If home is where the heart is, then why do people neglect their homes?

Ignoring home and foundation maintenance tasks is like throwing money down the drain. Research shows that approximately 25% of all U.S. homes will be impacted by foundation damage and other structural distress during the lifetime of the home. Furthermore, studies show that foundation repairs cost around $4,500 for the average homeowner. Keep in mind that the costs can vary based on the damage and repair involved.

With February being the month of love, what better time to show your home some love. The following are some DIY foundation repair and home maintenance and care tips that you can perform this month and throughout the year.

Pay Attention to Your Home

Examine your home often and when things don’t seem right, explore and try to find out why. Look for any signs of settlement or cracks in your foundation or on the exterior walls of your home. Have your foundation inspected periodically, which can help identify any hidden issues, keep you and your family safe, and save money.

Monitor and Eliminate Humidity

Install a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl space to keep moisture levels down and the area ventilated. If you have a dehumidifier, ensure that it runs properly and has a clean filter. In addition, check your RH (Relative Humidity) monitor regularly. If you do not have an RH monitor we recommend purchasing one for your basement or crawl space to monitor humidity levels.

Protect Your Crawl Space

Safeguard your crawl space with a vapor barrier. If you have a vapor barrier, be sure it covers your entire crawl space floor. If not, you can buy the material needed at a home improvement store to perform the repair yourself. Be sure to create a waterproofing solution if you have signs of continued water intrusion in your crawl space.

Keep Water Away

Remember that a home’s No. 1 enemy is water, which will destroy your house faster than anything else. Keep your gutters free and clear of debris. Be sure that downspouts and downspout extensions are diverting water away from your home. Also, test underground water sources – sewer lines, sprinklers, a pool, etc. – for leaks and have them inspected annually.

Landscape With a Purpose

Pay attention to where you are placing landscaping around your home. This is essential to keep your home dry and water diverted from your home. Place plants, hedges and other landscaping at least 2-3 feet away from the foundation and any crawl space vents. A landscaping expert can suggest what and where to plant items and how to slope plant beds away from the foundation.

Brace Your Home for Additional Weight

Stop and think before adding heavy furniture or finishes like granite countertops, slate tile or rock flooring to your home, which wasn’t really built to sustain these things. If the floor system is not supported properly, you will soon start to see uneven floors and sagging walls.

Sweeping any tell-tale signs or hidden issues under the rug can be costly in the long run. Being proactive and carving out time and some resources to maintain your home regularly will create a lasting foundation for your future and the lifetime of your home. So come up with a plan and show your home some love. Doing so will protect your investment, save you money and give you peace of mind. Your home will thank you from the bottom of its heart.

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The above stats came from this article:

https://listwithclever.com/real-estate-blog/buying-a-home-with-foundation-issues/

Six Ways to Show Your Home Some Love