Top 10 Common Home Maintenance Mistakes New Homeowners Make

Congratulations, you've just got the keys to the castle. You now own your very own home. Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

When it's all new and shiny we are all excited but unlike our cars that have a clever sticker on the window when we need to change the oil and the water, we often forget we have to do some basic maintenance on our own homes.

In this article, I’ll explore the top 10 common home maintenance mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Neglecting Regular Inspections

Regular inspections can catch small issues before they become major problems. Make it a habit to inspect your home every few months for leaks, cracks, and other potential issues.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Gutters

Clogged gutters can cause water damage to your home, and the problem with a water leak is whilst the green patch might be in the middle of the lawn, the origin of the leak may not be so straightforward. Gutters should be cleaned regularly. Especially if you have established trees near your house. Clean them regularly to ensure water flows away from your roof and foundation. 

Mistake 3: Forgetting About Filters

Did you know many of your everyday appliances have filters? There are filters in your reverse cycle, filters in your washing machine and dishwasher, filters in your water filter. These are there for a job, to filter something from something else. But since they are out of sight, they are often out of mind. So mark it down on your calendar to change or clean your filters. Dirty filters can reduce efficiency and cause breakdowns.

Mistake 4: Skipping Seasonal Maintenance

Each season brings its own maintenance tasks. Skipping these can lead to bigger problems down the line. For example, not servicing your heating system before winter can lead to a breakdown during the cold months. Not cleaning out your stormwater drains can cause house flooding during a downpour. 

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Tools

Using incorrect or poor-quality tools can cause damage and make tasks more difficult. Invest in a good set of tools and learn how to use them properly. I believe every homeowner should have a basic toolkit for home maintenance. You don’t have to go overboard and buy every 18V battery tools ever created by man. But some good quality essential tools I believe are a must. Things like a hammer, screwdriver bit set, impact driver, tape measure, level, are a good start. 

Mistake 6: Not Knowing When to Call a Professional

I would love to say you can do everything yourself. However that simply isn't true. Whether it's because of our regulations in SA or simple specialised knowledge, some tasks are best left to professionals.  The last thing you want to do is void your home insurance, if something goes wrong. Things like electrical work, major plumbing issues, and structural repairs require expert knowledge and skills, and are best left to the licensed professionals.

Mistake 7: Overlooking Small Repairs

I always encourage tackling small repairs early. Fixing a leaky tap or sealing a draughty window should not be overlooked and addressing them promptly can prevent bigger problems.

Mistake 8: Neglecting the Roof

Yes you have a new home, or maybe you moved into one already built. Either way the roof is one of the most critical parts of your home. Thankfully the majority of roofing material now is iron, not tiles. However it doesn’t hurt to check regularly for leaks, and other damage, and repair them promptly. 

Mistake 9: Not Keeping Records

Keep records of all maintenance tasks and repairs. This helps you stay organised and can be useful if you decide to sell your home. Even if it's just where you buy your water filters can make it easier when coming to change them. 

Mistake 10: Failing to Budget for Maintenance

Unfortunately like maintaining our cars, home maintenance costs money. Set aside a budget for regular upkeep to avoid financial strain when unexpected repairs arise. You will always have peace of mind if that tree branch does happen to fall through the roof of the garden shed, you will always have something in the piggy bank to replace the roof immediately without sustaining further damage to the contents inside of the garden shed. 

Avoiding these common maintenance mistakes can save new homeowners time, money, and stress. By staying proactive and informed, you can keep your home in excellent condition and enjoy the many benefits of homeownership.

Visit Strathalbyn H Hardware for all your home maintenance needs. Our knowledgeable staff can provide expert advice and help you find the right tools and supplies. Start maintaining your home like a pro today!