"If only" … how many times have we prefaced our regrets with an "if only" statement? Many common home disasters fall under this category as they can easily be prevented through routine maintenance, inspection and upkeep.
If only I'd cleaned out the dryer vent – Cleaning out your dryer's lint trap isn't enough to prevent a lint fire. A lot of lint gets past the lint trap and can build up inside the dryer vent. When this happens, the exhaust vent can become clogged. This in turn restricts air flow and causes heat buildup, which can lead to a lint fire.
To prevent a potential lint fire, have your system cleaned and serviced on a regular basis. The dryer duct itself should be smooth and round without interior screws, which can catch lint and cause buildup.
If only I'd inspected the pipes – Changes in water pressure can signal a problem, such as a blocked or cracked pipe. Sometimes hard water build-up can be the cause, or a frozen pipe. Too much pressure can also cause fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads, to crack and leak as they are designed to withstand only a certain amount of pressure.
To prevent any water damage, have a plumber inspect your pipes if you are experiencing low or inconsistent water pressure. Technology can also help detect a problem. A home automation system will notify you if there is a burst pipe or leak, and can even allow you to shut-off the water remotely.
If only I'd updated the wiring – Overloading circuits and lack of grounding are common problems for outdated wiring, not to mention the danger of a house fire. Electrical wiring is meant to last about 30 to 40 years, so the wiring in older homes needs to be inspected and possibly replaced.
To prevent a potentially dangerous electrical problem, have a licensed electrician survey your home's wiring and check your electrical panel, and make sure everything is brought up to code.
If only I'd checked for termites – Termites will eat anything made of wood: framing, trim, furniture, rafters and cabinets. Often they've done a lot of damage before they are noticed.
To prevent termite infestation, regularly inspect your home for signs of termite activity. Look for discolored or mildewed wood as the insects are attracted to moisture. If you notice any signs of termites, contact a pest control professional right away. Also consider purchasing a termite bond, which acts essentially like termite insurance.
I'd only I'd had better bathroom ventilation – Mold and mildew can creep up on you in the bathroom, where humidity and damp conditions contribute to their growth. A lack of proper ventilation and poor tile installation are factors that can lead to the development of mold and mildew in walls and ceilings.
To prevent having to remediate the mold and replace the area around the shower or tub, install a bathroom exhaust fan, which vents to the outdoors. This will help your bathroom to air out properly. Also inspect tile for any cracks that might let in moisture, and, if necessary, repair or replace the tile.
Hire a professional for best results.
Some of the above tasks can be handled by an experienced do-it-yourselfer, but to ensure the safety of your home and family, rely on a professional contractor for any repairs. To be put in touch with a prequalified contractor whose workmanship is warranted for three years, enter your ZIP code above. You'll hear back from an expert contractor who'll provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate.