Shawn Mayers, a new construction superintendent based in Kinston, North Carolina, has published an open letter addressing common home maintenance challenges that often escalate into costly repairs. Drawing from decades of experience in residential construction, Mayers emphasizes that most home problems originate from small issues that were rushed, skipped, or ignored during initial construction or subsequent maintenance.
Industry data cited in the letter reveals that over 70 percent of residential repair costs stem from deferred maintenance or poor original installation. Water intrusion alone accounts for more than 20 percent of homeowner insurance claims annually. "Construction teaches you fast. If you cut corners, the work tells on you later," Mayers writes, noting this principle applies not just to builders but to how homeowners maintain their spaces.
The construction industry estimates that rework costs homeowners and builders between 5 and 15 percent more over a home's lifespan, representing money spent correcting issues that could have been addressed earlier. Water damage repair costs can double if left untreated for more than six months, while structural movement beginning as hairline cracks can develop into major repairs within a few years. "Fast work that needs fixing isn't fast. It just moves the problem down the line," Mayers observes about common patterns like poor drainage, rushed repairs, and layered quick fixes.
Mayers challenges the common assumption that fixing home problems requires purchasing products or tools, stating instead that preparation and understanding are more critical. "People don't need speeches. They need clear direction and follow-through," he writes, emphasizing that homes respond well to attention but poorly to guessing. The superintendent offers ten practical actions homeowners can implement immediately, including walking the property after heavy rain to observe water flow, checking under sinks for moisture, examining exterior grading, cleaning gutters, and fixing one small issue completely rather than applying temporary patches.
The letter concludes with a challenge for homeowners to select one action from the provided list and commit to it for seven days, then share the message with others who postpone home maintenance. "Later gets expensive," Mayers warns, framing home maintenance as responsibility rather than perfection. Additional information about construction standards and maintenance practices can be found at 24-7 Press Release, though the superintendent emphasizes that the core message involves changing homeowner mindset rather than seeking technical solutions.
