Monday, March 30, 2009
Economic Survival Guide: Tackling repairs at home
Households with recession-squeezed budgets might face deciding which home repairs to address immediately and which can wait. Personal priorities vary; some people might consider a broken dishwasher an emergency. Ignoring seemingly minor repairs can be costly. As Benjamin Franklin said, "A little neglect may breed great mischief. ..." Here are some tips:
Eric Brady | The Roanoke Times
Jay Saunders, owner of Saunders Productions in Roanoke, measures a skylight Thursday for application of an ultraviolet film in a home.
Economic Survival Guide
These days, the economy is on the minds of many. Every week, we'll give you practical advice on ways to keep yourself in the best financial shape possible.
- See more of the series
- Last week: Medical options for the uninsured
- Earlier: How does your garden grow?
- When to replace an older car?
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- Creditors are calling, and you don't have the money
- Is this the right time to refinance your home?
- Get what you need
- How to file for unemployment
- Preparing for a layoff
- 10 tips for cutting costs and saving money
- How to make a budget
Safety first
Experts say household safety ranks first. Faulty furnaces can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Electrical problems can burn down a house, and a smoke alarm with a dead battery is useless.
Electrical
"Problems with the electrical system of your house are arguably of the highest priority," said Jay Saunders, owner of Saunders Productions and a Roanoke home repair expert. "Bad or incomplete wiring can result in horrific fires. Do not let these problems linger," he said, "and do not attempt to experiment with the system before consulting with a licensed electrician."
Lights that dim or flicker when an appliance starts up can suggest an overloaded circuit.
Plumbing
"Any plumbing or water leaks should be corrected because additional damage can lead to more costly repairs later," said David Perrin, owner of National Property Inspections in Roanoke.
Saunders said "the most damaging thing that a house can endure is water -- whether it's a small hole in the roof or a leaky pipe under the sink." Replacing a inexpensive wax seal beneath a toilet can save thousands of dollars by preventing damage to flooring and subflooring.
And wasting water carries a price. The Western Virginia Water Authority reports that a leaky toilet can consume up to 200 gallons of water a day and a dripping faucet can use up to 20 gallons.
The authority's rate is $2.90 per 1,000 gallons. Its Web site (www.westernvawater.org), under Conserve-Educate/Conservation, offers a video that instructs homeowners how to find and fix leaks and also links to a drip and leak calculator.
Heating and air conditioning
As described, a malfunctioning furnace can be dangerous and should be quickly repaired. Perrin emphasizes preventive maintenance. "Keeping heating and air conditioning systems cleaned goes a long way toward preventing trouble," he said.
Replacing filters controls dust, prolongs the life of blowers and cuts utility bills.
Some people consider air conditioning a necessity, and it can be for the elderly or infirm. Yet not long ago air conditioning was a luxury and people savored breezes through open windows.
Exterior
"Number one would be caulking around windows and doors and any cracks that may allow air or water to enter," Perrin said. Caulking is comparatively inexpensive and offers a high return, he said.
Saunders said that "anywhere water can get in, it will," causing rot. Replace missing shingles, even if they don't match, he said.
Help and advice
Armed with reliable information, handy homeowners can save money by tackling many repairs themselves. Shoddy fixes, especially those that violate building codes, can end up being costly or worse. Do-it-yourselfers should keep in mind that some projects might require building permits.
