How to Prioritize Home Repairs

    Even though it’s not very exciting, and won’t get you that great new kitchen you've dreamed of, safety issues should always be the top priority. These can include repairing and/or replacing faulty electrical components, repairing any structural concerns, and making sure your roof is in tip-top shape.
Electrical - Some signs of electrical issues can be things like loose or hot outlets, lights that flicker, and crackling noises. They aren't necessarily expensive things to correct, but a licensed electrician can give you a good idea of what it will cost; and being able to sleep at night without worrying about a fire is definitely worth it! And, you don’t need an electrician to make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in good working order—just push the test button. Batteries should be changed every 6 months—we usually do it when we change the clocks for daylight savings time.
Structural - Problems with a home’s foundation can lead to settling and cracking in the house. Cracks in masonry or plaster are signs that you may want to have a home inspector or licensed contractor come in to take a look and give you an assessment. Cracks can just be normal settling, but they can also be an indication that the house needs some attention. Structural issues can be severe and dangerous to your family so they’re definitely number 2 on the list.
Roof - Particularly in Maine’s cold climate, having a solid roof between you and the swirling snow can bring tremendous peace of mind! You don’t have to climb up on the roof to assess its condition—a lot can be determined from the ground with a good pair of binoculars. If you see missing, cupping, or torn shingles it’s time to call in the pros! Get a professional roofer to give you an assessment—don’t wait till you see stains on the ceilings!
Drainage - Cleaning out gutters is a great way to make sure that water is not pooling around your foundation which can lead to a wet basement and possibly structural problems. It is always a good idea to make sure the land around the home is graded away so the water runs downhill, away from the house instead of toward it. Another weekend project is trimming bushes and shrubs so that they are not touching the house. This will keep insect infestations to a minimum and allow air to circulate around the structure so rot does not become a problem.
Other things to look for - Check your tub, shower, sinks, toilet--this is definitely a DIY project. Be sure your caulk is in good condition so you don’t have water seeping into places where it can do damage. Something else all homeowners can do themselves, is change the filter in the furnace and air conditioning unit at least once or twice a year. These should be serviced annually to keep them running at top efficiency, which will not only save you money in the long run, but will let you rest easy that you will have heat on the coldest day of the year, and air conditioning on the hottest! So once you've investigated there things, you can tackle that dream kitchen!

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