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Homeowners too often take the short view, making decisions that save
money now but are costly later on.
For example:
- Choosing a home
inspector who is less than experienced. He
notices the missing step on the porch and the cracked window, but he
misses the fact that both the boiler and the roof need replacing.
Savings: $200. Potential cost: $15,000.
- Deferring having
gutters and downspouts cleaned for three
years. Then the paint peels off the exterior of the north-facing wall,
and half the house needs to be repainted. Savings: $300. Potential
cost: $10,000.
- Figuring that the
roof on the dormer can wait one more year
before being repaired. A leak develops into the wall cavity of the
master bathroom on the second floor. The wall behind the sink has to be
replaced, leading to plumbing work as well. Savings: $2,000. Potential
cost: $8,000.
- Ignoring the pile-up
of dirt on the bottom of the wooden
fence at the perimeter of the property. Termites move in. Savings: a
weekend of light shoveling. Potential costs: $1,000 for a termite
treatment, and $2,500 for a new fence.
Beware! A little sensible prevention
and solid maintenance practices
will help you protect your investment.
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