Some home projects aren't attractive, but they must be done

It's painful to shell out hard-earned money for some home projects, especially when it isn't a glamorous one like building a deck or remodeling the kitchen. But that's the kind of job you need to invest in occasionally if you want to keep your home in good shape. Here's a list of dull but important home improvement projects:

Gutter cleaning: This involves ladders and getting your hands (and everything else) dirty with leaves and other gunk. It's unpleasant, especially if you do it yourself, but you'll have a bigger and more costly problem to deal with if clogged gutters and downspouts cause water damage outside and inside your home. Of course, you can always decide to hire a reputable gutter cleaner or handyman for the job.

Window installation: Replacement windows can set you back thousands of dollars, but even though they make your home more comfortable, reduce energy usage and are easier to clean than old-style windows, it's likely the neighbors will look right through your efforts.

Foundation repair. Who wouldn't rather spend money on new furniture instead of on a fix for fissures or cracks in the wall? But ignoring wall cracks, separations and crumbling concrete won't sit well if you want your home's slab to properly support your house.

Removing mold: Mold can cause serious respiratory problems. Make sure to hire a reputable company to inspect for mold and remove it. Don't just paint over mold.

Toilet repair: Resist the temptation to close the lid on those icky issues. If a plunger won't take care of a clog, or you're unable to take care of a perpetually running toilet yourself, contact a reputable plumber.

Insulation: It's easy for the insides of your attic and walls to be out of sight, out of mind. But it's important to invest in insulation if you want to be comfortable at home and wise about your energy spending.

Wiring: Modernizing an aging electrical system costs thousands of dollars, and all that work will end up hidden behind walls. However, you'll probably sleep better knowing you have a decreased risk of fire from outdated wiring.

Septic tank pumping: Pros recommend doing this every three to five years to prevent a backup. You'd probably rather spend your money on a weekend getaway, but you'll breathe easier knowing you're keeping a smelly situation from bubbling up.

Replacing the sewer line: This is probably the epitome of a dirty but important job. It starts with sewage backing up and ends with contractors digging out your yard. Less intrusive, trenchless replacement methods exist, but they're often more expensive than the traditional big dig.

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, a resource for local consumer reviews on anything from home repair to health care.