Common Home Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Owning a home in Southeast Wisconsin is incredibly rewarding — but it also comes with maintenance responsibilities, especially given our seasonal extremes. Whether it’s freezing winters, rainy springs, or humid summers, staying on top of upkeep is key to preserving your home’s value and comfort.

Here are some of the most common home maintenance mistakes we see locally — and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Roof’s Condition

With snow loads and ice dams being a concern in Wisconsin winters, small roofing issues can quickly turn serious.

Local Tip: Check your roof in early spring and late fall for missing shingles, flashing gaps, or signs of ice damage. Schedule a professional roof inspection every 2–3 years, especially after storms.

2. Neglecting Gutters and Downspouts

Autumn leaves can clog gutters fast in this region, causing ice dams and water overflow that damages foundations.

Local Tip: Clean your gutters every fall after leaf drop, and again in spring. Use gutter guards if your home is surrounded by trees — especially common in areas like Waukesha, Ozaukee, or Washington County.

3. Skipping HVAC Filter Changes

Wisconsin homes rely heavily on heating, especially from October to April. Dirty filters can strain systems and increase heating bills.

Local Tip: Change furnace filters every 1–2 months in winter. Schedule a furnace tune-up every fall to ensure efficient operation before cold weather hits.

4. Overlooking Exterior Caulking

Cold air drafts and water intrusion are common in older Southeast Wisconsin homes. Poor seals around windows and doors contribute to heat loss.

Local Tip: Re-caulk windows and doors in the fall before temperatures drop. Weatherstripping can also cut winter heating bills.

5. Forgetting to Seal Driveways and Walkways

Freeze-thaw cycles cause concrete to crack, especially with Wisconsin winters.

Local Tip: Seal concrete driveways every 2–3 years and repair cracks promptly to prevent water penetration and further damage.

6. Skipping Sump Pump Checks

Heavy spring rains and melting snow can flood basements if your sump pump fails.

Local Tip: Test your sump pump each spring, and consider a battery backup system — especially if you're in lower elevation areas or near Lake Michigan.

7. Delaying Gutter Extensions

Short downspouts cause water to collect near foundations, leading to basement leaks — a common issue in the Milwaukee metro.

Local Tip: Extend downspouts at least 4–6 feet away from the home and grade soil to slope away.

8. Failing to Trim Trees and Shrubs

Overgrowth near the house encourages pest problems and blocks sunlight in colder months.

Local Tip: Trim trees in late winter or early spring and keep bushes at least 12 inches from siding. Watch for invasive species like boxelder bugs and Asian beetles.

9. Overlooking Foundation Cracks

Freeze-thaw cycles and shifting soils can cause cracks in foundations.

Local Tip: Monitor basement walls in spring and fall. Seal small cracks early and call a foundation specialist if you see horizontal or widening cracks.

10. Not Testing Smoke and CO Detectors

Cold months mean closed windows, more indoor heating, and increased CO risks.

Local Tip: Replace batteries in all detectors every fall. Wisconsin law requires CO detectors in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages — make sure yours are up to code.

Final Thoughts

A little proactive care goes a long way — especially in our Wisconsin climate. Preventing issues before they grow saves you stress and money in the long run.

At Accent Realty, we care about your long-term home ownership journey, not just the sale. If you need recommendations for local roofers, HVAC techs, or home inspectors in Southeast Wisconsin, reach out anytime — we’re here to help!