The beauty of owning a home is the equity, but the downside is the responsibility for repairs. Fixing up a home can cost a fortune. Repairs tend to get more expensive the longer they're left unaddressed, so it's best to take care of them as soon as they come up.
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Here are the home repair signs to watch out for and how experts suggest fixing them before they become too expensive.
Wooden fences in backyards often deteriorate over time and can start to fall apart, costing privacy and money. Zack Clark, the vice president of Pro Fence Business at Oldcastle APG Inc., recommended replacing these when signs of disrepair appear.
"Traditional wood fences are often the most cost-effective solution for your property but are prone to fading, cracking, moisture damage, decay and other issues, especially when not properly maintained. At the first sign of these issues, it may be time to start considering an upgrade," said Clark.
He recommended replacing these wooden fences with a different material altogether. "Vinyl, aluminum and mixed-material fence solutions are all potential alternatives that are more durable and require less maintenance than traditional wood. These materials are tested for their resistance to issues such as fading and cracking and usually better withstand the elements."
Justin Cornforth is the owner and CEO at Ace Home Co. and advised not to ignore a foul-smelling drain in the bathroom or kitchen. "If you consistently have bad odors coming from your drains, it's hardly just a matter of dirt accumulation, the cause could lie in a clogged vent pipe, a dry P-trap, or gas leaks from the sewer line," he said.
Cornforth advised that if it's a drain that's not frequently used, running water will usually get rid of the smell. If it is a drain that's used a lot, a more advanced fix might be needed. "If it's a frequently used drain, I recommend you clean the p-trap by removing it and removing any debris. If the odor persists, I strongly recommend calling a plumber to inspect for deeper issues like venting problems or sewer line leaks."
"A loose toilet base might not seem like a big deal, but it's actually something you should address quickly," Cornforth said. "When the toilet wobbles, it can break the wax seal at the base, allowing water to leak out and cause serious damage to the flooring underneath."
To fix a loose toilet base, Cornforth suggested checking if the bolts need tightening. Don't tighten them too tight, as this can crack the porcelain. If this doesn't fix the problem, Cornforth recommended resealing the toilet with a new wax ring to prevent further damage.
If there is no water coming out from a split in the floor or wall, it might be tempting to ignore it, but Jenilee Common, the CEO of Erie Home, recommended fixing it as soon as possible.
"Visible cracks may signal structural concerns. Small cracks can be sealed with epoxy, but expanding or persistent cracks often require professional waterproofing to protect the foundation," said Common.
An older home might have lights that slightly flicker every now and then, but Forrest Webber, the founder of Fireplace Distributor recommended fixing these right away. "If your lights are doing the cha-cha, it's not the work of ghosts. It could be loose wiring, an overloaded circuit, or outdated electrical work. And yes, all roads lead to a fire hazard if ignored."
Webber commented that fixing it could just be tightening the bulb. However, if that doesn't work. call an electrician.
Webber recommended paying close attention to those yellow rings on the ceiling. "Leaks can lead to mold, structural damage, and a wet surprise from above," he said.
To fix it, Webber advised finding the source of the leak and then repairing it by hand or with a plumber's help. Afterward, when it's completely dry, Webber recommends repainting the area.