Home Repairs, which job comes first?
Lean times call for budgetary triage. But while you should clearly opt for orthodontics before Disneyland, the choice is tougher when it comes to home maintenance.
Emergencies aside, the project that could cause the most damage and expense if left unfixed is the priority. Below, the order in which to tackle your biggest repair needs.
1. Electrical system
Wiring problems claim the No. 1 spot for good reason: They can lead to fires and electrocution."That trumps everything".
Danger signs: Circuit breakers that trip frequently, lights that dim when you turn on the vacuum or outlets that are loose, hot, or accept only two-prong plugs.
How to check: Spend $300 to $500 for a licensed electrician to open up your main panel to look for trouble and to tighten any loose connections.
2. Roof
Water leaking into your home from above can lead to a host of pricey problems: rot, insects, electrical shorts and mold.
Danger signs: Dampness or stains on ceilings; curling, missing, or broken shingles; smooth spots where the granules have worn away; green algae growth.
How to check: Have a roofer inspect your home. This is typically free, but the pro, of course, is looking for business. So check the company's reputation at angieslist.com
3. Gutters
Your gutters are just as important as the roof. The only reason they're lower on this list is that if you replace gutters first, they're likely to get damaged when you reroof later. So if you need a roof too, it's better to wait -- or do both projects at the same time.
4. Exterior walls
"People think paint is just a decorative element, so they let it go". But without a weather-tight seal, water can infiltrate the siding, causing rot and attracting wood-damaging insects. Still, leaks from a vertical surface generally aren't as quick or lethal as ones from a roof and gutter.
I always suggest that you get a home inspection before listing your house for sale to understand how a buyer would look at your home. This way you can tackle repairs ahead of time and avoid issues during the inspection period.