Fix These Ticking Time Bombs In Your House (Most Are Easy)
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In my 24 years as a real estate investor, I’ve encountered countless property issues. Through firsthand experience, I’ve compiled this comprehensive list of pitfalls so many homeowners fall into. Now, I’m here to share that hard-earned wisdom alongside practical tips with you.
Most of these will be related to water. Early in my real estate life, I realized that some easy-to-address maintenance issues end up costing a fortune if ignored. Now I am going to share with you what I have learned sometimes the hard way.
By addressing these issues head-on and being proactive, you can protect your properties from costly repairs and potential health hazards.
Table of Contents
Neglecting Water Damage

When water starts leaking or flooding in, it’s a serious problem that can’t be ignored. Even small leaks or drips can lead to nightmarish mold growth, compromise your home’s structural integrity, and require very expensive repairs down the line.
If you don’t fix the water damage quickly, mold will keep spreading and the destruction will only worsen over time, causing even more headaches and health hazards.
The easiest solution is to call in professionals at a water damage restoration service right away.
But be prepared, repairing water damage can cost anywhere from $150 for minor leaks to over $100,000 for severe flooding disasters.
Clogged Gutters

Your home’s gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from the roof and walls. But when they get clogged up with leaves, sticks, and debris, that water starts pooling and eventually seeps right into your home.
This allows water damage to take hold, potentially causing structural damage, foundation erosion, hazardous mold growth, and much more. If you don’t clear those gutters, you’re looking at a future filled with leaks, cracks, and health risks.
Whenever a tenant has called me saying there is water damage, the first thing I’ve asked is when is the last time the gutters were cleaned.
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The easy fix is to climb up there and clean your gutters regularly. You can also have gutter guards installed to keep debris out.
Taking these precautions typically costs between $100 to $500 depending on the size of your home and extent of any existing water damage.
Water Pooling Around Foundation

When water is allowed to pool around the base of your home, it’s like giving a relentless bully a free shot at slowly breaking down your foundation over time. That standing water will just keep eroding away until it eventually causes structural damage, cracks in the foundation, and potential hazardous mold growth on the interior.
Ensuring proper drainage away from the home is crucial. This often involves installing French drains or regrading the soil to direct water away. But more often, it’s just a guttering issue. Extend your downspouts and make sure the slope of the ground against your foundation flows water away from your house, and not against it.
Fixing poor drainage typically costs $500 to $5,000 depending on the amount of water pooling and erosion.
Ignoring Leaks and Drips

No matter how small, leaks and dripping water have to be taken seriously, they’re like termites eating away at the core of your home. Every little drip that gets ignored risks turning into a much larger problem like water damage, mold growth, eroded beams and frames, and incredibly expensive repairs to make things right again.
When you see or hear a leak, your best course of action is to call a professional plumber to locate and fix the source properly before more damage is done. Often there is just something that needs to be tightened.
Depending on the extent of any water damage already caused, addressing a leak can cost between $100 for minor drips to $1,000 or more for serious flooding.
Related: A Real Estate Pro’s Secrets: How To Avoid Common Plumbing Issues
Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

Using harsh chemical cleaning products might make your countertops sparkle, but they could also be slowly eating away at your surfaces over time. Beyond damaging your home, those toxic chemicals put you and your family’s health at risk too by creating indoor air pollution.
If you don’t ditch those caustic cleaners, you’re looking at a future filled with degraded, damaged surfaces that have to be replaced and an unhealthy home environment. The easiest solution is to switch over to environmental-friendly cleaning products made from natural ingredients.
If you’ve already suffered surface damage from chemicals, having it repaired professionally can cost $100 to $1,000 depending on the extent.
Related: 50+ Uses for Vinegar – Home, office, car, garden, beauty, health, and pets
Wrong Tools for Unclogging Drains

When your drains get clogged, using the wrong tool to try clearing them can end up causing more harm than good. Blindly sticking in an auger or drain snake that’s the incorrect size can scratch, crack, or completely break through pipes, turning your clog into a total plumbing disaster with sewage leaks and water damage.
I had a professional use the wrong-size snake to clear out a clogged pipe once. He broke the pipe. This was the main line, and it was under concrete. My kitchen and utility room floor had to be broken up to fix the pipe. Then new concrete and flooring had to go down.
On top of that, if you use corrosive chemical drain cleaners not meant for your pipes, you’ll be dealing with unnecessary erosion and damage. Instead of risking it, your safest bet is to call in a professional plumber to use the proper tools and expertise to clear your clogged drain without any collateral damage.
The cost of repairing botched drain unclogging typically runs $100 to $500.
Related: Get Your Slow Drain Flowing Again With This Simple, Eco-Friendly Trick!
Condensation on Windows

If your windows are constantly fogging up with condensation and moisture, that’s a red flag that you likely have high indoor humidity levels. All that dampness creates the perfect breeding ground for mold to take hold on your window frames and spread into the walls.
Eventually, this moisture buildup can actually start damaging your home’s structural integrity too. The easy solutions are improving ventilation through your home and considering an investment in new double-pane windows that are better insulated against condensation.
Repairing any mold, rot, or structural damage from condensation usually costs $100 to $1,000.
Related: Revive Your Vinyl Windows’ White Brilliance!: How To Get Rid Of Yellow Grime For Good
Mildew and Mold Issues

Speaking of mold, anytime you discover mildew or fungal growth in your home, it needs to be taken seriously as a major health hazard, especially for those with respiratory issues or mold allergies.
Dangerous mold spores spread incredibly quickly, consuming organic materials like drywall and wood framing. If you let a mold issue persist, it will only grow into a bigger, costlier, legally-problematic situation.
The safest approach is to call in a professional mold remediation service to properly eliminate the infestation at its source and ensure your home is once again safe and mold-free.
Mold removal typically costs $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the extent of growth.
Drafty Windows and Doors

If you can feel cold drafts blowing in through your windows and doors, that’s a costly case of energy inefficiency. All that heated or cooled air you’re paying for is just leaking outside, wasting your money and putting extra strain on your HVAC system.
Drafty windows and doors also create potential entry points for moisture that can enable future mold growth. The solution is either installing new insulated windows and doors or using caulk, weatherstripping, or spray foam to seal up any cracks and gaps that are letting air escape.
Window and door upgrades cost $500 to $5,000 while basic caulking and sealing runs $100 to $500.
Leaving Wood Exposed

When you leave wooden surfaces like floors, beams, and window/door frames unfinished and exposed to the elements, you’re essentially inviting all kinds of damage to come knocking.
Over time, exposed wood will absorb moisture which causes it to warp, rot, and grow mold or fungus, putting your home’s structural integrity at risk. Covering up or sealing any bare wood surfaces with paint, stain, or sealant is crucial for protection.
Having a professional painter treat all your home’s exposed wood generally costs $100 to $1,000.
Related: When Is The Best Time To Buy A House? A Real Estate Pro Answers.
Pet Stains on Floors

Pet accidents happen, but failing to properly clean up pet mess and odor like urine, vomit, or other stains from your floors is a recipe for disaster. Those biological stains don’t just smell foul, they actually eat away at surfaces while providing the perfect nutrient-rich breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.
If you don’t thoroughly disinfect and deodorize any pet stains, you’re looking at expensive floor repairs or replacements along with recurring indoor air quality issues. Your best bet is to clean up pet messes promptly using an enzymatic cleaner, potentially hiring professional steam cleaners if odors persist.
Floor restoration from pet stains typically costs $100 to $500.
Related: How To Clean Wood Flooring: A Landlord Answers
Neglecting Air Filters

When’s the last time you changed your home’s HVAC air filters? If you can’t remember, those clogged filters are making your system work much harder than necessary while allowing dust, dander, and other allergens to recirculate through your home.
At best, this overworks your heating and cooling equipment while wasting energy. At worst, you’re promoting poor indoor air quality that enables hazardous mold and bacteria growth. Replacing filters regularly every 1-3 months is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your HVAC system and indoor air quality.
Expect to pay just $50 to $100 annually for new filters.
Related: How to Improve the Energy Efficiency of your Home HVAC
Using Wrong Air Filter Size

Speaking of air filters, using the incorrect size can actually do more harm than good. Filters that are too small will allow contaminants to bypass them entirely, while overstuffing large filters can restrict air flow and strain your HVAC equipment.
Either way, you’re looking at potential damage to your system’s components along with negative impacts on air quality. Take a few minutes to properly measure your filter slots and purchase the exact size recommended by the manufacturer.
Having to repair HVAC damage from using incorrect filters can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.
Dead Smoke Detector Batteries

When was the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors? These critical safety devices can’t properly protect your family if their batteries are dead.
Failing to keep detectors in working order puts your home and loved ones at risk of health hazards and even legal repercussions if an incident occurs. It’s an easy, inexpensive task to replace smoke and CO detector batteries annually.
Most detectors just require inexpensive 9-volt or AA batteries costing $20 to $50 per year.
Related: How To Buy A House With Little Or No Money Down (I Have Done It)
Lacking Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Speaking of safety hazards, every home should be equipped with working carbon monoxide detectors to alert you of this deadly, odorless gas. Failing to install CO detectors leaves you unprotected and oblivious to low-level leaks from sources like furnaces and water heaters.
This oversight can quite literally be fatal or lead to carbon monoxide poisoning incidents with serious legal consequences. Purchasing CO detectors and ensuring they remain functional should be an essential priority.
Most models cost $50 to $100 and can be easily installed yourself.
Related: Never Miss a Spot Again: The Complete Cleaning Checklist
Damaged Window Screens

It’s easy to forget about your window and door screens until you start noticing bugs, insects, and other pests making their way inside through any rips or holes.
Those entry points don’t just allow annoying critters in, but can lead to full pest infestations that contaminate your home with pathogens and pose health hazards. Don’t ignore ripped or damaged window screens, have them repaired or replaced promptly to seal up those pest entry points.
Having a professional rescreen window typically runs $50 to $100 per window.
Related: What To Do When Tenant Destroys Rental Property
Doors Not Closing/Sealing Properly

When your exterior doors can’t close and seal tightly, it creates a constant draft of outdoor air infiltrating your home. This wastes energy as heated or cooled indoor air constantly escapes, putting extra strain on your HVAC system.
More importantly, those openings allow moisture to seep in and enable mold growth while providing pests with easy access points. Have any doors that don’t close flush adjusted or repaired, and seal gaps with weatherstripping.
These door repairs average $100 to $500.
Hard Water Problems

If your home’s water has a high mineral content, this “hard water” can wreak havoc on your pipes, fixtures, and appliances by creating obstructive buildup inside pipes while leaving behind soap scum and stains.
This limescale eventually leads to clogs and leaks that damage drywall, cabinets, floors, and more. Hard water can also dry out your skin, hair, and nails. Preventing these issues requires installing a water softener system or using acid-based cleaners specifically formulated to remove mineral deposits.
Water softeners cost $500 to $1,000 on average.
Related: How To Clean A Toilet Bowl And Remove Hard Water Stains
Liquid Dishwasher Detergent

While it may seem convenient, using liquid dishwasher detergent is actually doing damage to your dishwasher and dishes over time. Liquid detergents leave behind a hazy residue and mineral buildup on the interior and fail to fully dissolve food particles.
This buildup eventually clogs spray arms and interior pumps, leading to costly repairs. Stick with powdered or tablet detergents formulated specifically for automatic dishwashers to prevent performance issues and breakdowns.
Repairing a dishwasher damaged by liquid detergent buildup averages $100 to $500.
Related: How to Clean Your Dishwasher With Vinegar Or Cleaning Tablet (With Video)
Flickering Lights

If the lights in your home periodically flicker or dim, don’t just ignore it as an annoyance. This is usually the sign of a more serious electrical problem like loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or outdated electrical components.
Letting small electrical issues go unaddressed creates potential fire hazards and risks of shorts, shocks, or complete system failure in the future. Have any flickering lights investigated and repaired promptly by a licensed electrician to pinpoint the root cause.
Electrical repairs can cost $100 to $500 depending on the issue.
Neglecting Dryer Vents

Your clothes dryer’s vent system requires regular cleaning to prevent hot air, lint, and debris from building up inside. When dryer vents get clogged, it not only reduces drying efficiency, but creates a serious fire hazard from trapped heat and lint.
Prevent this risk by having dryer vents professionally cleaned annually, or doing it yourself with a vent brush and vacuum.
Dryer vent cleaning costs $50 to $100 for a professional, and far less if you DIY.
Related: 17 Creative And Practical Uses Of Dryer Sheets You Might Not Know
Overgrown Landscaping

When trees, bushes, and other landscaping are allowed to grow unchecked, any branches or foliage touching your home’s exterior becomes a big problem. Besides enabling pest entry points, the constant abrasion can damage your siding, roof, and trim over time.
Those leafy plants also deposit moisture on the home’s surfaces, enabling mold growth to take hold. Trim back any vegetation at least 6 inches from your home and prune trees to prevent issues.
Basic landscaping maintenance typically costs $50 to $100 per service.
Standing Water Around Home

Any areas around your home where water is allowed to pool up after storms or from leaks are essentially breeding grounds for mosquitos and other pests you don’t want taking up residence. Stagnant water also puts wood surfaces, siding, and foundations at risk of rot and water damage over time.
Be proactive about draining away any standing water by grading soil properly, using downspout extensions, and installing drainage solutions like French drains where necessary.
Basic drainage improvements cost $50 to $100, while major solutions like French drains run $500 to $5,000.
Improper Exterior Paint

Your home’s exterior paint does far more than just look nice, it protects siding, trim, and other surfaces from the harsh elements like UV rays, moisture, pests, and more. Using low-quality paint that fades and peels prematurely negates this protective benefit, enabling damage like rot, mold, and erosion.
Similarly, failing to use the proper exterior paint formulations (e.g. glossy for trim, flat for siding) will cause issues too. Have a professional painter evaluate your home’s surfaces and apply the correct, high-quality exterior paints to maximize protection.
Improper paint jobs may need to be corrected at a cost of $100 to $500.
Neglecting Refrigerator Coils

Modern refrigerators rely on exposed condenser coils to expel hot air and operate efficiently. But when those coils get caked with dust, dirt, and debris it acts as insulation, causing the fridge’s compressor to work overtime while driving up energy costs.
Worse yet, this added strain can eventually lead to premature compressor failure. Prevent inefficiency and breakdowns by using your vacuum’s crevice tool to clean refrigerator coils every 6 months.
Repairing or replacing a fridge damaged by neglected coils may cost $50 to $100 in parts and labor.
Related: How to Clean a Scary, Messy Refrigerator
Skipping the Dehumidifier

If you live in a humid climate or have moisture problems in areas like basements, bathrooms or laundry rooms, a dehumidifier is an essential piece of equipment. Left unchecked, high indoor humidity enables mold growth that compromises air quality and structural integrity.
It also creates the perfect breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria and other allergens. Running a dehumidifier in damp spaces is an easy way to control moisture levels and prevent these hazards.
Most homeowners can get by with a portable 30-50 pint dehumidifier costing $50 to $300, while permanently installing a whole-home system averages $1,000 to $3,000.
Neglecting Plumbing Inspections

Your home’s plumbing system is a sprawling, complex network of pipes that requires regular inspections and maintenance. When leaks, clogs, corrosion or other plumbing issues go unaddressed, the resulting water damage can cause major headaches.
This includes mold growth, drywall damage, flooring issues, even foundation erosion in severe cases. The smart move is hiring a licensed plumber to conduct an annual whole-home plumbing inspection, allowing them to identify and repair any small problems before they escalate into costly disasters.
Expect to pay $100 to $500 per year for this crucial ounce of prevention.
No Bathroom Ventilation

Steamy showers generate a lot of moisture that needs to be vented outside. Bathrooms without proper ventilation fans just allow that damp air to linger, enabling mold and bacteria growth.
Over time, this dampness saturates surfaces and enables deterioration of your bathroom’s finishes, framing and fixtures. It also compromises indoor air quality, potentially exacerbating respiratory issues. Installing a properly-sized ventilation fan connected to exterior ductwork is the solution.
Most bathroom fan installations cost $300 to $600 for materials and labor.
Crayon or Marker Artwork on Walls

We’ve all been there as parents, coming home to find your little Picasso has turned the living room wall into their latest canvas using crayons or markers. Besides being an eyesore, those waxy scribbles can actually cause permanent staining and “bleed through” if not cleaned up properly.
Over time, the wax from crayons seeps into drywall and behind paint, leading to unsightly discoloration you can’t simply paint over. Prevent these lasting issues by cleaning crayon drawings off walls as soon as you notice them using a grease-cutting solvent.
For severe cases, resurfacing the damaged drywall may be needed at a cost of $100-$500 per room.
Not Maintaining Appliances

Your home’s major appliances like the oven, fridge, dishwasher and others require regular maintenance to operate safely and efficiently. Neglecting to clean components, change filters, tighten connections and follow other manufacturer-recommended maintenance.
Unmaintained appliances also enable potential fire hazards and indoor air quality issues that impact your family’s health. Schedule annual appliance tune-ups and stay on top of basic cleaning/filter changes yourself to avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Budget $100-$500 per year for professional appliance maintenance services.
Related: How Often Should You Clean Your Kitchen Appliances? – Experts Weigh In
Not Maintaining the Electrical System

Your home’s electrical system represents a potential fire hazard if its wiring, components and circuits aren’t routinely inspected and maintained.
Have a licensed electrician perform annual checks for any code violations, unsafe wiring faults or overloaded circuits before problems arise.
Expect to pay $500-$1,000 for a thorough electrical inspection and minor updates, or potentially $1,000-$5,000 or more for any major rewiring work needed.
Lacking Proper Insulation

Insulation is the invisible barrier protecting your home’s interior from outdoor temperature extremes.
But when insulation becomes compromised by moisture, pests, settling or general deterioration, it fails to provide that thermal protection, driving up heating/cooling costs while enabling moisture issues leading to rot and mold growth within walls/attics.
Have your insulation inspected periodically and budget $500-$2,000 for an insulation contractor to re-insulate attics, plus $1,000-$5,000 for addressing any needed wall insulation work.
The Key to a Happy Home

Owning a home is a significant investment, and neglecting routine maintenance can lead to costly repairs and potential health hazards.
By staying vigilant and addressing issues promptly, you can protect your property and ensure a safe, comfortable living environment for your family.
Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Tackle those maintenance tasks head-on, and your home will thank you for years to come.
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