If you own a home, you have to make important decisions nearly every year regarding its upkeep and any changes or improvement. Unfortunately, some of these choices can be quite difficult, as there are many factors to consider, such as finances, changes in aesthetics, and of course your own living experience. Though there are rarely clear-cut answers when it comes to caring properly for your home, there are certain pitfalls that all homeowners should be aware of. Strive to avoid these all-too-common mistakes:

-Painting Over Anything (With Any Kind of Paint)-

If you feel that the exterior of your home is in need of a new look or is simply beginning to appear a bit shabbier than you’d like, repainting with a new color is usually not a bad idea. However, if you have brick on the outside of your home, applying anything besides brick stain can prevent the brick from breathing properly. Over time, this can cause serious structural damage.

On the inside of your home, be similarly careful if you choose to paint over wallpaper. Water-based paints can break down the glue from the paper and it can start to come away from the wall. If you don’t feel like stripping the wallpaper, opt for latex paints rather than water-based paints.

-Tossing the Bathtub-

You may never have the desire to take a bath, and if the bathtub is separate from your shower, you might feel that it takes up far too much space in the bathroom. But even if you never use it, don’t be so quick to kick a bathtub to the curb, especially if it’s the only one in the house. For prospective buyers, a bathtub is often an important, if not essential, part of the bathroom. Unless you are never going to sell your home, be wary of making changes that buyers will find disappointing.

-Overly Pricey Kitchen Remodels and Changes-

Making updates in the kitchen is often a good idea, and there is nothing wrong with switching to more efficient appliances, creating open floor plans, or installing more durable and stylish countertops or floors. But price points can differ significantly when it comes to making changes in the kitchen, and many of the more expensive options are not necessarily worth it. For example, high-gloss lacquer on cabinets may look attractive, but purchasing them comes with a high cost up front and fixing any damage done to them is also quite expensive.

-Poor Landscaping Decisions-

The upkeep and changes you make to the outside of your home are nearly as important as what goes on inside it. And with any work you do around the house, it’s necessary to be at least somewhat knowledgeable about what it is you’re trying to accomplish. With that in mind, be sure to do your research when it comes to landscaping, gardening, and yard work. After all, you don’t want to end up with a tree’s roots damaging underground pipes or the foundation because it was planted too close to the house or having a dry, unhealthy lawn because it’s being mown too short. Even if you are doing most or all of the work yourself, it’s usually a good idea to at least consult a landscaping professional or a trustworthy online source to avoid making any errors.

-Throwing Anything Down the Drain-

Even if you aren’t constantly finding yourself with clogged sinks or showers, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are treating your drains as well as you should. Few people realize, for instance, that there are certain foods that should be kept away from the garbage disposal, including rice, pasta, and other foods with high starch contents. When you do end up with backed up drains, dumping drain cleaners or bleach in to clear them up can actually cause a fair amount of damage and the eventual repair costs will certainly not be worth the trouble.