We’re all busy with work and family and often we just don’t have the time to fix minor problems around the house. In the grand scheme of things a bit of chipping paint or a sticking door is just not that high on the priority list when it only causes a mild inconvenience. Goodness knows when I get home from work all I want is to collapse on the couch and eat ice cream!
There are some things though you simply can’t afford to let go. That old chestnut ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ is very true and can save you money. And in some cases I mean a LOT of money (and inconvenience) that makes it well worth your time to spend a few minutes or hours to fix it now. Here are some things that it really pays – see what I did there? – to address early on.
1. Blistering or Peeling Exterior Paint
LEADS TO: If exposed to water, the cracking of the protective finish can lead woodwork to rot and could develop into extensive wall damage.
FIX: Remove any damaged wood and fill it with epoxy wood filler, then scrape, sand, prime and paint any area where the protective finish is damaged.
2. Build up of Dryer Lint
LEADS TO: Lint is highly flammable and if the dryer is gets hot and the lint is blocking the trap and the exhaust vent you may end up with a serious house fire.
FIX: Make sure to clean the lint trap after every load, clean the exhaust vent regularly and dust and vacuum underneath, behind and on the sides of the dryer.
3. Worn Wood Floors
LEADS TO: If you do not maintain the protective coat on your wooden floors, you are leaving them vulnerable to ground-in dirt, discolourations and splintering. Replacing wooden floors is an expensive exercise when you can take simple preventative steps.
FIX: Sand the floor's surface when you spot signs of wear and apply a fresh coat of protective polyurethane. If you are not confident doing this yourself hire a flooring specialist.
4. Stuck Sliding Door
LEADS TO: If pushing and pulling a slide door is akin to lifting weights, the resistance is likely to be caused by a build-up of debris clogging the track. If you keep pulling it hard without addressing the problem you are likely to damage the door or pull it off its rails, breaking the wheels.
FIX: Remove the door and check if the wheels are damaged and need replacing. If they’re fine then clean the base of the door, track and wheels with soapy water and wipe dry, spray with lubricant and gently replace.
5. Stains on Your Ceiling
LEADS TO: If a stain is appearing on your ceiling you are suffering from a leak. Water will cause the roof to rot, weaken and deteriorate, and water may begin seeping through as it becomes more damaged. Extensive ceiling damage will definitely be expensive to repair as well as prove a threat to safety.
FIX: If you can, see if you can see where the leak is coming from and if it is easily fixed. The best option is to call a plumber.
6. Clean Your Fridge Coils
LEADS TO: If your fridge has coils and they are weighted down with dust and dog hair this can restrict airflow and make it harder for your fridge to work, costing you money through lack of efficiency and shortening the life of your appliance.
FIX: Brush down your coils if they are becoming too dirty.
7. Overhanging Tree Limb
LEADS TO: If you have a large tree limb overhanging your property, during storms and windy days you are at risk of branches crashing through your roof or on your vehicle. Not only does this put your property at risk but also your family, if the tree in question is large enough. Overhanging tree branches also provide ladders for vermin such a rats to enter your home.
FIX: If the tree is fairly small and it is safe to do so, trim it yourself on a regular basis. If the tree in question is large, call a professional tree service.
8. Damaged Bath Caulk
LEADS TO: If you have missing or damaged caulk around your bath it can allow water to leak behind tiles leading to serious water damage and possible wall deterioration.
FIX: If it’s a small area use a tube of silicone to reseal. If you have severe caulk and grout damage hire a resealing bathroom specialist.
9. Blocked Gutters
LEADS TO: Overflowing gutters in winter causes water to run down your house in heavy streams. This can result in a leaky roof, damp and mould in your walls, paint damage, cracks in your foundation and driveway, and an insect problem, among other things.
FIX: Clean out your gutters regularly and make sure they are not clogged with debris. If you are unable to take care of it yourself or the gutters are damaged, call your local guttering specialist.
10. Carpet Strands
LEADS TO: If you have strands of loop carpet sticking up and they are pulled by your vacuum cleaner you could end up with an unsightly run across the floor.
FIX: Simple: just cut any long strands to the length of the rest of the carpet.
11. Rust Spots
LEADS TO: If there are rusts spots on your metal gate or furniture and it's left unchecked, the corrosion will continue to spread until it weakens and destroys your structure.
FIX: Scrub the surface with a wire brush to remove the rust spots, gently remove flaking paint, apply rust neutraliser and re-prime and paint to protect the surface.
-Em from the LookLocalWA team
