5-Minute Home Check That Could Save You Thousands

About a month ago, just as we were packing to head out of town bright and early the following morning…

My kids opened the door of garage and a bat flew right into our house. 

I hate bats! They terrify me!!

My kids started to freak out…my husband was out in the garage trying to find something to capture it with, and I hopped on a call with my favorite bat guy - Corey Meier.

Corey told me to not freak out. Open all the doors around and let the bat relax - he told me the bat was freaking out also…

 

He said his radar were bouncing all over the walls and that if we just let it be - it would settle and feel the draft of the open air and would fly out. 

I'm happy to report that after 30 minutes he finally did…whew

This got me thinking…

 

We find so many homes with brown house bats accessing their attic spaces like they were a 5 star hotel!

And the causes are - small entry points in your siding, roof, soffits and any gaps... 

I have seen bat mitigation and prevention cost anywhere from $2,500-35,000.

Yes, I said $35,000!!

I wanted to share this story, because I truly think it is worth your time to walk around and evaluate potential access points.

And, with the weather shifting in the Cedar Valley, now is the perfect time for a quick five-minute walk around your home that could save you thousands of dollars—and a whole lot of headaches later.

A few small exterior checks right now (not just for bats) can prevent major damage, leaks, and structural issues down the road. Here's a simple checklist I recommend:

1. Roof & Gutters
• Look for missing or curled shingles.
• Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and draining away from the foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to foundation cracks or water in the basement.

2. Siding & Foundation
• Check for cracks, gaps, or warping in siding.
• Walk the foundation—any separation, crumbling, or moisture spots? Early fixes are always easier and cheaper.

3. Windows & Doors
• Feel around the edges—any drafts or moisture?
• Resealing or caulking now can dramatically cut winter heating costs.

4. Downspouts & Drainage
• Ensure downspouts extend at least 4–6 feet from the home.
• Soft, sinking ground near the foundation after rain? That's a red flag.

5. Trees & Landscaping
• Trim branches hanging over your roof or power lines.
• Check if soil is pulling away from the foundation—it means settling or shifting, often caused by rain + freeze cycles.
Why This Matters

I've seen a $20 tube of caulk prevent a $5,000 water intrusion repair. A clean gutter = a dry basement. Catching things early is the difference between peace of mind and emergency service calls at 2 a.m.

If you'd like a trusted roofer, gutter cleaner, foundation specialist, or handyman—we have amazing local partners and I'm happy to connect you.

Stay warm, stay dry, and know I'm always just a text away if you need anything home-related.

Grateful for you, and always honored to be obsessively working for you! 

Amy & Team

 

P.S. - And don't forget to unhook your hose from your house (if you haven't already) - we recently had a home's closing delayed because of the hose bib froze and cracked the water line.