Aging Homes, Rising Costs: What Arizona Homeowners Should Do Now
- Trish Beals
- Sep 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Across the U.S., maintenance backlogs are growing. In Arizona—where heat, monsoon moisture, and desert dust accelerate wear—small problems can snowball fast. Here’s a focused plan to protect your home (and budget) this fall.
Why this matters right now
Many U.S. homes are decades old, and the cost of catching up on repairs is rising. In our climate, sun, thermal expansion, and wind‑driven rain compound wear on roofs, stucco, sealants, and mechanical systems. The takeaway: a proactive inspection plan saves money by finding issues early—before they become life‑safety hazards or big repair bills.
Start with systems that fail silently
Hidden failures are the most expensive because you discover them late. Prioritize:
Roof & drainage: Look for cracked tiles/shingles, failed underlayment edges, and debris in valleys. Ensure gutters, downspouts, and splash blocks push water away from the slab.
Building envelope: Re‑seal stucco cracks, window weep holes, and utility penetrations; replace UV‑brittled sealants around windows and doors.
Plumbing: Inspect supply line connections, angle stops, and water heater TPR discharge; consider a whole‑home leak sensor with automatic shutoff.
Electrical: Check panel labeling, AFCI/GFCI protection, and aluminum branch circuits; test exterior receptacle covers and bonding at gas/water lines.
HVAC: Verify proper refrigerant line insulation, clear condensate drains, and attic duct integrity; replace filters and clean coils.
Arizona‑specific watchlist for fall
Monsoon aftermath: Inspect for wind‑lifted roof edges, flashing gaps, and attic moisture. Look for staining at eaves and sheathing.
Sun‑damaged sealants: South‑ and west‑facing penetrations (outdoor faucets, conduit, satellite mounts) degrade faster—re‑seal now.
Soil heave & slabs: Confirm positive grading and working downspouts to keep water away from the foundation.
Flat roofs: Check ponding, blisters, and parapet cap cracks; clear drains/scuppers before winter rains.
Pest entries: Seal attic and stucco weeps; screen vents; store firewood away from the house.
Budgeting: tackle high‑ROI repairs first
If budget is tight, sequence work by risk and return:
Life‑safety & active leaks: Electrical overheating, gas leaks, and water intrusion come first.
Envelope & roof: Stops structural damage and mold—often the best dollar‑for‑dollar spend.
Mechanical efficiency: Tune HVAC, seal ducts, and fix door/weatherstripping to lower bills.
Planned upgrades: Bundle work that needs the same trades (roof + solar standoffs, attic work + insulation).
When to call an inspector (and what you’ll get from us)
A professional home inspection documents conditions with photos and clear recommendations so you can prioritize repairs, negotiate, or plan maintenance. Key View Inspection focuses on education—we walk you through findings and next steps.
Tip: For homes 20+ years old, consider a maintenance inspection every 2–3 years—more often for flat roofs or after major storms.
About the author
Tricia Beals is the owner of Key View Inspection in Tucson, AZ. She specializes in clear, client‑friendly reporting and brings deep knowledge of building performance to every inspection.
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