14 Home Upgrades That Could Secretly Lead to Bigger Repairs
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The more home upgrades you do the more exciting they become. Replacing outdated flooring or installing a new kitchen island are just a couple of the things you can do to refresh your environment and your life. But not all upgrades are without risk.
A simple change can result in a costly repair or replacement of several systems, and affect structural integrity. In this article, I’ll discuss several common home upgrades that, with the wrong precautions, can lead to more costly repairs and headaches later.
Adding a Pool
The swimming pool is a beautiful addition to your backyard during hot summer months. But before you dive into a pool project head first, you should know what you’re in for. Costs can run into the thousands if you don’t install the gutter correctly and this can lead to leaks, cracked foundations, and drainage problems that impact landscaping around it. Pools also require regular maintenance and if you do not take care of the correct pool chemistry, your equipment will fail and you will spend money on expensive fixes.
Concrete Driveway Resurfacing
Resurfacing your concrete driveway will extend its life, but if you don’t do the right prep work, you could make matters worse. If the base isn’t prepared properly, the new surface can crack, peel or sink and the driveway can actually be in worse condition than it was prior to the new surface being applied. Water pooling underneath can also speed damage caused by careless drainage.
Attic Ventilation
Sealing off or insulating your attic to cut down on your energy bills might seem like a good idea, but without the right amount of ventilation, this upgrade may actually do more harm than good. If your attic has no proper ventilation, heat can build up and damage your roof, moisture can buildup and mold can grow. Proper ventilation of your attic ensures a balance in temperature and moisture that will prevent future problems and expensive repairs.
Installing a New HVAC System
Upgrading your HVAC system seems like an easy thing that will make your home more efficient. But an improperly installed or an inappropriate system can be costly to operate, and may not heat or cool your home evenly. You want to make sure you pick an HVAC system that’s right for your home, and you want to hire a good contractor who will install it. If you don’t, your new system might need costly repairs or replacement sooner than you think.
Re-roofing
Re roofing seems simple and straight forward enough, but it can be the kind of upgrade that can occasionally lead to more issues. If you’re getting rid of damaged shingles, it’s easy to forget about the structure underneath. Replacing shingles without replacing the roof decking or rafters could mean an early death of your new roof and water damage. Installing flashing and ventilation incorrectly also lets moisture build up and rot, and that will cost you a lot to repair in the future.
Landscaping Changes
Upgrades to landscaping are one of those things people think of as pretty low risk, but the wrong changes to your yard can be a disaster. Planting trees or shrubs near your home’s foundation can cause roots to grow inside your foundation or plumbing pipes and crack or leak. In addition, modifications in landscaping that impact drainage can lead to water collecting near your home leading to damage to your foundation or basement.
Replacing Windows
It’s often thought that upgrading your windows is an energy efficient choice, but if not installed properly, you could have bigger issues. Drafts, leaks or even mold growth because of trapped moisture can all occur from poor window installation. Improper installation can also damage framing around the window, which will result in costly repairs.
Upgrading Insulation
Upgrading insulation to make your home more energy efficient sounds like a smart move, but you need to make sure that the installation process doesn’t cause issues. Insulation in the wrong spots can block airflow, condensation can build up, or pressure can be put on walls and ceilings. It could also result in mold growth or lower energy efficiency of your home if insulation is placed incorrectly.
Kitchen or Bathroom Remodels
Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom can make a world of difference to your home’s look and feel, but it can also end up creating major problems if not done correctly. Small mistakes in plumbing, electrical, or structural changes can lead to leaks, mold and water damage that will need serious attention.
Basement Finishing
A finished basement offers extra living space, but when the space has moisture problems, it can become a headache. Not waterproofing the basement before putting up drywall and flooring could lead to mold, rot or water damage. In reality, many basements experience moisture of some sort, and without proper care your new living area could become a repair nightmare. Before making any changes, it is key to have waterproofing and moisture control.
Upgrading Plumbing Fixtures
It might seem like an easy upgrade to replace old plumbing fixtures such as leaky faucets, toilets, or showerheads, but if the plumbing underneath is not in good shape this can cause problems. If your pipes are old or corroded, replacing fixtures may actually make the problem worse; fixtures can also be over tightened or installed improperly, resulting in leaks.
Adding a Deck or Patio
Expanding your outdoor space by adding a deck or patio is a great idea, but without proper installation, you may end up with drainage problems or worse, a structural failure. But if the deck isn’t anchored correctly or if the materials you use aren’t weather resistant, you’ll need repairs sooner than you think. In addition to your deck’s safety issues, if the posts or supports aren’t anchored securely, you could have a poorly built deck.
Installing Hardwood Floors
Wooden floors are so elegant and so durable, but sometimes installing them can lead to somewhat unexpected issues. The subfloor should be checked for damage or moisture issue before you install hardwood. If your subfloor is not level or has existing water damage, you beautiful hardwood floor will start to warp or buckle eventually.
Electrical System Overhauls
Many people don’t realize how new lighting, ceiling fans or outlets will impact their current electrical system. While upgrading your lighting fixtures or adding outlets to your home may seem like a quick fix, in older homes it could overload your electrical panels. Since your panel isn’t equipped to handle the extra load, you can blow fuses, trip circuit breakers, or in worst case scenario, cause electrical fires.
Adding an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is nice addition to your entertainment space, but it’s risky to install one as it can lead to even bigger repairs. If you’re adding plumbing, electricity or gas lines into the space, a small mistake that can create a big problem. All of these things can be expensive to fix and could even create safety hazards.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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