Shabby Chic Boho Did you know the average American spends around $10,000 per year on home repairs and maintenance? While experts suggest homeowners should budget around 1-4% of the home’s value for repairs each year, when something else inevitably breaks down or needs replacing, it can be tough to find the money to put towards the cost. Or even know what is best to invest in when money is tight.
The reality is, the best home repairs you can make, or rather prioritize, are the ones that protect the building and keep your home safe, especially from water damage, and everyone in it protected.
Let’s take a look
Wherever Water Pools
A lot of the damage water causes is done before you even realise there is an issue. The rainwater hanging out around your garage door instead of draining away. Or the dip in the driveway that turns into a bath after even the lightest bit of rain, or that soggy patch on the lawn that gets waterlogged all the time.
These are the danger areas and indicators that a repair is probably going to be a good idea. This is because pooling water pushes moisture into the foundations, into the basement walls, and into everywhere you don’t want to be. And the damage can be huge.
You can fix the grading of the land so it drains away from the building, or you can add gravel, which will be useful here, too. But if it’s the concrete that is trapping the water, like a driveway that tilts the wrong way, it’s time for something smarter.
A trench drainage line can collect that runoff and send it to where it can’t do any damage. For high-traffic or vehicle-heavy areas, drainage solutions like the Model 600 HD trench drain system are built to take the pressure without cracking or clogging, making it ideal for a range of heavy-duty properties and areas.
Repair The Roof
Roofs rarely demand attention until they’re already causing problems. A missing shingle doesn’t seem like much from the yard, nor does that bit of flashing that’s loose. But every gap in your roof lets water in, and this is when you get problems.
Once moisture gets under the surface, it spreads. Slowly. Silently, and then one day, a stain appears on the bedroom ceiling, or the attic smells weird.
By that point, you’re not just fixing the roof, but you’re fixing the mess it’s caused too.
A quick inspection once or twice a year can help you identify roof concerns early. Replacing damaged or missing shingles as soon as you see them and sealing anything that looks like it could lift in the wind or let water in asap will serve you well here. Roof care isn’t one of the most exciting things to spend your money on, but it’s definitely a budget saver when done early.
Upgrade Old Windows and Drafty Seals
Drafty windows feel like an energy bill problem. But old or badly sealed windows are also a water problem too. Rain doesn’t need an open door – it only needs a soft spot in the caulk line or a crack in the frame to slide in.
If condensation collects inside the panes or you see peeling paint around the trim, water has already found a way in. Caulking is cheap and easy. Replacing windows is more of an investment — a real one — that protects both the structure and your wallet over time.
Energy savings + water protection is a two-for-one you’ll actually notice.
Refresh and Protect Exterior Wood
Deck boards don’t rot overnight. Porch railings don’t collapse because of a single storm. Wood fails because water slowly softens it. Season after season, until a weak spot becomes a wobbly accident waiting to happen.
The tricky part? You rarely see the damage until you put pressure on the right, or wrong, spot. How can you check for rotten wood?
- Press a finger into the trim near the bottom edge
- Check where posts touch the soil
- Look for bubbling or peeling paint
All of these are small indicators that there is water damage. Ideally, you want to seal and repair the damage early on to prevent further issues and keep everything solid. Because if you ignore it for long enough, eventually you’ll be paying out for more than just a small repair job.
People love the upgrades they can see. The big flashy ones that wow you when you see them. But when it comes to home repairs, some of the best areas to invest in are the less obvious, the less glamorous ones, but especially the ones that protect your home from water damage.
