Top 10 Things to Fix Around the House Before They Cost You More

Caulk & Seal Gaps

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Tiny cracks and gaps in your windows, doors, or walls might seem harmless, but they are silently draining your home’s energy and letting the elements sneak inside. As the seasons change, your house expands and contracts, and those small gaps become inviting doorways for drafts, pests, and moisture.

It’s surprising how quickly your energy bills can rise just because of a few overlooked spaces. By caulking and sealing gaps, you’re not just saving money—you're keeping your home healthier and more comfortable.

This simple fix also helps prevent mold, wood rot, and damage that can ruin your walls or floors. Walk around your home with a keen eye and a tube of caulk, and you’ll be amazed at the difference this small step can make.

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Gutters are your home’s unsung heroes, quietly carrying rainwater away from your foundation. But when they get clogged with leaves, sticks, and debris, they can quickly become your house’s worst enemy.

Water spills over, seeps into your siding, or even pools around your foundation, setting the stage for expensive repairs. Cleaning your gutters, at least twice a year, is a task that pays off in spades.

Installing gutter guards can be a lifesaver, making future cleanings easier and less frequent. Imagine the relief of not having to deal with flooded basements or damaged walls just because you spent a little time on a ladder.

Keeping those channels clear is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Check Your Water Heater

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

A water heater failure is one of those things that always seems to happen at the worst possible moment—right when you need a hot shower the most. Yet, with just a bit of attention, you can keep this essential appliance running smoothly.

Look for any signs of leaks, rust, or corrosion around the base and the pipes. Draining and flushing the tank once a year gets rid of sediment that can shorten its life and sap its efficiency.

Make sure the temperature is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding and to save on energy. If your water heater is over ten years old, it’s wise to start thinking about a replacement before it leaves you cold and wet in the middle of winter.

Test Sump Pump (If You Have One)

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

If you’ve got a basement, your sump pump is like your home’s own emergency guard against flooding. Yet, many people don’t think about their pump until rainwater is already rising.

Testing it is as simple as pouring a bucket of water into the pit and seeing if it kicks on. If it doesn’t, you may be just one storm away from a waterlogged disaster.

Installing a backup battery ensures your pump works even during a power outage, which is exactly when you need it most. Regular checks mean you won’t have to deal with ruined carpets, moldy walls, or the heartbreak of lost keepsakes in a flood.

Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

The graceful shade of a big tree can be wonderful—until a heavy branch crashes down in a storm or pesky critters use overhanging limbs to invade your attic. Branches brushing against your roof can peel away shingles, inviting leaks and rot.

If limbs are too close to power lines, they can knock out your electricity or even spark fires. Regularly trimming trees near your roof and utility lines isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about protecting your home from some serious trouble.

A little pruning now can save you from repairs that cost thousands later.

Inspect HVAC Filters

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Your HVAC system is the beating heart of your home’s comfort, but dirty filters can choke its performance and send your energy bills skyrocketing. When filters get clogged, the system works harder, wearing out sooner and costing you more in both repairs and energy use.

Check your filters every month, and replace them every three months or sooner if they look dirty. Clean filters mean you’ll breathe easier, too, as dust and allergens are kept at bay.

Scheduling a professional inspection once a year is also a smart move to catch small problems before they grow.

Regrout Tile Showers

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Grout might seem like a minor detail, but it’s your shower’s first line of defense against water damage. Over time, grout can crack and crumble, letting water seep behind your tiles.

This hidden moisture can lead to mold, rot, and even structural problems that require a full bathroom renovation to fix. Regrouting is a straightforward project that can make your shower look brand new and keep your walls safe from water’s sneaky advance.

Using a waterproof grout and sealing it well ensures your bathroom stays beautiful and dry.

Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

The steady drip of a leaky faucet or the constant sound of a running toilet might seem like small annoyances, but they’re slowly draining your bank account. Even a tiny leak can waste gallons of water every day, driving up your utility bills and putting unnecessary strain on your plumbing.

Fixing a leaky faucet often just means replacing a washer or seal—a simple task that can be done in minutes. For toilets, a faulty flapper is a common culprit.

If you want to save even more, consider installing low-flow fixtures to cut down on water use. It’s a classic case of a stitch in time saves nine.

Test Smoke & CO Detectors

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Nothing is more important than your family’s safety, and smoke or carbon monoxide detectors are your silent sentinels. It’s easy to forget about them, but testing these devices regularly can literally save lives.

Replace batteries at least once a year, and make sure to press the test button monthly. Detectors themselves don’t last forever—swap them out every ten years to ensure they’re working at their best.

Accidents happen when we least expect them, and having working alarms is a simple, powerful way to protect everyone under your roof.

Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Caulk & Seal Gaps, Clean Gutters & Downspouts, Check Your Water Heater, Test Sump Pump (If You Have One), Trim Trees Near Roof/Lines, Inspect HVAC Filters, Regrout Tile Showers, Check for Leaky Faucets & Toilets, Test Smoke & CO Detectors, Look for Cracks in Driveway/Walkways

Cracks in your driveway or walkways can start out small but quickly spiral into big problems. Water gets in, freezes, and then expands, making those cracks worse with every season.

Left unchecked, you could end up with major repairs, trip hazards, or even damage to your car’s suspension. By filling and sealing cracks as soon as you spot them, you stop the problem in its tracks.

Plus, a smooth driveway and walkway make your home look cared for and inviting, boosting curb appeal and keeping your property safe for family and friends.