If you’re a homeowner, taking care of your investment should be a priority. There are many things that can go wrong, and they’ll be even worse if you leave them unchecked.
Ignoring the issue can result in even more expensive repair costs. Here are a few of the most common problems homeowners should address immediately.
Roof Damage
Your home’s roof protects you and your property from the elements. Rain, wind, snow, and extreme temperatures will cause your roof to degrade over time, eventually requiring a replacement. Maintaining your roof ensures that the home’s supporting structures, such as beams, rafters, and foundation, stay in good condition.
Most homeowners have to replace their roofs every decade or so. However, depending on the material, it may last longer. While it requires more of an upfront investment, metal roofs can last up to 70 years. Other factors, such as the roof’s pitch, the direction it’s facing, and whether there’s proper ventilation, will also affect how long it lasts.
Inefficient Heating and Cooling
Another problem homeowners should immediately address is an inefficient heating and cooling system. While it won’t necessarily affect the value of your home, it can cause discomfort and is often much more costly than an efficient system. If rooms aren’t getting enough airflow, it may be time for a new unit.
There are many reasons why some rooms in your home are cooler or hotter than others. It may be due to a malfunctioning HVAC unit, damaged ductwork, or poorly sealed doors and windows. Finding the best solution for your heating and cooling needs will save you money and improve your living conditions.
Leaky Plumbing
Your home’s plumbing is another essential detail you should pay attention to. If you’ve found leaky plumbing in your home, you should have it taken care of immediately. Old pipes can lead to poor water quality, flooding, and damage to your home.
If you don’t have the knowledge or expertise to fix your home’s plumbing on your own, it’s a good idea to contact a professional plumbing service to address the problem. Before deciding who to hire, though, you should get an estimate for the overall cost of repairs.
Don’t Put Things Off Until the Last Moment
Your house and its appliances take a lot of abuse. If you’re seeing signs that it’s time to remodel your home, taking immediate action is essential.
Learning about the most common problems homeowners have and addressing them promptly will allow you to live comfortably and efficiently without breaking the bank.
Your horror story is all too common. Obviously expecting an unscrupulous contractor to respond is a dead end. I currently have a complaint with the CSLB where they are backlogged for at least 6 months, as well as a claim against the contractors bond where a 30 day claim has currently turned into another 6 months as they await an explanation from the contractor. Structural & plumbing without permits, plumbing without license, sheetrock & painting before framing & electrical, asking for holdback money before the rough plumbing and tile, removal of previously engineered shear wall, refusal to provide accounting, etc.
Does anyone have a clue for dealing with Sureties? I am so afraid of saying something that will only prolong the agony. My case is too much for small claims court and not enough to hire an attorney. I’m sure that a judgement would be uncollectable anyway. I feel that my only compensation will be to eeke out a collection from the bond.
Hi Pamela, -yep these kids of stories are way too common sad to say. And unfortunately with the ease with which homeowners get taken advantage of by unscrupulous individuals in the industry, it’s the homeowners’ responsibility to ensure they don’t get burned.
As for sureties, I went after 3 bonds and succeeded with getting two; the other one they fought to protect. It’s not easy but persistence is needed and really good documentation. The surety bond company often fights to protect the licensee which is frustrating but every case is different.