10 common household maintenance mistakes that cost a lot of money (and how to avoid them)
- Tech-Way

- Dec 5, 2025
- 5 min read

In Luxembourg, where the seasons change abruptly and domestic comfort is a priority, home maintenance is more than just a ritual—it's a real investment. Yet, all too often, we postpone, forget, or neglect certain maintenance tasks… until a hefty bill brings us back to reality.
At TECH-WAY, we see the avoidable consequences of these mistakes every day. That's why we've listed the 10 most common and costly household cleaning errors, along with simple tips to avoid them. Ready? Get ready, some of them might surprise you!
Ignoring small water leaks
A small drop here, a suspicious puddle there… it doesn't seem like a big deal. But in reality, even minor water leaks can cause your bill to skyrocket and lead to invisible structural damage.
In a typical Luxembourg home, a continuous leak of just a few drops can waste up to 20,000 liters of water per year! And that's not all: the moisture seeps into the walls, weakens the foundations, creates mold, and deteriorates air quality. Not to mention the repairs, which quickly become complex (and therefore expensive).
How can this mistake be avoided?
Regularly inspect sinks, visible pipes and faucet seals.
Contact TECH-WAY as soon as a leak is suspected.
Install smart leak detectors to prevent emergencies.
Early intervention is always cheaper than a complete renovation due to mold.
Neglecting boiler maintenance
Your boiler is like the heart of your home—if it breaks down in the middle of winter, stress is guaranteed. Many Luxembourg households wait for a problem to arise before taking action. The result? Urgent repairs, high costs, and sometimes even a complete replacement of the unit.
A poorly maintained boiler also consumes more energy, which inflates your heating bills. Not to mention the risk of carbon monoxide leaks, a silent but deadly danger.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Schedule a mandatory annual maintenance check, especially before winter.
Have the drain pipes, pressure, and any leaks checked.
Contact TECH-WAY for a complete diagnosis and certified maintenance.
A maintenance contract will always cost you less than a complete system replacement.
Forgetting to clean the gutters
Dead leaves, moss, and mud slowly accumulate in your gutters. You don't see them, so you forget about them. Yet, clogged gutters can cause water to seep into your walls, ceilings, and even foundations. The result? Thousands of euros in potential repairs.
At TECH-WAY, we often intervene after the damage is done: blistering paint, sagging ceiling, moisture infiltration in the attic…
How can this mistake be avoided?
Clean your gutters at least twice a year (autumn and spring).
Install leaf guards to limit accumulation.
Contact TECH-WAY for a safe and professional inspection or cleaning.
Do not change the ventilation filters
The ventilation system is your inner lung. If the filters are clogged, the air becomes heavy, dusty, and can trigger allergies, headaches, or even respiratory problems.
But that's not all: a dirty filter forces your system to work harder, which reduces its lifespan and increases your energy bills.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Change the filters every 3 to 6 months (depending on usage).
Use HEPA quality filters if possible.
TECH-WAY can establish a customized maintenance plan according to your needs.
A simple €20 filter can save you hundreds of euros in repairs.
Postpone electrical repairs
A buzzing light switch? A hot electrical outlet? We tend to ignore these small signs. Big mistake. Faulty wiring can cause a short circuit, or even a house fire.
In Luxembourg, electrical safety standards are strict, and for good reason. TECH-WAY often intervenes after a power surge or general outage caused by a small, overlooked detail.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Never attempt to modify the electrical network yourself.
Have the installations checked at least every 5 years.
Call TECH-WAY as soon as any abnormal behavior is detected (flickering light, suspicious smell, etc.).
Painting without preparing the surfaces
You've decided to repaint a room yourself? Great! But have you taken the time to clean, sand, degrease, and apply a primer? If not, the paint may blister, peel, or not adhere properly, ruining your work and doubling your costs.
A poorly prepared wall is like a cake without yeast: the result is disappointing, even with the best ingredients.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Prepare each surface thoroughly (cleaning, filling, sanding).
Apply an undercoat suitable for each type of wall.
Entrust the work to a TECH-WAY professional for a lasting and clean result.
Ignoring cracks in walls or foundations
A fine crack in a wall may seem harmless. But some cracks are a sign of ground movement, foundation problems, or structural dampness. And these problems cost a fortune to repair if left untreated for too long.
A simple check can save you from having to redo a facade or, worse, reinforce weakened foundations.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Monitor the evolution of the cracks (size, shape, direction).
Photograph them regularly to compare.
Request a structural inspection by TECH-WAY if you have any doubts.
Using the wrong cleaning products
We think we're doing the right thing with "multi-purpose" products, but in reality, some overly aggressive detergents can irreparably damage your surfaces: tiles, wood, stainless steel, natural stone…
For example, using bleach on marble can cause permanent discoloration. Alternatively, some products leave residues that damage appliances or attract dust more quickly.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Always read product labels.
Use natural or specific products depending on the surface.
TECH-WAY offers ecological and professional cleaning services, adapted to each material.
Your home deserves better than cheap chemicals.
Install it yourself without technical knowledge
DIY is great… except when it goes wrong. More and more people are trying to install a sink, a light fixture, or even a partition wall themselves. The result? Leaks, short circuits, or worse: a project that has to be redone from scratch.
Mistakes are doubly costly: not only do you have to repair them, but you also have to fix the damage caused. At TECH-WAY, we regularly receive calls after a DIY project goes wrong.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Assess your skills honestly.
Never touch electrical or gas installations if you are not certified.
Call on a qualified TECH-WAY craftsman for clean, guaranteed work that complies with Luxembourg standards.
A good handyman also knows when it's best to delegate.
Not following a regular maintenance schedule
Perhaps the most common mistake is not having a maintenance routine. People forget to check the roof, test the fire alarm, bleed the radiators, or check the humidity in the basement.
And as is often the case, what we ignore... ends up costing us dearly. A lack of maintenance leads to unexpected breakdowns, unseen damage, or a general decline in your home's performance.
How can this mistake be avoided?
Create a monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance schedule.
Use reminders (app, paper calendar, etc.).
Let TECH-WAY support you with a comprehensive maintenance contract, so you don't forget anything.
A small, regular check-up is better than a big, unexpected repair.
Avoid costly mistakes and protect your home intelligently.
Maintaining a house in good condition isn't just about aesthetics; it's a real economic and safety issue. Maintenance mistakes, often seemingly minor at first, quickly turn into financial nightmares if they aren't corrected in time.
The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid, provided you're proactive and well-informed. And above all, know when to call in the professionals.
At TECH-WAY, we're here to help you with the smart and sustainable maintenance of your home, anywhere in Luxembourg. A call today could save you thousands of euros tomorrow.




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