Negligence can be the root cause of some major expenses. Damaged items, if not fixed on time can deteriorate further and you can end up bearing an expense that could have been easily avoided with little care. Apart from ignoring the issues, lack of awareness can play a part in added expense. For households, in particular, there are some common home maintenance mistakes that homeowners make and end up with unnecessary payments. We have compiled a list of some home maintenance tips to help you avoid unwanted expenses.
Home Maintenance Mistakes
Living expenses have already become higher especially if you reside in big cities. House rent is itself the biggest monthly expense if you live in a rented place. There is also the hidden cost of living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or other major cities of the Emirates that you should be aware of.
Any additional expense would only add discomfort and might disturb your budget as well. Not everything is DIY and in some cases, you can end up doing more damage than good, hence the added expense. That said, there are a few simple things you can do to skip the bullet of added cost. Let’s go through the home maintenance mistakes you should avoid which are listed as follows:
IMPROPER CLEANING
This is a no-brainer but some people can still become a victim of unclean things prematurely reaching a breaking point. There are hard-to-reach places in the house and people can often neglect them while cleaning. A little more effort can stop the dust and dirt from settling in and causing damage. For electric appliances, in particular, dirt can be a silent killer. It is advised to make it a regular habit of cleaning them. There are also some tips to keep your house clean that can be helpful. Listed below are some places you should clean on a regular basis:
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom counters
- Carpets and rugs
- Ceiling fans
- Baseboards
- Door frames
- Air vents
CEILING STAINS
Stains on the ceiling with watermarks are an indication of a leak at your place, such as in the bathroom or on the roof. If you see a stain of such nature, immediately get it fixed as it won’t disappear on its own and cause more damage with time.
It is advised to get a professional plumber to have a look at the issue rather than doing it yourself; unless you are a professional yourself. Leakages can also ruin the paint but luckily you can easily find house painting services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other city in the Emirates.
FLOORING REDOS
The DIY tips and videos might inspire you to buckle for tasks that are meant for professionals so it is advised to know your limitations. Carpeting the floors and installing tiles or hardwood are a few things that can go south if you’re not aware of the minor details. Any minor mismeasurement can ruin the room’s entire look. For tasks of this nature, it is preferable to hire professionals.
HVAC INSTALLATION
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is an essential component of any house, particularly in the UAE where the temperatures are high throughout the year. If you gear up to install the AC yourself there are ways the move can backfire. You can end up buying a bigger unit which will increase your electricity bill or a smaller unit that does not cool the entire place. In either case, it can be a discomfort for you. Avoid these home maintenance mistakes and hire a professional for the service.
SPONTANEOUS DIGGING
Installing fences in your backyard or the lawn may seem like a simple task but there are certain aspects you should be aware of. There might be a network of drainage pipes under the backyard that you might be unaware of. You can end up damaging a pipe and that can be heavy on your pocket. If you are to do the digging on your own, consult the municipality to know about any underground wire or pipe network. Furthermore, you can follow these landscaping and lawn maintenance tips to keep your lawn in the best shape.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN HOME APPLIANCES
Machines go through a process of wear and tear which can pace up because of poor maintenance. Dirt and dust can easily settle on and inside the appliances and gradually make them ineffective. In simple words, you can be forced to buy a refrigerator a couple of years earlier than its actual expiry date. This is among the common home maintenance mistakes you can avoid rather easily. The stove, dishwasher, refrigerator etc must all be regularly cleaned and checked for durability.
REPLACE SIDING
Whether you live in a rental villa house in the UAE or you own one, the home’s siding can become a headache if not installed properly. For places on rent, you can end up bearing the cost if maintenance is your responsibility in the rental contract. Siding is a complex process that requires proper work around corners, fascia, saffits, and trimming windows and doors. If the siding is not installed properly, there could be leakages. The results might not be visible until the damage has been done.
CONSTRUCTION PERMITS
Construction with permits is also among the biggest house maintenance mistakes people can make. There are laws you should abide by and going for construction without an obligatory permit can put you on the other side of the law which can turn out to be a huge expense. Before you go for any major construction in your house, learn about and seek the required permits to avoid additional costs. Additionally, you must remember to turn off the air conditioning when you step out of the house to save money on utility bills.
ELECTRICAL WORK
Fuse sparks can cause major damage to the home’s electrical system if not fixed on time. You may stop using that particular but it can affect the other wirings as well. Neglect this for a long time and you can end up paying for replacing the entire electric system. If you come across any electrical fault, get in touch with a professional and get it fixed. This is among the house maintenance mistakes you can easily avoid with prompt action.
These were all the home maintenance mistakes that you should avoid. With the increasing living expenses, nobody would like an added expense. Moreover, also be mindful of these hidden rent costs in Dubai and other emirates. A little attention to these things can turn into a blessing in the long run as well-maintained things have a long running life. Be smart and avoid these home maintenance mistakes. You can also follow these tips to live on a budget in Dubai and save some more.
That said, if your house has frequent maintenance issues, you can always go for a new place. Check out the following and make your choice accordingly.
- Villa house for rent in the UAE
- Villa compound for rent in the UAE
- Apartments for sale in the UAE
- Villa house for sale in the UAE
- Villa compound for sale in the UAE
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for property maintenance tips and more.
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