Owning a home is one of the classic dreams that many people have. And when you finally sign that dotted line and take the keys in your hand, it’s a feeling so wonderful that not even a huge, looming mortgage can spoil it. But as with most ventures in life, there will be unexpected…hiccups. It’s okay–things breaking and being bothersome in the beginning is all part of the great romance of being a homeowner. Most of it, while a bit stressful, can be handled with a smile and a trip to the hardware store, and still won’t ruin your homeowner honeymoon.

But there are a few things that can go wrong in your home that, although they might not seem terribly serious, can lead to repairs that will dip too far into your wallet. To prevent this, here is a list of a few essential home repairs and upkeep points that will keep your house solid and as problem free as possible.

1. Electrical issues

Even innocuous things like dead outlets (could indicate a loose wire somewhere that could potentially spark) to too much TV static (could mean your house isn’t grounded properly, which can lead to much bigger issues than a fuzzy picture while watching Glee) can result in major problems that aren’t only costly to repair, but might be downright tragic–most fires in homes are sparked by faulty electrical components, either from the wiring of the house itself to malfunctioning appliances. If you notice anything that’s off, it’s worth shelling out a small fee to get an electrician’s consult.

2. Water, water, everywhere

Water stains are unsightly, but beyond that, they can mean leaks in your pipes that you can’t see. Aside from water leakage driving up your utility bills, it can cause major structural damage, mold growth, and even flooding. If you notice a leak or water stains (especially if they grow or newly appear), call a plumber and figure it out as soon as possible.

3. Mind your gutters

Yes, cleaning out the gutters is no one’s favorite chore. But neglecting to do so once or twice a year can result in more than just ugly leafy gunk build-up–some of that gross stuff, along with water, can actually work its way under the shingles of your roof, or under the siding of your house. When compared with the prospect of undergoing the time, effort and high cost of having to replace either of those things, suddenly a few hours up on a ladder doesn’t sound so bad, does it?

4. Seal your windows

A lot of these essential home repairs seem so simple because they are. It’s often the easiest maintenance that people overlook which leads to much more expensive, and avoidable, repairs. Sealing your windows is another great example. It takes hardly any time and not too much money and can give you year-round cut-backs on your energy bills.

5. A strong foundation

As it true with any part of your life, having a solid foundation is the key to making it all work. If you see any cracks or things that just seem off about your foundation, tend them as soon as possible. Calling in a professional inspector every few years to make sure there’s nothing significantly wrong with the foundation of your home is a good idea. Otherwise, fill the cracks as you see them to prevent water damage, pest problems and mold development.

Do you have any crazy experiences in the wild world of homeownership? What unexpected expenses have you come up against? What do you think are more essential repairs and upkeep points that everyone should attend to?