3 min readA little home maintenance goes a long way. Small issues, especially in older homes, can become much larger projects when homeowners put them off.
Fortunately, many major issues can be prevented without spending an exorbitant amount of time or money. The key is catching them early and knowing when a seemingly minor problem deserves professional attention.
Ahead, learn what inexpensive fixes experts say can protect some of your home's most costly features.
Replace Cracked or Missing Caulk
Caulk isn’t designed to last forever. Over time, it can shrink, crack, pull away from surfaces, and deteriorate. When that happens, particularly around tubs, showers, sinks, windows, and other areas exposed to moisture, water can work its way behind the surrounding materials.
Periodically inspect these areas for gaps, cracks, or other deterioration. Scrape out old caulk and apply a new bead to a clean, dry surface.
"The least expensive insurance policy in your house is a $10 tube of caulk," says Yoni Asulin, licensed design-build contractor, remodeling expert, and owner of ASL Remodeling. "Renewing caulk around tubs, sinks, and exterior windows once a year will prevent water infiltration (and rot of walls/subfloors), which may be the difference between a weekend do-it-yourself task and a $5,000 mold abatement job."
Check for Loose Stairs and Railings
Movement around the house signals that an area needs attention. Watch for changes in stairs, railings, doors, and walls.
"If you notice a new creak on the stairs, if the stair treads have loosened, if the railings have started to sway back and forth, if a door has recently become stuck, or if a small crack has appeared that wasn’t there before, these can all be inexpensive opportunities to figure out what might be wrong before these problems develop into something bigger," says Andrew Pho, home renovation and improvement expert at Mister Baluster.
Loose screws or hardware may have a simple fix. Continued movement, growing cracks, or changes that affect several parts of the house deserve a closer look from a qualified professional.
"While some of the warning signs listed above do not necessarily indicate a serious structural problem with the home, they are often an opportunity for homeowners to investigate a potentially major repair issue before it becomes a problem," says Pho.
Fix Small Electrical Safety Issues
Electrical issues are not something to take lightly. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a licensed electrician to make small changes to keep your home safe.
"Install or repair GFCI protection in the kitchens, bathrooms, laundry area, garage, and in the exterior spaces; replace any damaged outlets and switches and fill in any missing cover plates; fix breakers that are double-tapped and open the junction boxes; test or replace the smoke and CO alarms," says Connor Burns, owner of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors and part of the Pristine Team in the Kansas City, Missouri, area.
Know your limitations when it comes to DIY, particularly with electrical. A missing cover plate can be a straightforward replacement. Work involving outlets, breakers, wiring, or other electrical components, on the other hand, calls for more caution and may require a licensed electrician.
Give the HVAC System Basic Maintenance
Heating and cooling systems benefit from routine upkeep. Changing the filter can usually be handled without calling a contractor, while servicing the equipment itself belongs with a qualified HVAC professional.
Follow your equipment’s instructions when choosing and replacing a filter. As with electrical work, repairs involving wiring, gas, refrigerant, burners, or internal components should go to a qualified professional.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clear
Gutters and downspouts are a lot more important to your roof and home’s foundation than you probably realize. They collect roof runoff and direct it away from the house, and homeowners who can safely reach their gutters may be able to clear debris as part of routine maintenance.
"The most neglected task, in my opinion, is gutter cleaning," says Asulin. "Blocked gutters dump water into your foundation when they're supposed to redirect it away; foundation repair is one of the most costly home repairs. Twice per year takes one hour; otherwise, thousands of dollars down the road."
Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.
Alex Shoemaker is a writer and digital content strategist who covers home renovation, DIY projects, and design inspiration. He has written for multiple home improvement magazines and websites, drawing on his own experience renovating homes with his wife to create practical, inspiring content for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike.
