I’ll never forget the Sunday afternoon my wife called me out to the backyard. The kids were running wild with water balloons, and I was elbows-deep in our grill's grease trap. She pointed to the corner of the house and said, “Hey... is that paint supposed to be peeling like that?”
It wasn’t.
Turns out, a tiny crack in our siding had let rainwater creep in. It went unnoticed—until it wasn’t. By the time we caught it, there was water damage under the eaves and mildew creeping into the insulation. A small repair turned into a big, expensive mess.
As a handyman and a father of four, I’ve learned this: the biggest problems in your home don’t come crashing through the front door—they sneak in through the stuff you didn’t think about.
So today, I want to walk you through 13 commonly overlooked areas of home maintenance that I’ve seen cause big-time headaches for homeowners all across San Diego.
Some of these fixes are simple. Some take a little more elbow grease. But if you tackle them before they become a problem? You’ll save thousands—and a ton of stress.
Why it matters: Over time, caulk dries out and cracks, especially with sun exposure.
The risk: Water leaks, mold, sky-high energy bills from air drafts.
Real talk: I once helped a family in La Mesa who’d been living with “mysterious” cold spots. The culprit? Gaps in their window caulking were letting in chilly air—and their heater was working overtime. A half-hour of caulking saved them hundreds on their next utility bill.
What to do: Do a visual check every season. Replace brittle or missing caulk. A $5 tube now beats a $500 repair later.
Why it matters: Clogged gutters can’t drain properly.
The risk: Water damage, roof rot, foundation cracks.
Preston’s Tip: I tell every client—gutters aren’t glamorous, but they’re your roof’s best friend. Get up there (safely) or hire someone to clean them out twice a year—spring and fall are non-negotiable.
Why it matters: Insulation regulates your home’s temperature.
The risk: Sky-high energy bills, uneven heating/cooling, pest infestations.
Dad moment: My kids used to call our upstairs the “lava zone” in summer. Turns out, our attic had patchy insulation and a few critter-chewed corners. A weekend and a few rolls of batting later? Chill as a cucumber.
Why it matters: Your sump pump is your flood insurance.
The risk: Water damage, mold, ruined flooring.
In short: If you’ve got a basement, this isn’t optional. Test your sump pump every couple of months. Pour a bucket of water into the pit—make sure it kicks on and pumps water out.
Why it matters: Leaky ducts make your system work harder.
The risk: Uneven airflow, increased energy use, allergens.
Fix it fast: If your A/C runs but the room still feels warm? Check your ductwork. We found a massive leak in one client’s crawl space—cool air was literally blowing into the dirt.
Why it matters: Creosote is a serious fire hazard.
The risk: House fires, smoke backup, carbon monoxide.
Story time: I helped a retired couple in Spring Valley whose “drafty fireplace” turned out to be a nearly blocked flue. One chimney sweep later? Safer nights and fewer headaches.
Why it matters: Small cracks = early warning signs.
The risk: Major structural repairs if ignored.
What to do: Walk your perimeter once a season. Hairline cracks are common, but anything growing or letting in water? Get it sealed and monitored.
Why it matters: Lint buildup is a leading cause of house fires.
The risk: Fire hazard, inefficient drying, busted dryer motors.
Preston’s Reminder: Just because the lint trap is clean doesn’t mean your vent is. We pull out some gnarly stuff from dryer vents—lint, pet hair, kids' socks (don’t ask). Clean it at least once a year.
Why it matters: Decks take a beating from weather and foot traffic.
The risk: Rotten boards, loose railings, injuries.
Story from the field: We replaced a splintered step after a teenager twisted her ankle coming down from a party deck. Preventive maintenance would’ve saved the embarrassment—and the urgent call.
Why it matters: Sediment builds up inside.
The risk: Less hot water, higher bills, premature failure.
Home hack: Flush your tank annually. Hook up a garden hose, drain a few gallons until the water runs clear. You’ll thank me next winter.
Why it matters: Unsealed grout absorbs water and grime.
The risk: Mold, mildew, stained tiles.
Fix it: Pick up a good grout sealer. Apply with a foam brush or small roller. It’s one of those tedious jobs that pays off big by keeping your bathroom looking sharp.
Why it matters: Your exterior is your first defense against the elements.
The risk: Water damage, wood rot, insulation breakdown.
Client story: A homeowner in North Park skipped repainting their trim for one too many seasons. We ended up replacing an entire fascia board. Repainting costs a few hundred—replacing wood? Much more.
Why it matters: It’s the heaviest moving part of your house.
The risk: Malfunctions, injuries, stuck doors.
Monthly checklist: Lubricate the tracks. Check balance (unplug the opener and lift manually—it should rise smoothly). And listen for grinding or squeaking. Those sounds tell you something’s off.
When you ignore these "small" things, they grow teeth. They start biting into your time, your wallet, and your peace of mind.
As a homeowner, your job isn’t just to fix problems. It’s to prevent them. That’s where the real savings are.
At Unstoppable Handyman, we believe that being proactive beats being reactive. Every time.
Let me leave you with a simple 3-step plan:
We help homeowners across San Diego stay ahead of repairs—before they become problems. Whether you need caulking redone, dryer vents cleared, or a full exterior tune-up, we’re ready to help.
📞 Text us at 619-815-7588 or
📋 Request an Estimate and we’ll get you squared away.
I started Unstoppable Handyman because I wanted to build something better—for my family, and for yours. Being a dad of four has taught me that the little things matter. A creaky stair today could be a trip hazard tomorrow. A leaking window today could mean mold next month.
But a few hours of maintenance? That’s peace of mind that lasts.
You don’t need to fix everything right now. Just start.
Stay steady. Stay proactive.
And if you ever feel stuck?
We’re just a call away.
Here’s to being an Unstoppable Homeowner.