Rafter’s Top Home Maintenance Insights for Westchester Homes in 2024
Nov 7, 2024

Avoid common pitfalls and keep your home running smoothly.
Dear homeowner,
As we reflect on our first year of operations, we want to share some of the most common themes and issues we’ve seen across our members’ homes. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or have just settled into your new place, staying on top of these key areas can help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your home runs smoothly. Remember, you’re not alone in facing these challenges—many homeowners experience them.
[Insert a welcoming image of a Westchester home or a family enjoying their home]
Without further ado, here are Rafter’s top issues found in Westchester homes in 2024:
Humid Basements
Improper Grading Around the Foundation
Pests
Dirty Air Filters
Expired or Missing Fire Extinguishers
Sump Pump Issues
Clogged Dryer Vents
Vegetation Encroaching on the Home
Issue deep dives
1. Humid basements
The Issue:
Westchester’s climate, combined with inadequate basement insulation or waterproofing, often leads to high humidity levels (above 50%). This can result in mold growth, damaged belongings, and even structural issues over time.
Why It Matters:
Unchecked humidity affects your home’s air quality and can impact your health. Mold spores and damp conditions are breeding grounds for allergens.
Solution:
Invest in a dehumidifier, ensure proper basement sealing, and maintain good ventilation. Rafter offers assessments to pinpoint moisture sources and suggest targeted solutions.
What We Saw:
One member’s basement had humidity readings nearing 70%. We recommended installing a dehumidifier with a drain hose and a sensor to monitor humidity levels. The member saw an immediate reduction in humidity and reported much better air quality in their basement!
2. Improper grading
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The Issue:
If your property isn’t graded properly, water might not flow away from your home, leading to pooling near the foundation and potential leaks or structural damage.
Why It Matters:
Foundation damage is one of the most expensive repairs homeowners can face. Addressing grading issues early can prevent future water-related disasters.
Solution:
Check the slope around your home; ideally, the land should slope away from your house. For complex issues, consider professional regrading or landscape changes.
What We Saw:
We noticed evidence of water intrusion in a member’s garage. An exterior assessment revealed that the grading was sloping toward the home. We worked with the homeowner on a small regrading project, and the issue dramatically improved!
3. Pests
[Insert an image of common household pests like mice or ants near a home]
The Issue:
Westchester homeowners frequently face pests like mice, ants, and termites, especially in homes with overgrown vegetation or hidden entry points.
Why It Matters:
Pests can damage electrical wiring, wooden structures, and pose health risks. Even a minor infestation can escalate quickly.
Solution:
Seal all entry points, trim vegetation around the home, and schedule regular pest inspections. Rafter offers routine check-ups to identify vulnerabilities before pests become a problem.
What We Saw:
A Chappaqua member faced a growing mice problem, with pests moving from the attic and basement into living areas. A local pest company quoted nearly $2,000 for exterior patching and a costly monthly contract. Concerned, the member turned to their Rafter Home Advisor. From previous maintenance visits, we knew mice were already inside the walls, so sealing only the exterior wouldn’t solve the issue. We recommended a targeted approach to address both the interior and exterior, offering Rafter support at member-only rates. We solved their pest issue in one week instead of several and saved them over $1,000 by avoiding unnecessary charges.
4. Dirty air filters
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The issue:
Neglecting air filters in HVAC systems can result in poor air quality, increased energy bills, and strain on your system.
Why It Matters:
Clean air filters keep your home’s air quality safe and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system, saving you from potential costly repairs down the line.
Solution:
Set a schedule to replace air filters every three months or as recommended by your system’s manufacturer. Rafter members receive reminders and assistance in keeping up with this vital task.
What We Saw:
Several of our members admitted to never having changed their air filters—or even knowing where they were located.
5. Expired or missing fire extinguishers
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The Issue:
Many homeowners don’t realize their fire extinguisher is expired or missing until it’s too late. Worse, some homes don’t have any fire extinguishers at all.
Why It Matters:
A fire extinguisher is a first line of defense in a home emergency. Having a properly charged extinguisher in key areas like the kitchen, garage, and basement can prevent a small fire from becoming catastrophic.
Solution:
Ensure you have up-to-date extinguishers in your home. Regular checks by the Rafter team can give you peace of mind that your home is prepared for emergencies.
What We Saw:
Fire extinguishers are often placed in the back of a cabinet and (thankfully) never used. During one of our safety checks, we found a fire extinguisher that expired in the 1980s, which we promptly replaced for our member!
6. Sump pump issues
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The Issue:
Sump pumps are essential for homes with basements, particularly in areas prone to heavy rain or flooding. However, many homeowners neglect to test or maintain their sump pump regularly.
Why It Matters:
A malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding, causing significant water damage, mold growth, and expensive repairs.
Solution:
Test your sump pump at least once a year, especially before the rainy season. Ensure it’s connected to a backup power source in case of outages. Rafter can provide sump pump checks as part of your regular home maintenance.
What We Saw:
This one hits close to home, affecting our co-founder Anil. Last year, his sump pump failed, the boiler flooded, and they had no heat or hot water in the middle of January—not a great situation with two small kids! Thankfully, they got the sump pump working and reset the boiler, but it was a valuable lesson to install a backup pump to prevent future issues.
7. Clogged dryer vents
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The Issue:
Over time, lint builds up in dryer vents, drastically reducing efficiency and increasing the risk of a house fire.
Why It Matters:
Thousands of house fires every year are attributed to clogged dryer vents. This small, often overlooked maintenance task can have huge consequences.
Solution:
Schedule annual dryer vent cleaning, especially if your dryer sees heavy use. Rafter includes this as part of our preventive maintenance services.
What We Saw:
We discovered dryer vents in some homes were clogged with lint, posing significant fire hazards.
8. Vegetation encroaching on the home
[Insert an image of overgrown trees or vines touching a house]
The Issue:
Overhanging branches, vines, or shrubs too close to the home can damage roofs, siding, and create easy access for pests.
Why It Matters:
Damage from vegetation can lead to roof leaks, clogged gutters, and pest infestations. Extra shade can also encourage mold and moss growth on your roof.
Solution:
Regularly trim vegetation and assess tree health to prevent fallen limbs or root damage. Rafter can help identify trees or shrubs that may pose a risk to your home.
What We Saw:
We observed homes where vegetation was encroaching on roofs and siding, increasing the risk of damage and pest entry.
Our "silver bullet" - the 15 min home walkthrough
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While there’s no single solution to guarantee a problem-free home, situational awareness goes a long way in preventing many of these issues. Most problems don’t arise overnight, so one of the best habits you can adopt is conducting a simple 15-minute walkthrough in and around your home each quarter.
At Rafter, our members benefit from professional walkthroughs during every visit, but one of our core values is empowering homeowners to take better care of their homes. That’s why we want to teach you how to perform your own quick and effective home walkthrough.
How to conduct your own home walkthrough
1. Start with the exterior
[Insert an image of a homeowner inspecting the exterior of their house]
Check Grading and Drainage: Ensure water flows away from your foundation. Look for low spots or pooling water after rain.
Inspect Vegetation and Trees: Trim back any overhanging branches or vegetation touching your home.
Look for Pests: Examine the perimeter for signs of pests—rodent droppings, nests, or holes. Check around doors, windows, and vents for entry points.
Examine Dryer Vents: Ensure the dryer vent is free of lint buildup or debris.
2. Inspect the basement
[Insert an image of a homeowner checking a sump pump or inspecting basement walls]
Check for Humidity: Look for excess moisture signs, such as condensation or damp walls. A musty smell or visible mold indicates you may need better ventilation or a dehumidifier.
Test the Sump Pump: If you have one, pour a small amount of water into the pit to ensure it’s working properly.
Look for Foundation Issues: Check walls for cracks, leaks, or water stains.
3. Check the attic
[Insert an image of a homeowner inspecting the attic insulation or ventilation]
Inspect Insulation and Ventilation: Ensure insulation is intact and ventilation is adequate.
Look for Signs of Pests: Search for nests, droppings, or gnaw marks.
Check for Roof Leaks: Look for water stains or soft spots on the ceiling and walls.
4. Finish with the interior
[Insert an image of a homeowner testing a smoke detector or checking an air filter]
Check Fire Extinguishers: Ensure you have extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and garage, and confirm they’re fully charged and not expired.
Inspect Air Filters: Check your HVAC system’s air filter and replace it if it’s dirty or hasn’t been replaced in the last three months.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Press the test button and replace batteries if needed.
Empower Your Homeownership with Rafter
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At Rafter, we’re more than just a maintenance service—we’re your partner in homeownership. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to keep your home safe, efficient, and comfortable.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us today to learn how we can help you maintain your home and prevent these common issues.
Contact Us:
Email: support@rafter.com
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Website: www.rafter.com
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