Are you making these home repair mistakes that could be draining your wallet?
- Replies 0
We believe that a well-kept home is a happy home—and a smart one, too.
Whether you’re a seasoned fixer-upper or just trying to avoid a costly visit from the plumber, even small missteps can snowball into big bills.
From cracked ceilings to wasted energy, here are the most common home maintenance mistakes that quietly chip away at your savings—and how to stop them in their tracks.
1. Knocking down walls without knowing what’s inside
Open-concept living may be all the rage, but taking a sledgehammer to your walls without doing your homework can have disastrous results—especially if the wall you’re targeting is load-bearing. Removing it could lead to sagging floors, structural instability, or worse.
Before you reach for that hammer, consult a home inspector or structural engineer. A few hundred dollars upfront could save you tens of thousands later.
2. Ignoring Your Thermostat Settings
It’s easy to set it and forget it—but your thermostat could be quietly costing you. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% annually on heating and cooling.
Install a programmable or smart thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night and while you’re away. Your energy bill (and your future self) will thank you.
Also read: New rule could cost homeowners a fortune—here’s how to keep your bills low with simple tips!
3. Panicking When the AC Doesn’t Turn On
The first hot day arrives, and your AC is dead. Before you call in a technician, try this quick fix: Switch the thermostat from “Cooling” to “Off”
Set the fan to “On,” wait 30 minutes. Switch it back to “Cooling.” Sometimes all it takes is letting the system reset or clear out dust buildup.
4. Painting Ceilings Without Proper Prep
Ceiling painting seems simple—until you're scrubbing splatters off your floors and furniture. Paint drips from above can ruin an otherwise easy weekend project.
Use drop cloths to cover everything, wear old clothes and a cap, and take your time taping off edges. Prepping may take longer, but it’ll save you from hours of cleanup.
5. Fertilizing Your Lawn at the Wrong Time
Fertilizer isn’t a fix-all—it’s only effective when applied at the right time of year, specific to your grass type and climate.
Contact your local garden center or county extension office for a custom fertilizing schedule. Getting it right means greener grass and less waste.
6. Forgetting to Clean Your Dryer Vent
A gas dryer that doesn’t dry well could be clogged with lint—a leading cause of household fires. It also forces your dryer to work harder, spiking energy bills.
Unplug the dryer and clean the lint trap and vent hose with a vacuum or long brush. Also, double-check that the gas valve is still on—accidental shut offs are common.
Read next: Protect your home: How “title pirates” could be scamming you right now, according to the FBI
Have you ever made a DIY mistake that cost you? Or saved a bundle with a clever fix? Share your stories in the comments—let’s help each other become better homeowners, one tip at a time.
Whether you’re a seasoned fixer-upper or just trying to avoid a costly visit from the plumber, even small missteps can snowball into big bills.
From cracked ceilings to wasted energy, here are the most common home maintenance mistakes that quietly chip away at your savings—and how to stop them in their tracks.
1. Knocking down walls without knowing what’s inside
Open-concept living may be all the rage, but taking a sledgehammer to your walls without doing your homework can have disastrous results—especially if the wall you’re targeting is load-bearing. Removing it could lead to sagging floors, structural instability, or worse.
Before you reach for that hammer, consult a home inspector or structural engineer. A few hundred dollars upfront could save you tens of thousands later.
Most common home maintenance mistakes that quietly chip away at your savings. Image source: Taylor Flowe / Unsplash
2. Ignoring Your Thermostat Settings
It’s easy to set it and forget it—but your thermostat could be quietly costing you. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat by 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10% annually on heating and cooling.
Install a programmable or smart thermostat and set it to lower the temperature at night and while you’re away. Your energy bill (and your future self) will thank you.
Also read: New rule could cost homeowners a fortune—here’s how to keep your bills low with simple tips!
3. Panicking When the AC Doesn’t Turn On
The first hot day arrives, and your AC is dead. Before you call in a technician, try this quick fix: Switch the thermostat from “Cooling” to “Off”
Set the fan to “On,” wait 30 minutes. Switch it back to “Cooling.” Sometimes all it takes is letting the system reset or clear out dust buildup.
4. Painting Ceilings Without Proper Prep
Ceiling painting seems simple—until you're scrubbing splatters off your floors and furniture. Paint drips from above can ruin an otherwise easy weekend project.
Use drop cloths to cover everything, wear old clothes and a cap, and take your time taping off edges. Prepping may take longer, but it’ll save you from hours of cleanup.
5. Fertilizing Your Lawn at the Wrong Time
Fertilizer isn’t a fix-all—it’s only effective when applied at the right time of year, specific to your grass type and climate.
Contact your local garden center or county extension office for a custom fertilizing schedule. Getting it right means greener grass and less waste.
6. Forgetting to Clean Your Dryer Vent
A gas dryer that doesn’t dry well could be clogged with lint—a leading cause of household fires. It also forces your dryer to work harder, spiking energy bills.
Unplug the dryer and clean the lint trap and vent hose with a vacuum or long brush. Also, double-check that the gas valve is still on—accidental shut offs are common.
Read next: Protect your home: How “title pirates” could be scamming you right now, according to the FBI
