Make These 3 Home Repairs Your Top Priority

While living in our homes technically make it a liability, we still consider it an incredibly important investment. Care and maintenance are crucial to accessing a homes increase in value - whether for sale purposes, refinancing, to protect your investment, not to mention enjoying and feeling safe within your own space. While some home repairs can be skipped for years (albeit annoying) without major repercussions, some home repairs should never be neglected. Here are essential home repairs that we recommend you never skip out on.

The Roof

The roof is one of the essential parts of the home. It protects us from the elements and keeps our home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If there are any problems with the roof, fixing them as soon as possible is essential.

Roof repairs can be expensive, but they are worth it in the long run. Ignoring a problem with a roof can lead to much bigger problems down the road, so it’s always best to take care of it immediately. Some roofs can last up to 50 years, depending on material while others (like composite) hang around for 15-20 max. A good rule of thumb is to have it assessed every 20 years if there is no obvious damage. But if you see damage of any kind, take care of that asap.

If you’re not sure whether or not you need roof repairs, it’s a good idea to have professional roofers come and take a look.  They will be able to tell you for sure whether or not you need to have any work done.

Your Fence

The fence is one of the first things guests see when they come to the house. A new fence can completely change the look of your property and increase its value, not to mention add further privacy and safety.

If you have a wood fence, be sure to check for rot and termites periodically. These pests can cause severe damage to your fence if left unchecked. Also, make sure to treat the base posts of your fence, as the bits in the ground can often rot and deteriorate at a faster pace. Soak the bottom of the posts in wood preservative for in-ground applications, available at most hardware stores (we like Cuprinol ourselves). Also, make sure to stain or paint the rest of the fence regularly to protect it from the elements.

Metal fences may last longer on some levels, but they’re also susceptible to damage from weather and rust. Inspect a metal fence regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If rust is spotted, sand it down and repaint it to prevent the problem from worsening. Rust has a way of taking over if left untreated.

If you are uncomfortable tackling these repairs yourself, contact a professional and schedule a fence repair or replacement. 

The Foundation

The foundation of a home is one of the essential parts. It supports the entire structure and keeps it from sinking into the ground. If you notice cracks in your foundation, get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent a far costlier project down the line.

Water can seep into foundation cracks and cause severe damage to a home. In extreme cases, the foundation can collapse entirely. So let’s just say this is a repair that we definitely don’t want to ignore.

If you’re unsure whether you have cracks in your foundation, it’s a good idea to have a professional come and take a look. They’ll be able to tell you for sure and give you an estimate for the repairs.

Roof repairs, fence replacements, and foundation repairs are all essential to maintaining a home in good condition. If you notice any problems with these areas of the home, be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible.