Home inspectors see a lot of very interesting things when we are doing our inspections. It’s not always clear why some people make poor choices when it comes to their house, but maybe in some cases it’s just because they didn’t know any better. When it comes to home maintenance, the following actions should be considered mistakes, and should be avoided at all costs.
1. Plant a Tree Close to the House
No matter how cute or fragile a little tree looks when it is first planted, it WILL get bigger. Much bigger. As it grows, its leaves can clog the gutters and branches can cause damage to siding. Even more serious, the roots from a mature tree can weaken the home’s foundation or clog plumbing or sewer pipes.
2. Paint Exterior Brick
This might be tempting if you are looking for a quick change to your outside curb appeal, but painting over brick can trap moisture within the brick wall, which can actually destroy it along with the mortar.
3. Take on Major Plumbing or Electrical Repairs Yourself
Unless you are a professional plumber or electrician, it is really a better idea to let a pro handle these jobs. Electrical work can be very dangerous and a poor plumbing repair can result in a big mess. Most importantly, many homeowners are not familiar with all of the safety codes and regulations that need to be adhered to.
4. Ignore the Yard
It’s important to maintain the yard for your own enjoyment, as well as those around you. The neighbors do not want to look at 3-foot weeds or a yard full of junk. Keep the grass cut and fertilized, and don’t skip the last mow before winter – the longer grass can give small animals a place to hide and find their way into the house.
Not only can these things affect the house while you are living in it, but they can raise problems if you try to sell it as well. Physical appearance can affect the resale value of the home, and foundation issues would certainly need to be addressed before selling.
A good home inspector like Lakes Area Home Inspections will inspect a home from top to bottom, inside and out, and will locate any potential issues that need to be addressed before buying or selling the property. Contact us in Illinois at 224-338-8885 or in Wisconsin at 262-818-0911 to schedule your inspection appointment.
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LAHI serves the entire area of Northern IL and Southern WI. If you are in Lake Bluff, Ringwood, Gurnee, Arlington Heights or the surrounding areas, give us a call at (224) 334-8885 so we can get you on our schedule