I've fallen behind on some essential home repairs in my 30-year-old suburban house, and I'm feeling overwhelmed figuring out what needs to be tackled first. Here's what I have on my list:
1. The house really needs a fresh coat of paint.
2. A lot of the fascia and trim are damaged and might need replacing.
3. Almost all the windows need to be replaced.
4. The garage door is also in rough shape; I think the previous owner had an accident with it.
5. The gutters aren't sloped correctly, causing water to pool and potentially damage the fascia.
6. Given the condition of the trim around the windows, I may find water damage when I inspect them.
I'm considering a mix of DIY and hiring professionals for some tasks, but I'm not sure how to manage the order of these projects. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
I’d recommend starting with the gutters since they’re causing issues with the fascia and other areas of your home. After that, tackle the fascia and trim, even though it might take some time. Painting can happen next, just take it slow—10 hours a week is totally fine. For the windows, maybe replace them as you budget for it. And if the garage door still works fine, you can leave it for last, but if it’s not functioning, prioritize it before the fascia replacement. Remember, you can get a lot done if you dedicate a few hours each week!
Before you spend on gutters, definitely get your roof assessed. If it’s in good shape, then go for the gutters. Just a heads up, some projects might need building permits, especially in the US, so check those before you start. You might consider doing the work that doesn't need permits first while waiting on those. This could help streamline your whole process!
Start with the projects that could lead to more damage if left undone. So, definitely prioritize those gutters and fascia first to avoid any water damage. If you're not in a rainy area, you can take your time replacing the trim and gutters over the summer. You can also caulk your windows to prevent leaks for now, fixing them one-by-one as you go along until you can afford full replacements.
Good advice.