2026 Home Maintenance Mistakes Utah Homeowners Should Avoid (And How to Fix Them)
Starting the new year with good intentions is admirable, but when it comes to home maintenance, good intentions without proper knowledge can lead to expensive disasters. As a licensed B100 General Contractor serving Salt Lake Valley and surrounding counties, we've seen our fair share of well-meaning homeowners who've turned minor issues into major headaches.
Whether you're in Sandy, Herriman, Bountiful, or anywhere across Davis, Wasatch, Summit, and Tooele counties, avoiding these common mistakes can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches in 2026.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Water and Moisture Issues
The Problem: Water damage never gets better on its own: it only gets worse, more expensive, and more destructive over time. Many Utah homeowners notice small leaks or moisture spots and think they can "deal with it later." This is one of the costliest mistakes you can make.
The Consequences: What starts as a small drip can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and foundation issues. In Utah's freeze-thaw cycles, even minor water infiltration can expand and cause significant damage to foundations and exterior walls.
The Fix:
Clean gutters immediately: Clogged gutters are the enemy. Clean them at least twice yearly and extend downspouts 6 feet away from your foundation
Check your basement and crawl spaces monthly: Look for water stains, musty odors, or visible moisture
Ensure proper grading: Soil should slope away from your house, not toward it
Address leaks within 24-48 hours: Address leaks as soon as possible—often within 24–48 hours under the right conditions, moisture can begin supporting mold growth
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: If you discover water damage, visible mold, or structural moisture issues, don't wait. Our licensed team can assess the full scope and prevent minor water issues from becoming major reconstruction projects.
Mistake #2: Skipping Professional HVAC Maintenance
The Problem: Utah homeowners often skip annual furnace maintenance, thinking their system is "running fine." This is especially dangerous given our extreme temperature swings and heavy winter heating demands.
The Consequences: Furnaces that aren't professionally maintained are more likely to fail during peak winter months when emergency service calls cost 2-3 times more than scheduled maintenance. Carbon monoxide risks also increase with dirty, poorly maintained systems.
The Fix:
Schedule professional HVAC maintenance before heating season begins (September/October)
Change filters every 1-3 months depending on usage
Keep vents clear of furniture and debris
Check your thermostat batteries annually
Ensure outdoor units have proper clearance
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: We coordinate routine HVAC maintenance with licensed HVAC professionals. They can handle routine HVAC maintenance and identify potential problems before they become expensive emergency repairs.
Mistake #3: DIY Projects That Require Professional Expertise
The Problem: YouTube makes everything look easy, but certain home repairs require professional licensing for safety and legal compliance. This is especially important in Utah where building codes are strict and inspections are thorough.
The Consequences: Improperly completed electrical, plumbing, or structural work can fail home inspections, create safety hazards, and void insurance coverage. Some DIY mistakes can even make your home uninsurable.
The Fix:
Research permit requirements before starting any project
Know your skill limits: electrical and major plumbing work should always be professional
Use licensed contractors for structural changes
Keep documentation of all professional work completed
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: As a licensed B100 General Contractor, we manage everything from minor repairs to major remodels, coordinating licensed trades as required. If you're unsure whether your project needs professional expertise, give us a call for a consultation.
Mistake #4: Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
The Problem: Not all cleaning products are created equal, and some can cause permanent damage to your home's surfaces and systems.
The Consequences: Chemical drain cleaners can eat through older pipes, magic erasers can remove finishes from surfaces, and aggressive cleaners can damage natural stone and hardwood.
The Fix:
Use liquid drain cleaners sparingly, especially on older or PVC pipes
Never use magic erasers on stone surfaces, stainless steel, hardwoods, or screens since they are incredibly abrasive
Read labels carefully and test products in inconspicuous areas first
Consider professional-grade products for tough jobs
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: If you've accidentally damaged surfaces with cleaning products, our team can assess and repair the damage before it gets worse.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Utah's Unique Climate Challenges
The Problem: Utah's dry climate, intense UV exposure, and dramatic temperature swings create specific maintenance challenges that many homeowners don't anticipate.
The Consequences: Materials dry out and crack faster, irrigation systems fail more frequently, and exterior surfaces deteriorate more rapidly than in other climates.
The Fix:
Seal exterior wood as recommended by the manufacturer, often every 1–3 years depending on exposure
Check irrigation systems monthly during growing season
Use UV-resistant materials for exterior projects
Plan for thermal expansion in concrete and metal installations
Choose drought-resistant landscaping appropriate for your specific county's elevation and microclimate
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: Our team understands Utah's unique climate challenges. We can recommend appropriate materials and maintenance schedules for your specific location across Salt Lake Valley and surrounding counties.
Mistake #6: Putting Off Safety Issues
The Problem: Loose handrails, wobbly steps, missing GFCI outlets, and other safety issues often get pushed to the "someday" list. This is particularly dangerous in Utah where snow and ice create additional slip hazards.
The Consequences: Safety issues can cause injuries, fail home inspections, and create liability problems. They also tend to worsen rapidly once they start.
The Fix:
Test GFCI outlets monthly: they should trip and reset properly
Tighten loose handrails and repair wobbly steps immediately
Install outlet gaskets on exterior walls to prevent drafts
Ensure adequate lighting on all stairs and walkways
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: Don't gamble with safety. We coordinate licensed electricians and experienced repair specialists who can quickly address safety issues before they become dangerous.
Mistake #7: Choosing Contractors Based on Price Alone
The Problem: Utah's booming construction market attracts both excellent contractors and fly-by-night operators. Choosing based solely on the lowest bid often leads to poor quality work.
The Consequences: Cheap contractors may use substandard materials, skip proper permits, fail to complete work, or honor warranties. The cost to fix poor workmanship often exceeds what you would have paid for quality work initially.
The Fix:
Verify licensing and insurance before hiring anyone
Check references from recent jobs
Get detailed written estimates comparing materials and scope
Ensure proper permits are obtained when required
Never pay large amounts upfront
When to Call Your Handyman Pros: As a licensed B100 General Contractor with established local reputation, we provide transparent pricing, proper permits, and quality workmanship backed by insurance and licensing. Read our guide on Utah handyman red flags to know what to watch for.
Your 2026 Priority Action Plan
January-March: Address any moisture issues, schedule HVAC maintenance, and tackle safety repairs
April-June: Focus on exterior maintenance, irrigation system checks, and deck/patio preparation
July-September: Complete major projects while weather is favorable, prepare for heating season
October-December: Winterize outdoor systems, complete indoor projects, prepare for next year
The Bottom Line
Avoiding these common mistakes isn't just about saving money: it's about protecting your investment and keeping your family safe. Utah's unique climate and building requirements mean that generic advice often doesn't apply here. That's where local expertise makes the difference.
Your Handyman Pros serves homeowners and landlords across Salt Lake, Davis, Wasatch, Summit, and Tooele counties with the local knowledge and professional licensing needed to do the job right the first time. Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or major remodeling, our our B100 General Contractor license allows us to properly manage permitted projects and coordinate licensed trades to meet Utah’s standards.
Don't let 2026 become the year of expensive home maintenance surprises. Contact us today for a consultation, and let's keep your home in top condition all year long.
