1. Don’t Alter Finished Grades
Before modifying the grade of your yard in Las Vegas consult with a licensed landscape designer. If you don’t, it may result in water damage. Many homeowners take on these projects themselves, then months later when monsoon season hits, they are in for a big surprise when they find water has seeped in through the backdoor. During monsoon season, the hard clay ground can’t absorb the rain from our beautiful summer thunderstorms. The lot is sloped so that water flows away from the house.
2. Don’t Forget to Use Bathroom and Laundry Vent Fans
Though we live in a hot, dry climate, you need to use the vents. Many bathrooms and laundry rooms don’t have windows to help vent the humidity out. So it’s important to use the vent fan if there is one installed. I promise you the builder didn’t add it as a retro decorative feature, but rather as a requirement to help prevent water vapor from getting into the outlets and walls.
3. Don’t Walk on the Roof
First off, we all know walking on the roof is dangerous, so that should be enough of a deterrent. But just in case it isn’t, maybe the cost of replacing broken roof tiles or an expensive roof leak will be. It’s also important to know that many home warranties won’t cover damage done from an unauthorized individual walking on the roof…meaning you!
4. Don’t Overload Upper Kitchen Cabinets
Upper cabinets are screwed into the studs with brackets, but there is nothing underneath to support them. Keep in mind how much the cabinet itself weighs, then how much it will weigh when you add glass and ceramic dishes. That is what it is designed for, but it’s important not to overload it. This also includes being careful when putting potted plants, vases, and another décor on top of the cabinet. If the cabinet is overloaded, it could result in the shelves sagging, or the cabinet detaching from the wall altogether.
5. Don’t Use the Attic as Storage Space
Many homeowners want to store their boxes of decorations and memorabilia in the attic, but it’s not a good idea. Quite often homeowners don’t realize the kind of damage that can be done to the roof structure when the attic is used as a storage space. The trusses are designed to support the ceiling and roof, but not much more than that. If the attic is used for storage, it could result in the ceiling sagging or even collapsing. The same thing goes for adding pull-down stairs. If you must use it as storage, consult with a professional before doing anything.
Your home is most likely the most expensive investment in your life, so it’s important to know what to do to protect your largest asset. And sometimes more importantly, what not to do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the builder if it’s new construction, or tradesmen if it’s not. And always get work done by licensed tradesmen and remember to obtain permits when necessary.