Pennywise and Pound Foolish
© 2003 Jeffrey C. May, J. May Home Inspections, Inc.

Homeowners too often take the short view, making decisions that save money now but are costly later on. For example:

• Choosing a home inspector who is less than experienced. He notices the missing step on the porch and the cracked window, but he misses the fact that both the boiler and the roof need replacing. Savings: $200. Potential cost: $15,000.
• Deferring having gutters and downspouts cleaned for three years. Then the paint peels off the exterior of the north-facing wall, and half the house needs to be repainted. Savings: $300. Potential cost: $10,000.
• Figuring that the roof on the dormer can wait one more year before being repaired. A leak develops into the wall cavity of the master bathroom on the second floor. The wall behind the sink has to be replaced, leading to plumbing work as well. Savings: $2,000. Potential cost: $8,000.
• Ignoring the pile-up of dirt on the bottom of the wooden fence at the perimeter of the property. Termites move in. Savings: a weekend of light shoveling. Potential costs: $1,000 for a termite treatment, and $2,500 for a new fence.

Beware! A little sensible prevention and solid maintenance practices will help you protect your investment.

Jeffrey May (M.A. organic chemistry, Harvard University) is founder and principal of J. May Home Inspections, Inc. located in Cambridge, MA.