Savvy property owners in London, Ontario, are learning that tackling these hidden issues early can save thousands in repair costs and maintain property value
In the world of property ownership—whether it’s your home, a rental unit, or a commercial building—there are common repairs we all know need to be addressed, like fixing leaks or repainting walls. However, there are several overlooked minor repairs that often go unnoticed until they turn into costly problems. In 2025, savvy property owners in London, Ontario, are learning that tackling these hidden issues early can save thousands in repair costs and maintain property value. Opaal Homeworks has compiled this essential property “Fix-It” checklist of the top 10 minor repairs you’re probably ignoring—along with how we can fix them before they become expensive headaches.
Small gaps around doors and windows may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can lead to significant energy loss over time. As energy costs rise in 2025, these tiny gaps are allowing warm air to escape during the winter and cool air to seep out in the summer, leading to skyrocketing utility bills.
Example: A client in London, Ontario, was shocked when sealing gaps around their windows resulted in a 15% reduction in their monthly energy bills—savings that added up to hundreds of dollars over the year.
Gutters often go unnoticed until a major storm hits and water starts pooling around your foundation or leaking into your home. Sagging or clogged gutters prevent proper drainage, leading to water damage that can affect your roof, foundation, and landscaping.
Example: In 2024, Opaal Homeworks helped a homeowner in London avoid a $10,000 foundation repair by catching and fixing sagging gutters before heavy rainfall caused flooding around the property.
Unlevel floors are a subtle but serious issue that many property owners overlook. These uneven surfaces can be a tripping hazard, especially in commercial spaces, and may indicate underlying structural problems. Even slight changes in floor leveling can damage furniture and appliances over time.
Example: A small retail business in London reached out to Opaal Homeworks after noticing uneven floors in their shop. We realigned the flooring and stabilized the underlying foundation, eliminating the risk of future structural damage and reducing liability for potential customer injuries.
Cracked or missing caulking in bathrooms and kitchens can allow moisture to seep into walls, leading to mold growth and rot. This minor issue is often ignored but can cause extensive damage behind the scenes if not addressed.
Example: A landlord in London, Ontario, had tenants complaining about musty smells in the bathroom. Upon inspection, we found cracked caulking that allowed moisture to build up behind the walls. Opaal Homeworks resealed the area, preventing further water damage and expensive mold remediation.
Doors that stick, squeak, or don’t close properly are not just annoying—they can be a sign of misalignment caused by changes in your home’s structure or worn-out hardware. Left unfixed, this can lead to damage to the door itself or the surrounding frame.
Example: One of our clients in London had a front door that stuck every time it was opened, causing damage to the door frame over time. Opaal Homeworks fixed the alignment in less than an hour, preventing the need for more costly repairs down the line.
Cracked or missing outlet covers and switch plates may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, but they pose a safety hazard, exposing wiring and increasing the risk of electric shock. This is especially dangerous in homes with children or pets, as well as in rental properties and commercial spaces.
Example: We recently helped a property manager in London, Ontario, replace old and damaged outlet covers across multiple rental units, improving safety and preventing potential liability issues for tenants.
Loose or missing tiles and grout aren’t just unsightly—they can allow water to penetrate underneath, causing mold, mildew, and rot. Over time, this moisture damage can spread to the surrounding areas, making it a much bigger and more expensive problem to fix.
Example: In 2024, Opaal Homeworks worked on a commercial kitchen in London that had missing grout in multiple areas. Our team repaired the tiles and re-grouted the entire area, ensuring that the kitchen met health and safety standards.
Loose railings, especially on stairs, decks, or balconies, are a major safety hazard. Over time, wear and tear, as well as exposure to the elements, can cause railings to loosen and fail when they are needed most.
Example: A café in London reached out to us to secure a wobbly handrail on their patio, which posed a risk to customers. Opaal Homeworks quickly reinforced the railing, preventing potential accidents and improving customer safety.
Stiff or noisy door hinges are often ignored because they seem like a minor annoyance, but they can wear out the door and the frame if left unchecked. Over time, this can cause doors to become difficult to open or close and may even lead to damage that requires costly repairs.
Example: A commercial property in downtown London had multiple office doors with squeaky, stiff hinges. Opaal Homeworks lubricated the hinges, significantly improving the functionality and reducing the wear on the door mechanisms.
Minor leaks around appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators may not seem urgent, but over time, they can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and increased utility bills.
Example: A homeowner in London, Ontario, noticed a small pool of water forming under their dishwasher but ignored it for months. By the time they contacted Opaal Homeworks, the leak had damaged the kitchen flooring. We replaced the damaged sections and repaired the dishwasher, saving them from needing a full kitchen renovation.
From sealing drafts to fixing leaky appliances, Opaal Homeworks is dedicated to addressing the minor issues that property owners often overlook—before they turn into major expenses. Our expert team is trained to spot potential problems and fix them quickly and affordably, helping you maintain the value and safety of your property.
In 2025, property owners in London, Ontario, are taking a proactive approach to maintenance, focusing on minor repairs that can save thousands in the long run. Don’t wait for small problems to become big headaches. Contact Opaal HomeWorks today to schedule an inspection or repair and keep your property in peak condition.
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