Top Money Drains On Your Home

In this “3 On Your Side” segment from CBS Philly, consumer reporter Jim Donovan and environmental expert Robert Weitz of RTK Environmental Group discuss how neglecting basic home maintenance can lead to massive financial “drains.” The video emphasizes that “spending to save” is the most effective strategy for long-term homeownership.

Video Summary

The report highlights that many homeowners skip routine cleaning and repairs due to tight budgets, but these “shortcuts” often lead to catastrophic failures and thousands of dollars in restoration costs.

• The Bathroom “Money Pit”: Homeowner Jennifer Galazo shares her experience of a shower floor collapsing due to mold [00:22]. The cause was a simple blocked fan vent that hadn’t been cleaned, leading to a full bathroom gut renovation [00:29].

• Expert Advice from RTK: Robert Weitz explains that common issues like dryer fires and mold growth are often preventable. He notes that dryer vents should be cleaned or replaced regularly, especially if they are the flexible type [01:14].

• Essential Maintenance Checklist:

  • HVAC Systems: Annual tune-ups prevent furnace blower breakdowns [00:59].

  • Chimneys: Yearly inspections for cracks and sweeping prevent house fires [01:06].

  • Gutters & Roofs: Seasonal cleaning prevents water damage, and periodic roof inspections catch curling shingles before they leak [01:21].

  • Mold Hotspots: Homeowners should regularly check basements (foundation seepage) and attics (ventilation issues) [01:41].

  • Termites & Decks: Occasional termite inspections and power washing/sealing wooden decks every 1–3 years are vital for structural preservation [02:06].

Video Transcript

• [00:03] When you’re looking to save money, it’s easy to cut corners when it comes to home maintenance, but a little bit of fixing up around the house can actually be an important money-saving tool.

• [00:22] Jennifer Galazo remembers the day the shower floor shifted under her feet. It had completely molded out underneath; the shower needed to be gutted and redone.

• [00:29] A blocked fan vent had trapped moisture in her bathroom. Little did she know it should be cleaned every 2 to 4 months.

• [00:48] When you’re on a tight budget, the mentality tends to be “why fix it if it’s not broken,” but instead it should be “let’s take care of it now before it becomes an issue.”

• [00:59] Starting with your HVAC unit… a yearly tune-up by a professional can help prevent a furnace blower breakdown.

• [01:06] To avoid a chimney fire, have your chimney swept and inspected for cracks each year.

• [01:14] 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.

• [01:21] Clean out your gutters seasonally to prevent water damage and have your roof inspected periodically too. Otherwise, over a period of time, the shingles will start to curl.

• [01:41] Finally, check for signs of mold on a regular basis. It has the potential to destroy walls, cabinets, flooring, and more.

• [01:48] 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.

• [02:06] Occasional inspections for termites are something else you may want to consider. And if you have a wood deck, be sure to power wash and seal it every 1 to 3 years.