With Winter just around the corner, it’s that time of the year when homeowners start preparing their homes for the next 4 to 5 months of rain, blizzards, and snow in the forthcoming months. With just one month to go before Winter sets in, it’s important to make sure that you first cover the most essential home renovations, before you start thinking about the non-essential renovations and repairs which can definitely wait.
Even if you live in a country which is hardly affected by winter, it’s still a good idea to get started on any major repairs you have around your home so you can enter the new year with less baggage and more to look forward to and enjoy.
We know that repairing and renovating a home can be a little overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together a list of the most essential repairs you need to get started with, and what repairs can definitely wait for another time.
1. Repairing sinks, faucets, and drains
Over time you’ll notice that the force of water gradually reduces in faucets around the house. This could be because of the build up of calcium or dirt, depending on where you live and the quality of the water there. In order to have a fully-functioning faucet, you need to regularly change faucets that seem to have too much build up or get it cleaned if it isn’t too bad.
On the same note, it’s important to regularly keep an eye out for leaky sinks and pipes. Though makeshift fixes can temporarily stop the leak, this isn’t a great long term solution. Leaky pipes can lead to bigger problems, such as the formation of fungi or mold which is even harder to fix and get rid of.
Additionally, some leaky pipes can suddenly increase and flood your room or apartment, especially if you’re not around the house for a long period of time to control the damage.
To avoid such issues, it’s best to immediately fix such issues. If you’re worried about how you’re going to fund essential home repairs which seem to pop up once in two years, you can always consider getting a home loan with a low mortgage rate which you’ll be able to save a lot of money on
2. Cleaning your air ducts and filters is vital
Very often, we tend to ignore the problems that don’t seem completely obvious to us, simply because they’re mostly invisible and don’t give any direct problems. However, many people end up getting chronic diseases such as asthma and bronchitis simply because they don’t realize that the quality of the air they’re breathing is bad until it’s too late.
That’s why cleaning your air filters and ducts are a vital part of home repair and maintenance, because you’d never know if your ducts are clogged with dust unless you professionally get it cleaned.
Even though many people go on for decades without ever cleaning their air ducts or changing their filters, the people who do change it once every 2 years claim that they have noticed a big difference in the quality of air in their house since then.
3. Fixing the roof and broken windows
This is a no-brainer, but if you live in a cold and chilly place and happen to have a problem in your roof or window, you need to get that fixed immediately to avoid drafts or a huge electricity bill during the cold season.
4. Consult with an architect
If you’re planning any major structural changes or additions to your home, it’s a good idea to consult with an architect. They can provide valuable insights and design expertise to ensure your project is executed
successfully, says an Essex architect.
Non-essential repairs that can wait
Apart from this, if you face any of the following issues in your home as well, you can definitely wait until after you’ve handled the problems listed above. This includes:
- Falling plaster, holes in the wall, and tiny cracks that develop over time
- Creaky wooden floors and stairs
- Repairing doors and windows that are hard to open
- Other aesthetic repairs such as painting the walls or adding beautiful light fixtures
Ensure you are prepared for the winter season around the house by starting with this helpful guide above.
