Kim, Fix My House!

What home repairs should I never put off?

1. Rain, Rain, Go Away…

Water is the biggest culprit. Install gutters, downspouts, and leader pipes to collect rainwater and channel it away from the house. Check gutter systems seasonally to ensure there is no corrosion. Fix any broken pipe fasteners and remove clogs.

2. Check Every Shingle

Your roof is the most vulnerable part of your house. Inspect it for cracked or missing shingles. Water infiltration causes leaks where the roof meets windows and doors. Minor repairs make all the difference. A five dollar tube of caulking might save you thousands of dollars later. Seal any points at which cold air can enter the house. Add attic insulation to prevent any ice buildup.

3. Infestation Control

Check regularly for the appearance of pests or an infestation. Look for rotted wood that indicates the presence of termites. Piles of sawdust along your baseboards are a sign of carpenter ants. Heaps of old leaves or garbage house unwanted rodents. Use expandable foam to plug up holes.

4. It’s The Same Mould Story

Trapped water can lead to mould. Musty odors or moist air are typical symptoms of a mould buildup. Check obvious spots under carpets and around windows. Remove cover plates for cable-TV, phone, and internet connections to find hidden sources. Treat with one cup of chlorine bleach mixed into a litre of water. For larger outbreaks, call for professional help.

5. Flawless Foundation

Some cracks are harmless, but others spell trouble. Home Inspector Trick Take a pencil around the house’s foundation while searching for cracks. If the pencil slides deep into the crack, it indicates a major problem. Monitor any changes in size. Buckling, bulging or horizontal cracks require the attention of a structural engineer.

The longer you wait to correct a problem, the more it will cost. So keep your home healthy by performing these simple tasks regularly.

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Kim Bartley

Kim Bartley, Principal of Kim Bartley Design, brings 25 years of business ownership and management to the table. Kim’s keen eye for design lends her rooms an edgy sophistication while remaining current and functional. Her philosophy is that your home should make you happy and reflect your lifestyle and changing needs. Focusing on unparalleled client care, Kim aims to make the design experience positive and enjoyable at each phase of the project. She works collaboratively with her clients to develop spaces that are clean and modern but still warm and approachable. Kim believes that everyone deserves to live in a beautifully designed space and focuses on truly “getting” her clients.

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