential to monitor your home’s condition to prevent bigger and more expensive problems from occurring. When you are not sure when it is time to repair or replace something in your home’s structure, it’s best to consult a professional.
Professionals know exactly what to look for. They can assess and diagnose the problem and help you find the best and most suited solution for it. They typically have the right tools and knowledge to fix the problem correctly, avoiding future drawbacks.
As long as you keep an eye on your home’s condition and take necessary maintenance and repair measures, you’ll continue living in a safe and homey space. All the while not breaking the bank.