Whether you are planning on selling your home or you simply want to live in an updated home that provides function and comfort, there are some issues that arise that you do not want to ignore. Turning a blind eye to some of the most common issues can lead to bigger problems that can cost you a lot of money in the end.
Addressing these common home issues will allow you to tackle the problem quickly to prevent further issues and allow you to feel confident that you live in a home that is not going to deteriorate around you.
So, what are some of these common home issues that you may face? Let’s take a look.
Mold
We have talked about mold before as it is a serious problem that can have long-lasting effects in your home and on your health. Mold is definitely not healthy and can lead to asthma and allergy flare-ups. Even if you do not visibly see mold in your home, it is possible that it is still present. If you do think you have mold, make sure that you call a company to come out and do an inspection. Mold remediation is the best way to solve a mold issue in your home along with preventative measures after that. Ignoring mold will only cause it to spread and damage the structure of your home right before your eyes.
Critters/Pests
No one likes pests or critters in their home but turning a blind eye to them can cause future issues. For example, not addressing rats in the home can lead to an infestation. Once this infestation occurs, you will find that the rats eat the drywall, insulation, and other parts of your home. They like to nest in walls and the problem can grow quickly out of control. The same can be said for roaches too. Make sure that you have any and all critter and pest problem address quickly by a professional who can eradicate the issue.
In addition to these critters and pests damaging your home, their droppings and dander can be hazardous to your health.
Damaged or Missing Shingles on the Roof
While you may think that a missing shingle or two is no big deal, it actually is. In fact, if you notice any damaged or missing shingles, you want to have this problem addressed. If moisture from the outside reaches the wood underneath the shingles, this can lead to mold and rot. Continued exposure to moisture and water will lead to leaks in your roof and eventually, you may find that the roof caves in.
Warped Flooring
A warped or sagging floor may not be an issue but you definitely want to have it looked at. If water or moisture has been able to get underneath the flooring and onto the subfloor, it could have caused issues and thus, this is why the flooring is warped or sagging. A professional can have a look at the issues going on and address them for you. It is possible that the floor may need to be reinforced.
Dripping Faucets
Dripping faucets are not just annoying. In fact, they can cause problems for you too. For example, they waste a lot of water and cause a rise in your bill each month. In addition, a faucet that is leaking underneath the sink compartment can lead to rot and mold.
It is important to address a leaky faucet immediately to save yourself money and reduce the chances that you will have expensive repairs heading your way.
Loose Stair Railings
A shaky stair railing may be something you want to deal with later, but it is something to be addressed promptly, especially if you have kids or an elderly parent in the home. A little movement on your staircase railing is normal but it should not be loose or shake. You will want to make sure you tighten down the railing to ensure it is secure in place. The last thing you want is it to detach from the wall as someone in the home is attempting to use it, as this can cause serious injuries.
Peeling Paint
Peeling paint if not always simply a sign that you need to have your walls repainted. If the peeling paint is on the exterior of your home, this is likely due to years of exposure to the sun and elements. While it may not seem like a big problem, water can get onto the wood underneath the paint and then wreak havoc on your home. You should have new paint applied to your home soon to prevent any damage. The exterior paint helps to act as protection for your home’s structure.
If you have noticed peeling paint on the interior of your home, this could be a sign that moisture is present behind the wall. If you notice that the pain it peeling off in chunks or patches, it is possible that there is lead paint used beneath it. You want to make sure you have a good idea of what is going on and learn why the pain is peeling, so calling in a professional is highly recommended at this point.
Foundation Cracks
It is true that foundation cracks are normal and they occur over time as the home settles. With that in mind, if you have cracks in your walls or floors and you also notice additional problems such as the walls gapping or pitting or you notice the floor buckling, you need to call in a professional ASAP.
These issues need to be addressed quickly to prevent any serious damage from being done. Sink holes and issues with the foundation underneath the ground can happen and these cracks are generally a warning sign of that. Have them addressed and the best case scenario is that it is nothing and worst case scenario it is something but at least you will have a professional there to assist you in exploring your options.
Drafty Windows
That nice breeze you feel through the side of the window while they are closed is not so nice. In fact, it is a huge warning sign that there is an air leak present, which means you are losing both heat and cool air from your home. These problems can lead to higher energy bills and can make your home quite uncomfortable during the summer and winter months.
In most cases, having drafty windows does not mean that you need to have the window replaced. In fact, it could simply mean the weatherstripping is bad and needs to be replaced. This is an easy and inexpensive fix to the problem.
Dirty Chimney
One of the things you must pay attention to when having a chimney is how clean it is on the inside. A buildup of soot in the chimney can become a serious fire hazard. When you light the fireplace, the soot inside the chimney can catch on fire and leave you with a house fire. It is important to get the chimney cleaned at least once a year for your protection.
Buildup of Water in Your Yard
Standing water in your yard can be fun for the kids to jump in, but it is often a signal that there is a problem or a potential problem. A poor draining yard can cause issues for your home, especially if the water stands in your yard for too long. The biggest issue to watch for is a foundation problem caused by the water. Should you have a basement, you want to watch out for leaks too.
Insulation
It is important for homes to have an adequate amount of insulation and one common problem is that homes do not. This leads to uncomfortable weather seasons in the home as the cool or warm air is not able to stay inside as well.
If you do have issues with your insulation, have more sprayed into your attic or walls to ensure you are able to experience life throughout the seasons without feeling super uncomfortable.
Faulty Lighting
Ever wonder why your lights are constantly flickering? Faulty lighting may seem harmless but it can be an indication that there is a serious problem with the electrical wiring within the home. This is especially true if your home is very old. Some of the signs to look out for include a change in brightness, flickering lights, and dysfunctional light switches. Have your electrical looked at ASAP to ensure there is nothing going on. An electrical fire is not something you want to happen to your home.
Get Your Home Checked Today
If you have noticed any of these common issues occurring in your home, it is best to have them checked out by a professional. In the best cases, it will be nothing and you will have the peace of mind you need.
Many of the above home issues are serious and should definitely be checked out and addressed as quickly as possible. Some of the issues you may be able to address yourself such as leaking faucets and drafty windows, but don’t delay as further allowing the problems to persist can lead to unwanted issues in your home.