A recent survey from Hippo Insurance found that homeowners increasingly delay crucial projects, such as home improvements and renovations, majorly because of high inflation rates. The survey found that 43% of homeowners delayed home improvement projects, while 60% are not comfortable with these projects as they were initially. Unfortunately, delaying some home improvement projects is a receipt for serious problems.
Homeowners can easily put off renovation and improvement projects because of busy schedules and financial constraints. However, if ignored, some issues can lead to thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs. Below are home improvement projects you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Door Replacements
Doors, including the garage and front doors, experience faster wear and tear because they are used severally and exposed to harsh external elements. Garage doors aside, you should replace your front and interior doors for several reasons. Front doors are important for making a first impression.
Collectively, doors enhance security and your home’s appeal. You should be adept at identifying signs that your doors need replacement. Updating your doors is an easy way of refreshing your entryways. Below are the benefits of replacing your doors with quality doors from Doors Plus.
- Improves curb appeal – New doors are an effective way of improving your home’s appearance. Swapping your old front door for a new, quality door is a simple project with significant impact.
- Increases your property value – Replacing your doors also increases the value of your home. An increase in curb appeal directly increases home value. For instance, a 2020 Cost vs. Value report by Remodeling Magazine found that installing a steel front door has up to 68.8% ROI. New doors attract more potential buyers, increasing the chances of closing the sale.
- Better privacy and controls light – You can also improve privacy and light control by replacing your doors. If you prefer glass doors, you can choose glass doors made from decorative or textured glass that permit light while maintaining privacy.
- Improved security – Installing new front, interior, and garage doors also present a chance to improve the security status of your doors. Besides choosing solid doors, you can also upgrade security hardware, such as locks, on the doors.
Improved energy efficiency – Entry doors are a common source of drafts and air leaks that strain your HVAC system. Ensuring that your replacement doors are airtight prevents leaks and saves on energy bills. - An easy way of making a personal design statement – Changing your doors also allows homeowners to make design statements. You can choose different color schemes, styles, and other design options. For instance, opting for sleek and minimalistic panel doors perfectly complements modern or contemporary house design.
2. Basement Waterproofing
As the name suggests, basement waterproofing is a procedure done to prevent water seepage into the basement. The basement is very vulnerable to water damage because water easily seeps through foundation cracks.
Poor heating and cooling also promote moisture buildup in the basement. Water accumulation or flooding in the basement is disastrous and can cause mold growth, structural damage, and other consequences. Homeowners should consider basement waterproofing for the following benefits:
- Reduced insurance costs – More than a fifth of insurance claims filed by homeowners result from water damage. Basement flooding can cause cracks in the foundation, structural damage to the drywall, and other materials that can increase your insurance claims. Interestingly, storms and floods are not the only causes of basement water damage. Slow leaks from your plumbing systems can cause structural damage if left unchecked. Waterproofing your basement helps avoid such problems and associated insurance claims.
- A healthier home – High moisture levels and generally damp conditions promote mold and mildew growth. Mold causes additional property damage and negatively affects your health by triggering allergies and respiratory infections.
- Low heating and cooling costs – Your HVAC units work harder to heat or cool your home if your indoor air is humid. Conditioning humid air can increase energy bills by 10 to 15%. Waterproofing your basement reduces humidity levels of air in your home.
- Protect your sump pump – Most homeowners think they are free from basement flooding because they installed a sump pump. However, you shouldn’t rely on a sump pump to keep your basement dry. Like other machines, sump pumps occasionally malfunction and can’t function if there’s a power outage. Waterproofing your basement provides an additional layer of protection.
3. Plumbing Systems Repairs
You shouldn’t also ignore the importance of repairing your plumbing systems. Most plumbing system problems begin with subtle signs that can’t easily be identified. Plumbing problems are typically complicated and go beyond the shower and faucets. They include furnaces, washers, and heating systems. Below are signs of developing plumbing system problems:
- Wobbling toilet bowl – This issue is often caused by corroded parts or loose bowls at the bottom of the toilet bowl. These are simple fixes that novice DIY enthusiasts can handle. However, it can result in more damage and leaks if left unchecked.
- Bubbling ceiling or wall paint – You should suspect hidden pipe leaks if your wall or ceiling paint is bubbling. It is an indication of moisture seeping into the wall or ceiling.
- A sudden increase in water bill – You should suspect an arising plumbing problem if your water bill increases unexplainably. If your water consumption has remained steady yet your bill increases, chances are your plumbing system is leaking. Unfortunately, not all leaks are visible. For instance, leaking pipes and drains under floors or behind walls aren’t easily identifiable.
Homeowners can easily fix minor plumbing problems. For instance, some can be solved by tightening loose bolts and pipes. However, complex plumbing issues, such as sewer odor and hidden leaks, require professional services. Professional plumbers and slab leak detection companies in San Clemente can assess and identify impending plumbing problems to prevent further damage.
Endnote
While some home improvement projects can be postponed, others require immediate interventions to prevent further damage. Some projects, such as bathroom and kitchen remodeling, are certainly very attractive. However, understanding the different home improvement projects can help you prioritize the most important tasks. Other projects that shouldn’t be ignored include drafty windows, roofing problems, poor insulation, electrical issues, and gutters and downspout issues.