You’re overwhelmed by your move into your new home, both in a good way and in a bad way. You have so many boxes to unpack, yet you’re in love with your new garden and you adore that kitchen. As you look at your new home, you notice a few items that you should fix. Are you noticing all of them? Make sure that you complete these repairs right away when you move in.

Complete Repairs That Cause Serious, Quiet Damage 

Repairs that have to do with water can cause a lot of damage without you realizing that the damage has occurred. These include:

• Overflowing downspouts or gutters 
• Drainage next to your home foundation 
• Slopes that send water toward your home rather than away from it 
• Roofing with “cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which signal that the roof is near its end of life; also cracks in the flashing around chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents,” according to Consumer Reports.
• Cracks in the foundation 
• Problems with leaky windows

Complete Repairs on Problems That Spread 

You also need to watch out for the quiet but insidious insect infestation. If your home inspection revealed any trouble with insects, be sure to address that issue right away. Termites and carpenter ants can quietly demolish your home as termites eat the wood and carpenter tunnel through and live in it. Because the only visible signs may be a little rotten wood in places or a small pile of sawdust, these problems can be almost invisible until they spread to the point of no return.

Similarly, mold is a huge issue that can spread and cause damage to your health. Surfaces with mold will need to be removed and replaced. These problems often occur in tandem with water leaks.

Complete Repairs That Could Cause Injuries If Neglected 

That wiggly railing on the porch might not seem serious, but it could cause injuries if someone falls from your porch chairs. As you look at the repairs that you need to complete right away, make sure that you are working on those areas that seem small but could be highly problematic. These include: 

• Porch and stair railings 
• Staircases 
• Pathways 
• Slippery or rotten decks

You’ll also need to check for fire safety. For instance, if your wiring is dated and neglected, your entire home and family could be in danger. The National Association of Realtors suggests that you look for “open junction boxes, amperage mismatches, and no wire nuts on wires.” If you’re not an electrician, make sure that you get a professional’s opinion and assistance.

Complete Repairs That Facilitate Other Repairs 

Sometimes you need to complete a repair just so you can do another one. For example, if you have a roof system that’s having trouble and you need to repair the roof, you should probably look into your gutters as well. If your gutters are backed up with debris or ice, consider adding a gutter cover or gutter heating system to protect your new roof. Think about your home as a system rather than a series of individual parts, and you’ll be able to complete repairs that will help all the components in the system last.

At Harry Helmet, we’re dedicated to your home. We’re here to help with your roofing, add your gutter cover, or install your seamless gutters. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.

Written by Del Thebaud