50 home maintenance errors Everyone must stop doing in 2020

Do not let these maintenance errors at home cost you an arm and leg on the road.


The house of a person is probably one of thethe most expensive things they never buySo, it should be as little surprising as many owners seek to save money when it's time to start repairing such expensive investment. In fact, according to a report ofInsights of the global market, theHome Improvement Market DIY develops quickly - it should explain more than $ 680billion the world market to improve the house by 2025. However, when it comes toFix your house, what you do not know can hurt you - that's why we gathered information about the experts of home improvement on theHome maintenance errors You can not afford to continue doing this year.

1
Use carpet cleaners without on-site testing first

cleaning carpet
Shutterstock / Andrey_popov

You may be eager to release these unsightly spots on your carpet, but you are better in the long run if you run a stain test first. "If you do not have the equipment to completely rinse the dissolute of soapy spots of your carpet, the residue will draw dirt," says professional carpet cleanerStan Valadzko, Owner ofSV Professional cleaning. Not only that, but it will also take off your carpet.

2
Or rub the carpet spots

woman scrubbing carpet
Shutterstock / Andrey_popov

It may be tempting a vigorous scrub that spilling on your carpet, but it will only annoy the problem. "Cleaning can actually push a deeper dye in the fibers, which makes elimination impossible," says Valadzko. It recommends all liquid darling, then call a professional to remove the rest.

3
Do not clean your dishwasher regularly

dirty dishwasher full of plates
Shutterstock / Cornfol

Your dishwasher cleans your dishes, but do not expect it to do the job in the same way when it comes to cleaning. "One of the main problems with the dishwasher is that, over time, food residues, grease and soap foam can build [and] that prevents the dishwasher from working properly," saysCate Griffing, co-owner ofWow 1 day of paintingDoodle cuisines and interiors, andWest Magnolia Charm. To avoid any problem, Griffing says you have to cleanyour dishwasher Every three months.

4
Do not clean your chimney

dirty brick fireplace
Shutterstock / Juliasv

Having a chimney with ancient wood burning is a warmth and warmth to your home that the gas equivalent never seems to measure up to the height, but it also requires a much more involved cleaning plan. And that's the one you can not afford to ignore. The "Credosote" carbon chemical accumulates every time you turn on a fire and the more you turn on, the thicker as possible, "says Griffing. Over time, it can lead to debris entering your home and can even put you at risk of a chimney fire.

5
Place devices near your thermostat

Thermostat on wall near lamp
Refuge

Chances are that you probably do not spend too much time considering the potential consequences of putting a lamp or another piece of electrical equipment near the thermostat of your home. But if you take a second to think about it, it makes sense why it might not be the best idea.

"Make sure that no lamp, televisions or other appliances are too close to the thermostat", suggestsMark Dawson, COO ofBenjamin Franklin Plumbing,Time of heating and air conditioning, andMr. Sparky. "Your thermostat can record the rise in temperature and react accordingly, leading toHigher tickets in summer and onecolder house in winter. "

6
Do not replace defective devices

black woman looking at dishwasher
Shutterstock / Andrey_popov

Whilereplacement Can be an expensive company, omitting to do it when they start to be working, it's a mistake that can be much more expensive in the long run. "A defective device can send electricity overvoltages in the electrical system of your home and the resulting damage can range from a little wear wear on other destructive deviceselectric fire, Says Dawson.

If in doubt, ask a device professional to the first sign of problems - and if they suggest replacing it, he followed their warning.

7
Do not clean the coil of your condenser in your refrigerator

man cleaning refrigerator coil
Shutterstock / Sergiy1975

You can regularly clean the inside of your refrigerator, but if you do not clean its condenser coil, you make a fatal refrigerator error. "If you have noticed that your refrigerator is running constantly but does not seem to be cold enough, you will need to clean your condenser coil," saysBrett Elron, owner and principal interior manager atBarter design, An interior design consulting firm in New York. Do not do it may even shorten the life of your device.

8
Ignore the flickering lights

young asian man fixing light bulb
Shutterstock / Naronrit Lokoolprakit

You may have lived with this light in the glittering hallway so long as you just notice it. But that does not mean that it does not always try to tell you something. Dawson says that a flicker light bulb could be a sign of a dangerous electrical problem. If you tried to replace the bulb in vain, it's time tocall an electrician Make sure there is no potentially serious problem that needs to be tendency to.

9
Do not consider where you will need electric outlets

electrical cords
Refuge

If you decorate your home without planning where you will need electrical outlets, you could prepare yourself to prepareMajor repairs in the future. "When you have subcontractors in your home, think about 10 steps. Ask them to wire luminaires before you even buy them," suggestsKELLIE SIRNA, co-founder and principle ofStudio 11 Design. "This will save time and money when they will not have to come back later."

10
Do not repair bulk bathroom tiles

cracked bathroom tile
Shutterstock / Sweann

These bulk bathroom tiles may seem like a small repair, but they can lead to big problems in the future if you do not repair them as soon as possible. "These cracks can allow the water to filter through, cause rot," says Elron. So, if in doubt, replace this coulis!

11
Reduced water pressure solutions

dirty shower head, old school cleaning tips
Shutterstock / Realiia

Debris of the matrix of lime and shower debris are not the only reasons why you meet low water pressure; If the problem persists, it's time to call a professional. In many cases, "low water pressure is much worse than a problem of aerator gun", explainsDoyle JamesPresident ofMr. Rooter Plumbing, aNeighborhood society. "There could be a serious problem at your fingertips, such as a fractured pipe, eroded water pipe, or a water link in the system", of which they can be fixed with a DIY approach.

12
Use poor pipe materials to solve plumbing problems

young black woman fixing sink
Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images

When it comes toPlumbing system of your home, all pipes are not created equal. And the connection of deactivation materials can lead to a larger problem than you were trying to repair in the first place. "Some plastic types can not handle hot water," says Dawson. Other combinations to avoid? Using copper connectors on galvanized pipes, which can cause electrolysis and lead to leaks and damage, he says.

13
Using PVC connections under your sink

young black plumber
Shutterstock / Rawpixel.com

In addition, the use of PVC in your DIY plumbing work can lead to more problems than its solutions. "PVC plumbing pieces in the form of sliding sold in your department stores tend to flee," saysThe real estate solutions guy,Robert Taylor. He suggests Rather ABS fittings.

14
Do not install a p-trap for your bathroom hoses

asking for rooms with better water pressure is a secret of stress free travel
Refuge

As for some work, you simply can not take shortcuts. And install a p-trap is one of them, according toDaniel QuindemilCEO toI am builders. A P trap, which prevents the sewer gases from rising through a drain, is an essential part of a plumbing system, but the one that is often overlooked by inexperienced diyers. If you do not install one, "you will find yourself with hooves and sewers feel the smell of your shower. And it is impossible to fix without tearing the tile, "says Quindemil.

15
Ignore the wiring of the exposed bathroom

man fixing bathroom wiring
Shutterstock / PhoView all

Of course, you can tell you that you will possibly repair the wiring displayed in your bathroom, but it's been six months. And with every passing day, it is not going unflaged, you put yourself a greater risk of a serious injury. "Exposed or frayed wiring in the bathroom must be repaired immediately," says Dawson. He also advises that all bathroom intakes should have aEarth fault circuit switch, which closes the power immediately when a defective electrical appliance is plugged in, protecting you from electrical shocks.

16
Apply a wood filch between the floor floor

wood filler between boards
Shutterstock / Gammam

It may be tempting to fix these gaps between floors with a wood burden, but this is almost always a big mistake. "The wooden load will naturally crack over time if you apply it on or between loose floorboards," explainsSonja Gosine with real estate serviceHaustee.

Before making aesthetic repairs to your flooring, it is important to stabilize and repair the subfloor, as well as all bulk boards, explains.

17
Do not determine the cause of a wall crack before fixing it

cracked wall home problems
Shutterstock / ZimmyTws

Do not determine the primary cause of a crack or imperfection before fixing it, this may result in larger long-term problems. "If the crack is caused by a normal settlement and that the crack is small, the fiber ribbon and some Spackle will do the trick," explainsMelanie Hartmann, Owner ofCreo Home Solutions. "However, if there are structural problems causing the crack, the fiber tape is only on a cassette on a crack that will continue to grow." And if you look at the latter, it's time to call in the professionals, she says.

18
Do not prepare your walls before painting them

cracked wall home maintenance tasks
Refuge

If you do not prepare your walls before painting them, it will not be long before your fresh paint work that you spent your Saturday on your Saturday needs to touch. "Preparation is the most important step in painting," says Griffing. "All to clean the walls and fixing cracks must be done in advance."

19
Do not sand after accumulation

Refuge

You may be eager to do this painting work, but if you do not sand after yourself, it seems sloppy when everything is said and done.

"If you do not sand the gross edges after filling a hole with Spackling, you will be faced with a rough and bumpy paint work when you paint on the hole," explains Elron.

20
Paint the wood without starting it first

man painting chair
Shutterstock / Carlos Andre Santos

It's not just a dry partition and a plaster that must be appreciated before painting - the same goes for unfinished wood surfaces. Without first use of a primer, "you can risk having a moisture pill in the wood, which will cause rot and damage," explains Elron.

21
Use oil paint on latex paint

Old Cans of Paint things no woman over 50 should own
Refuge

Before you start repairing these paint chips on your trim, it's important to know what kind of paint has been used below. When you paint on the oil paint with latex ", it leads to a new paint paint and scratch very easily," explainsJeff Neal, a project manager for the commercial paint contractorCapital coverings.

22
Use brilliant paint for walls and ceilings

A Male Painter Painting Walls Red Worst Paint Colors
Refuge

Think that any old painting will work on your walls and ceilings? Still think. "The more there is to shine a painting, the more the imperfections will be perceptible," says Quindemil. Instead, it recommends using flat paint, allowing you to "easily touch areas and hide imperfections".

23
Do not use a laser level when suspending works of art

measuring tape for penis length
Refuge

Do not try eye measurements or take other shortcuts when suspending works of art and other home decor on your walls. "When measuring without using laser, you must use soils and ceilings as a reference," says Domiss. "Sometimes soils and ceilings can be up to half an inch," he notes, who will leave your work of art significantly twisted.

24
Do not prepare the new construction for termites

Exterminator spraying pesticide
Refuge

Before you can start establishing plans for this new hangar or adding to your home, it's time to call in aPest control expert. "We receive calls often from people who have built an addition or a detached hangar or something like that and did not have a preventive treatment of termites before their construction," saysLeah Hazelwoodvice-president ofTaste pest control. "Now, after the fact, they deal with an infestation of terms and damage that could have been prevented from the beginning."

25
Do not replace the misty windows

foggy window
Shutterstock / Nongnut Mojanghan

A FOGGED-UP window means that you have a more important problem that hides below the surface - and you can not afford to ignore. "The seal on your window could be broken and the hot air comes into contact with cold air," explains Elron, which means that you potentially provoke your hvac invoices soar and introducing moisture and potentially for the House.

26
Or do not clean the sealing around your windows

Open window with sealing
Nick Beer / Shutterstock

When cleaning the windows, we are likely to clean the window edge and the current window itself, right? But what about the seal around the perimeter of the window that keeps everything in the air? "Your windows take a beat and often collect dirt and debris feeding the seals", explains the inspector of the houseBrian Botch, Owner ofHOUSE Fluent Inspections. If you keep the tracks clean, you can keep the dirt and debris from your home and hold your Windows operation longer.

27
Fertilize your lawn at the wrong time of the year

lawn fertilizer
Shutterstock / Dean Clarke

Yourlawn Can benefit from fertilizer treatment - but only if you apply it at the early time of year. "If you will only fertilize once a year, I would be sure it's around the job party, because it's when your lawn needs the most nutrients," explains Elron.

28
Try to hide your HVAC equipment

HVAC unit behind shrubs, ways you're damaging your house
Refuge

The HVAC hardware may not be the most aesthetically pleasant aspect of the outside of your home, but it is best to resist the desire to conceal it with landscaping. "The surrounding plants or shrubs could block appropriate ventilation and clog the system," says Dawson. It recommends ensuring that there is a lot of open space around your unit to avoid any problem.

29
Allowing moisture to accumulate in your HVAC system

Air conditioning unit covered in snow
Catlane / iStock

This moisture indicator on your HVAC system is important - and when it happens, it should not be ignored. "Air conditioning systems must not have moisture in the refrigeration system," saysRichard Cresi, owner of franchiseRange, a neighboring company. It notes that a professional will need to aspire for your system to work effectively.

30
Leave sheaths fleeing to be desoled

man doing hvac inspection ways to bring down a/c bill
Refuge

Leaks in your non-repaired ducts can mean major problems in your future. "The excess of dust in your house could be the result of ducts blowing pulling in dirt or the air charged with the dust of your carowlspace space or attic," says Cresi. In addition to broadcasting debris in your home, it can also send your soar electricity bills and stack your HVAC system, making it less effective over time.

31
Fix HVAC leaks with adhesive tape

leaving hvac system
Shutterstock / Chanida1443

The adhesive tape can be strong, but it's not the solution for your HVAC problems. "There is an aluminum band that you are supposed to use and it's not expensive," saysJeremy Maher, Owner ofPhoenix Home Remodeling. It notes that it is even easier to apply that adhesive tape will actually last.

32
Use of bleach to clean CVC pipes

Man Cleaning Out the Dryer Ducts Home Improvement Projects
Refuge

The bleach can go well to make your laundry, but do not use it to clean your HVAC pipes. "Janier's water does not only eat the pipes itself, but also on glue and cement joining the line," explainsAnthony Perera, Owner and founder of the air conditioning serviceAir pros USA.

33
Do not replace your HVAC filters

hand removing hvac filter
Shutterstock / Steve Heap

Failing to replace your CVCC filters often enough can cause problems on the road that extend beyond a time consumption cleaning job. "A dirty or obsolete filter will have an impact on efficiency and could even cause damage to your system," says Dawson. According to the expert, you should change your HVAC filters every one to three months and more frequently if you smoke inside or you have pets.

34
Or use new model filters on an old oven

new furnace filter
Shutterstock / Serenethos

Although you want to use the new most advanced filters on your oven, this is undoubtedly a mistake. "Older ovens can not keep the airflow through the thickness of the new air filters and turn off your furnace", explains the expert from the construction of DIYTammy seed, founder ofTammy builds.

35
Do not clean your gutters regularly

gutter full of leaves
Shutterstock / Riopata

Some leaves in your gutters may seem to have a big deal, but they can carry out a lot of problems over time. "The fouled gutters cause rainwater to pick up your outer walls, seeps into cracks and leading to the water infiltration of your home's interior walls, causing damage to drywall and growth. toxic to mold, "explains the real estate agent in PhiladelphiaJim Armstrong. For your gutters to be in good shape, ask them to clean at least twice a year, he says.

36
Do not put on your roof regularly

man painting roof
Shutterstock / JorgeFlorez

If you have a flat roof, regular maintenance is essential if you want to avoid costly repairs in the future. "You can exponentially increase the life of the roof by applying a reflective coating every five years", explains Armstrong, which notes that it can also keep your cooler at home, lowering your electricity bills in summer.

37
Diage a metal roofing work

metal roof on home, vintage home upgrades
Refuge

In addition to consuming time and demanding special skills, the installation of the metal roof can also justify specialized tools, which means it is better to leave this job to the experts. "I have innumerable times been contacted by the owners who bought metal roofing materials, started the job and decided they were road on their heads and needed professional help," saysTodd MillerPresident ofIsaiah Industriesa manufacturer of metal roofing materials.

Miller adds that there may be confusion about what needs to be ordered ", making you vulnerable to expensive small orders to complete the project." If you intend to do it yourself, stay in close consultation with your local supplier, who can serve as a guide. "Even so, expect a lot of hard work hours," says Miller.

38
Do not maintain smoke detectors and carbon monoxide

African American man installing smoke detector
Refuge

What should you be at the top of your home's maintenance list? Checking these smoke detectors and carbon monoxide. "Change the batteries twice a year - Mother's Day and the fall in summer savings and replace the detector itself every 10 years", recommends Armstrong.

39
Do not drain your water heater

water heater
Refuge

Water heaters can collect mineral deposits over time, which ends up "possibly forming a thick and crisp coating that will start taking off and clogy faucets, drains and water heater valve," explains the Flipper HouseShawn Breyer, Owner ofBreyer Home Buyers. Over time, this can bring your heater to run constantly, cracking the inner lining and increases your utility costs. To avoid this, drain your water heater every six to 12 months.

40
Using tablets to clean your toilet

toilet tank
Shutterstock / Grigvovan

These tablet toilet cleaners may seem easier to clean your toilet, but they can cause significant long-term damage. "These hard chemicals hurt the inner components of the toilet," says Maher. If you use them consistently, this can mean that you must frequently replace these rubber seals and your valves that keep your plumbing running properly.

41
Do not push your bathtub regularly

caulking bath, easy home tips
Refuge

This caulking worn around your bathtub is more than doing the same unattractive bathroom - it could also damage your home. "Over time, caulking around your bathtub will deteriorate, which will allow water to flee under the bathtub," Breyer said, who notes that this type of problem may result in mold and rot in your sub- Soils and your joists, which could cost thousands of people. repair.

42
And do not remove the old caulfeutral before re-caulking

moldy tub caulk
Shutterstock / CLS Digital Arts

However, before returning to Re-Caulk, this bathtub, it is essential that you first delete any existing calf. "This is a big problem because the mold still grows on the upper layer and does not seal it properly, creating a potential for leaks," says Maher.

43
Use of the silicone caulk on painted surfaces

white man caulking wall
Shutterstock / Sandra Matic

And when it comes to cracks in your walls, it is important to use the right type of caulking to repair them. "Use latex caulking because it will not crash once or over time, silicone," says the seed.

44
Do not score paint before removing baseboards

white hand wiping baseboard
Shutterstock / Serenethos

If you remove plinths, it is loaned to mark the paint above it with a knife first. If you do not do it, "paint and sometimes peel dry outer layer, creating the need to hire a texture specialist to repair all these areas," says Maher. The wall must be repainted, which means that what started as a minor work of DIY quickly becomes a major who is expensive to start.

45
Hide electrical junctions in the walls

asian man installing outlet
Shutterstock / Juice Turn

These junction boxes may not be pretty, but trying to hide them in your walls is a mistake that you are likely to regret. "Electrical junctions must be joined in a junction box with a visible cover for anyone looking for electrical connections. They can therefore solve electrical problems, "says Taylor.

46
Do not correct diagonal oriented wiring

white man fixing outlet
Shutterstock / Alpa Prod

If the wiring inside your walls is randomly placed, you can not afford to keep it that way. "Any half-decent electrician will tell you that any wiring must fall vertically or horizontally in a straight line," explainsLee Jackson, Owner ofLee Jackson Air Conditioning. "It's just the best practice because if someone else is working on your home, they will not train by piercing in a lost thread."

47
Using "cheaters" on two-spindle points of sale

three prong to two prong electrical outlet adapter
Refuge

Although it may seem harmless and cheaper-to use an adapter that allows you to get a three-pin plug to a two-pin wall outlet, the reality is neither. "You should withstand the urge to use these" cheater caps ", says Dawson." The earth's thread is there for safety and simply bypass it creates a potentially serious danger. "Instead, Dawson recommends To have a licensed electrician upgrade to upgrade your points of sale to reduce your risk of electric fire.

48
Do not use galvanized nails and screws on the outside of your home

rusted screw
Shutterstock / Maliflower73

The use of any old nail or screw on the outside of your home is a sure way to find yourself to re-do the work a few months a few months. "The use of nails and galvanized screws prevents rust stains from your home," says Taylor.

49
Installation of new coatings without consulting an expert

Man installing siding
Refuge

The process of adding the return route to your home is to take a lot of time, expensive and requires a high level of precision. So trying to do it yourself is a big mistake. "The tools needed to set up an installation are much more comprehensive than most homeowners have already in their possession," saysANDY LINDUS, COO ofLINDUS CONSTRUCTION. Even worse, an incorrect installation can cancel your manufacturer's warranty if the product falls apart or ruined.

50
Do not hire a professional when you need a

couple talking to contractor
Shutterstock / Rachaphak

It is important to trust the ability to manage certain domestic maintenance tasks for yourself. But just as important is to do good job and know your limitations. "Mal-made DIY works end up resembling badly done DIY jobs", warns Taylor. If you have tried and something still does not work, it's time to call in the experts.


Categories: Smarter Living
Tags: Home / How-To
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