5 Overlooked Exterior Repairs That Could Cost You Big Later

30 June 2025

5 Overlooked Exterior Repairs That Cost Homeowners Big Money

5 Overlooked Exterior Repairs That Could Cost You Big Later

Are You Ignoring These Exterior Repairs? It Could Cost You More Than You Think.

Imagine this: it's the middle of winter, and your heating bill just doubled. Or you’re about to sell your home, and a home inspector flags “critical siding damage” from years ago. These issues often start small—but when overlooked, they become costly problems that catch homeowners off guard.

As a trusted home remodeling and repair team serving River Falls and Hudson, WI, the Do It All Handyman crew has seen it all. From hidden deck damage to rotting siding, we’re breaking down the top 5 exterior repairs most homeowners ignore—and why you shouldn't.

1. Rotted Siding, Fascia, and Soffits

What’s the issue?
These components are your home's first line of defense against the elements. Over time, water, snow, and pests can break them down. The problem? It doesn’t always look obvious until it’s too late.

Why it matters:
Rotting fascia or soffits can allow moisture into your attic, mess with ventilation, and even attract animals. Replacing these areas early is much more affordable than dealing with mold remediation or full roof damage.

How to spot it:

Peeling paint or discoloration
Soft wood when pressed
Sagging panels or watermarks around edges

🔨 Do It All Handyman specializes in precise removal and replacement with materials that match your home’s look and improve future durability.

2. Decks Built Before Current Code

The problem?
Many older decks weren’t built with today’s codes—or with long-term weather in mind. That means they might be unstable or unsafe, especially under heavy use.

Cost of ignoring it:
In Wisconsin’s climate, unreinforced decks can suffer structural weakening from the freeze-thaw cycle. We've rebuilt stairs and platforms that collapsed simply from years of unchecked erosion and rot.

Quick Fix vs. Permanent Solution:
Rather than patching again and again, we reinforce decks with pressure-treated framing, upgrade footings, and seal for long-term weather resistance.

3. Erosion Damage on Slopes and Riverfront Properties

Unique to River Falls and the St. Croix River area:
If your home sits on a bluff or riverbank, soil erosion is a real concern. Rain, snowmelt, and unstable ground can undermine stairs, landings, or patios.

Don’t overlook:

Tilted footings or posts
Cracking in concrete or steps
Standing water near the base of stairs or decks

🧱 Our team installs hillside access paths, secure platforms, and foundations that resist seasonal shifts and erosion damage.

4. Exposed Railings and Platforms

They take the most abuse.
Rain, sun, snow, and wind beat down on your outdoor railings and platforms all year round. Over time, they weaken—and that creates a serious safety hazard.

Why it matters for resale or rental:
Loose or damaged railings are often flagged in home inspections and can instantly reduce a home’s appeal (and value).

We recommend:

Annual inspections before winter
Using weather-rated fasteners and sealants
Replacing worn-out railings with composite or treated materials

5. Gutters and Water Runoff Mismanagement

Most skipped repair:
Homeowners rarely check whether their gutters are pushing water away far enough. If not, it can erode soil, rot siding, or flood basement foundations.

Symptoms of bad drainage:

Puddles near your foundation
Water stains on lower siding
Ice dams forming at the roof edge

👷‍♂️ We repair, redirect, and extend gutter lines, and even install French drains to protect your foundation from damage.

✅ Summary: A Little Exterior Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Too often, it’s the overlooked repairs that come back with the biggest price tags. Whether you own a home near the river, on a bluff, or just want your exterior to last through another Wisconsin winter—we’ve got your back.