The other day I was reading my daily real estate news and I came across this article written by Nick Caruso for RisMedia about the damage we unwittingly do to our homes year after year. As a real estate professional, I see the effects of these over time. Over the years I have seen some homes that have deteriorated to the point of almost not being salvaged. As I read the article I started to think if I have fallen prey to these common mistakes. The truth is I have. I won't anymore! Unfortunately we all have at one time or another. These common mistakes were adapted by from the book The Home Book written by David MacLellan, George Wolfson, and Douglas Hansen. As you read these ask yourself how many of these do you do?
Storing Household Goods on Garage and Attic Trusses
During my travels I see this all the time in the garage! Many people see the space above the garage as a great place to store the holiday decorations and other items. The word truss, means a framework, typically consisting of rafters, posts, and struts, supporting a roof, bridge, or other structure. This is extremely important for the integrity of the roof. Any additional weight over time can cause some structural damage.
Altering Finished Grades
When the county approves the plans for a home, strict guidelines are in place for the degree of slope. An improper slope can cause severe water damage. Adding a patio or sidewalks after the original construction could allow for water to seep into your home. Before deciding to add a patio or walkways, check with the county to determine the impact it may have. The local county building department is a wealth of information. Depending on the clay content the water may not drain readily and the soil can then swell to up to 30 percent of its dry volume, and the foundation can move upward causing extensive interior and exterior damage. These repairs can be very costly.
Improperly attaching a Deck Trellis, Sunscreen, or Lanai Structure to the Home
There is a right way and a wrong way to attach a deck trellis. If done improperly water can seep between the deck and the home. I have seen this many times over the years, and yes this one a costly repair. It has been the reason some homes fall out of escrow. Before adding a deck trellis check with the county for any regulations and install properly.
Allowing Irrigation Sprinkler Heads to Spray Against the Home
I am sure at one time or another we have ALL been guilty of this one!!! Overtime water damage can cause the walls to rot or the stucco to fade. Check to make sure that all sprinkler heads are pointed away from the structure. Periodically check to ensure there are broken heads or clogs in the lines, as these can lead to problems later on.
Disconnecting or Not Using Bathroom and Laundry Vent Fans
How many times have we forgot to do crack the window or turn the fan on? Or not taught our children to turn the fan on? Unfortunately, this can cause damage to the bathroom. I have seen many a bathroom that has suffered severe damage. This can be an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. Water vapors can eventually seep into the drywall, causing damage. This can potentially lower the value of your home. The bathroom is an important room to potential homebuyers.
Walking on the Roof
Yet another common mistake! Walking on the roof is dangerous to begin with and cause damage as well. There is a technique to correctly walk on a roof that is safe and will not cause damage. A majority of homeowners insurance will not ensure damage done by someone walking on the roof.
Overloading Upper Cabinets
When organizing your cabinets, place the heavy items on the bottom shelf. Develop a schematic before adding your items. This ensures that they are organized in a manner that will not cause damage later. If heavy items are placed on upper shelves they can sag overtime or actually pull away from the wall. Be careful not to store too many items in the cabinet, this can create problems later as well.
Over time these common practices can cause major repairs and lower the value of your home. Whether you are selling, or not, avoiding these can save you thousands of dollars.
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