7/31/2015 | Author: Ward Lowe
I’m not sure who’s more to blame: me or the woodpecker.
About a year ago, I heard a knocking noise coming from a bedroom in my house. I discovered that it wasn’t coming from the room, but outside it—a woodpecker was having quite a time on a trim board near the roof.
I poked my head out the window and saw that the bird had made a small hole in a rotting section of the board. I should fix that soon, I thought.
I should’ve fixed that sooner
Fast-forward to this week. I noticed that the siding below the woodpecker’s handiwork is showing signs of rot in several places and there are now two large holes instead of a small one.
Not only has the woodpecker been back, it appears that his holes allowed water to make its way behind the siding.
Penny wise, pound foolish
The original trim replacement, which I should’ve done months ago, is a perfect example of the maintenance that you need to perform regularly as a homeowner—or eventually face more expensive, involved repairs.
And what if you decide to sell? Unless you’ve kept up with the maintenance on your home, you’ll suddenly be faced with a long list of projects you’ll need to complete to get your home in its best condition. Otherwise, you might need to reduce your asking price.
I’d like to blame the large bill for next week’s siding and trim replacement on avian vandalism, but I think I’m as culpable as the woodpecker.
