7 Home Repairs You Should Stop Putting Off

Deferred maintenance is the fastest way to lower your property value. Small problems like cracks in your foundation, a small leak in the roof, and outdated plumbing or electrical wiring don’t stay small for long. Given enough time, small problems turn into large nightmares that can make your home harder to sell in the future.

It’s generally recommended to improve your property’s curb appeal before listing it on the market. Making certain repairs will increase your home’s value and help it sell faster. But deferred maintenance doesn’t just affect your ability to sell. It can also impact the way you live and whether you can get insurance claims approved.

The following seven repairs are commonly postponed but can compromise your safety and the ability to sell.

1. Roof damage

Major roof damage can start with a tiny leak, some damaged flashing, or a missing shingle that eventually damages your drywall, insulation, framing, and electrical wiring. What might cost a few hundred dollars now could cost thousands in the future.

Home buyers don’t want to deal with the hassle or expense of roof repairs right after they buy a home. The average roof repair costs between $379 and $1,755, with a full roof replacement ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the size of the house.

Damaged elements on your roof can also turn into costly problems. For example, if your chimney is crumbling and falling masonry damages your luxury car, you might be stuck paying more than what your auto insurance covers. If you have high net worth insurance, you have a better chance at getting all the damage covered. However, the best solution is to fix your chimney before it can do any damage to your vehicle.

2. Foundation issues

If there are problems with the foundation of your property, it can impact the overall stability. Small cracks may seem harmless, but they’re a sign of issues. Hairline cracks in the foundation should be sealed right away. Even small cracks can get wider with every freeze-thaw cycle, which can eventually damage the structural integrity of the building. Sealing up small cracks prevents water from getting inside, where it will expand when it freezes.

For ideal drainage, install a sump pump to reduce the risk of water damage and basement flooding during heavy storms. Unaddressed foundation issues can make it hard for you to sell your home and might even trigger inspection contingencies.

3. Electrical systems

Outdated wiring can be dangerous. If your property was built decades ago, it might not be capable of handling modern loads. It’s a good idea to replace old breaker panels and upgrade the wiring, especially if you’ve still got knob and tube wiring or two-prong, ungrounded outlets.

If you don’t have GFCI protection in wet areas like the kitchen and bathroom, upgrade your outlets to reduce the risk of electrocution.

4. Plumbing systems

Old pipes and leaky pipes can cause severe damage fast. The first fixes should be targeting dripping faucets and running toilets. Even a small leak can increase your utility bill significantly and cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars unnecessarily. If your older pipes are corroded, replacing them as soon as possible can avoid a catastrophic failure.

5. Water heaters

Traditional tank water heaters usually only last between 8 and 12 years. Replacing them before they fail can help prevent a flood from a ruptured tank. This is especially important if you’re going to sell your home because buyers usually request detailed plumbing inspections. An upgraded system will help you sell your home faster.

6. Poor insulation

Better energy efficiency can increase your property value. Seal any leaks you find in the attic first. This will make it easier to control the temperature in your home. Then consider upgrading your insulation to maintain more consistent temperatures and lower your energy bills. Adding new weatherstripping to your windows and doors can also go a long way to increase energy efficiency without having to replace entire windows.

7. An inefficient bathroom

Issues with your bathroom can make daily life frustrating and make buyers hesitant to make offers. Critical issues to fix include low water pressure from the shower, slow-draining sinks, a toilet that needs to be flushed more than once, and a slow leak around the base of the toilet. Simple upgrades like regrouting and improving ventilation will reduce mold and increase buyer confidence.

Maintenance is an investment

It might seem effective to defer maintenance and repairs to avoid costs, but the long-term consequences are far more expensive than handling things right away. Issues that require repairs won’t be resolved on their own.

Addressing repairs quickly will maintain the safety and integrity of your property, whether you continue living in it or choose to sell it in the future.