In this ABC2 Baltimore segment, environmental inspector Robert Weitz and other experts discuss how routine home maintenance is the most effective tool for preventing massive financial “drains.” The video outlines specific, high-risk areas where small investments in upkeep can save homeowners tens of thousands of dollars.

Video Summary

The segment addresses the common but dangerous “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” mentality. By deferring basic maintenance, homeowners risk structural damage, fires, and mold infestations.

• The Cost of Neglect: Homeowner Jennifer Galazo shares how a bathroom vent she didn’t know needed cleaning every 2–4 months led to a collapsed, mold-infested shower floor that required a total gut renovation [00:19].

• The “Spending to Save” Strategy: Bankrate.com experts explain that spending a few hundred dollars early on can prevent repairs costing $10,000 or more down the road [00:50].

• Key Maintenance Checklist:

  • HVAC Systems: Yearly professional tune-ups prevent furnace blower failures [01:12].

  • Termite Inspections: Annual checks are vital; termites can destroy entire walls [01:19].

  • Fire Safety: Yearly chimney sweeping and inspections for cracks, plus cleaning or replacing flexible dryer vents, are essential to prevent house fires [01:29].

  • Roof and Gutters: Gutters should be cleaned 4–6 times a year to prevent flooding. Roofs need annual inspections to catch curling shingles before water enters the home [01:44].

  • Mold Detection: Regularly check the basement (foundation seepage) and attic (ventilation issues) for signs of mold that can destroy flooring and cabinets [02:00].

  • Decks: Power washing and sealing every 1–3 years is a fraction of the $4,000–$20,000 cost of a full deck replacement [02:35].

Video Transcript

• [00:00] When you’re looking to save money, it’s easy to cut corners when it comes to home maintenance, but a little fixing up around the house can actually be an important money-saving tool.

• [00:19] Jennifer Galo remembers the day the shower floor shifted under her feet. It had completely molded out underneath; the shower needed to be completely gutted and redone.

• [00:30] She learned [the bathroom vent] should be cleaned every 2 to 4 months.

• [00:50] By coughing up a few hundred early on, you can save thousands, even tens of thousands down the road.

• [01:06] Let’s take care of it now before it becomes an issue. Let’s start with the HVAC units… a yearly tune-up by a professional can help prevent a furnace blower breakdown.

• [01:19] You should also schedule an annual termite inspection. I’ve seen people who have to replace an entire wall because of termites.

• [01:29] So can a chimney fire, so have it sweeped and inspected for cracks each year.

• [01:37] Environmental inspector Robert Weitz says dryer fires are also common. Periodically the dryer vent either needs to be cleaned out or it needs to be really replaced.

• [01:44] Clean out your gutters four to six times a year to prevent significant flooding and water damage.

• [01:50] Have your roof inspected once a year. Otherwise, over a period of time, the shingles will start to curl… if you put it off too long, then water will enter the house.

• [02:00] Finally, check for mold on a regular basis. It has the potential to destroy walls, cabinets, flooring, and more.

• [02:07] Best places to check for mold are in the basement where water can seep in through the foundation… or in the attic for a lack of ventilation.

• [02:26] We would have saved thousands of dollars and weeks of headaches.

• [02:35] If you have a wooden deck, be sure to power wash and seal it every 1 to 3 years… replacing an entire deck can be pricey, we’re talking $4,000 to $20,000.