Scary Homeowner Maintenance Mistakes That Haunt You Later

Some things are fun to be scared of — haunted houses, spooky movies, and pumpkin-lit porches.But when it comes to owning a home in Utah, the real scares come from what’s hiding behind your walls, ceilings, and gutters.

As local real estate experts who live and work across Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Tooele, and Summit Counties, we’ve seen what happens when small problems turn into big, expensive ones.

Here are 5 scary home maintenance mistakes every Utah homeowner should fix before they come back to haunt you.

🏚️ 1. Leaky Roofs — The Ghost You Don’t SeE

A small drip today can turn into a full-blown nightmare tomorrow. Water intrusion damages insulation, invites mold, and weakens drywall.

What to do:

✅ Schedule a professional roof inspection before snow season.

✅ Replace damaged shingles or flashing.

✅ Check attic ceilings for moisture stains.

Local Utah Expert: RoofTek — trusted across Salt Lake County for roofing repairs, inspections, and replacements.

🍂 2. Clogged Gutters & Downspouts

Leaves and debris block proper drainage, forcing water into your foundation or siding — a top cause of Utah basement leaks.

What to do:

✅ Clean gutters twice a year — late fall and spring.

✅ Install guards if trees are nearby.

✅ Make sure downspouts drain water at least 5 feet away from your home.

Local Utah Expert: Ace Gutter — specializing in gutter cleaning and leaf protection throughout Northern Utah.

🔥 3. Ignoring Furnace Tune-Ups

A neglected furnace in the middle of a Utah winter isn’t just inconvenient — it’s expensive and can be dangerous if carbon monoxide builds up.

What to do:

✅ Schedule a tune-up before cold weather hits.

✅ Change filters every 3 months.

✅ Test CO and smoke detectors regularly.

Local Utah Expert: Just Right Air — heating and cooling done “just right” for Utah homes.

🪟 4. Cracked Caulking & Seals

Utah’s dry climate and temperature swings wreak havoc on window seals. Tiny cracks let in drafts, bugs, and moisture — and send your energy bills soaring.

What to do:

✅ Inspect caulking and weather stripping annually.

✅ Reseal problem areas with outdoor-grade caulk.

✅ Replace worn-out seals before winter.

Local Utah Expert: Ace Handyman Services — reliable for small repairs and preventative maintenance across the Wasatch Front.

🚨 5. Forgetting Smoke & CO Detector Checks

They’re small, but they save lives. Utah homes with gas heating or attached garages are especially vulnerable to CO exposure.

What to do:

✅ Test detectors monthly.

✅ Replace batteries yearly.

✅ Replace full units every 7–10 years.

Local Utah Expert: Mountain Alarm — professional installation and home safety systems trusted by Utah families.

🏡 What This Means Right Now

💡 Utah weather is unpredictable — early prep prevents costly emergencies.

💡 Maintenance adds long-term value to your property (and resale appeal).

💡 Local contractors get booked fast before winter — schedule early.

💡 Preventative care protects your home equity and peace of mind.

Don’t let your home turn into a haunted house of hidden repairs.

👉 Download our Free Fall Homeowner Checklist

👉 Or schedule your Free Home Consult today.

At Family Ties Realty Utah, we help homeowners protect their biggest investment — from the first showing to years after closing. Because when it comes to real estate, knowledge isn’t just power — it’s prevention. 🕸️