Owning a home requires a lot of responsibility and maintenance. Without proper care, certain issues can not only reduce the value but also put your life at risk. However, for first-time homeowners, it can be challenging to know what to look out for. Some problems can be minor, while others need to be attended to immediately.
In this article, we are going to discuss eight common house problems you should watch out for.
Want to learn more? Then keep on reading!
Plumbing Issues
No matter how great a home’s plumbing system is, over time, it will still be susceptible to wear and tear. Pipes can burst, sinks may begin to leak, and your toilet may even overflow. This can then lead to other issues, including mold growth and structural damage.
If serious unexpected damage has occurred in your home, make sure you learn the differences between water and flood damage, as this can affect your repair coverage and insurance.
Pests
Spiders, ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and flies. There are so many different household pests that can make their way into your home. Alongside carrying diseases and bacteria that are harmful, some species can also cause structural damage. For example, mice can chew away at electrical wires, and termites can completely destroy your interior. To avoid a severe infestation, take action, and hire a pest control company. This way, you can get on top of the issue before it causes further damage.
Pollutants
While most new homes are built in the safest way possible, if you currently live in something older (built before 1978), you may be exposing yourself to harmful pollutants/environmental hazards. Things like asbestos, formaldehyde, and lead-based paint can cause very serious health conditions. A house inspection will help identify these so you can determine the most appropriate action. However, be prepared for a considerable expense, especially if something dangerous needs to be removed.
Unsafe Electrics
Many older homes have out-of-date electrical systems, which can be very dangerous. Defects can result in house fires, and you may even accidentally electrocute yourself. Upon buying your home, an inspection should have identified any problems. However, it’s still important to keep an eye on things. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it’s best to call a professional electrician and get it fixed as soon as possible.
Roof Damage
While roof damage may not be the most common problem that homeowners have to deal with, it can be frequent. Over time, shingles can break and crack, which can result in water damage from rain. Usually, it is quite affordable to fix. However, if you leave it too long, it can result in a significant expense. Better to be safe than sorry!
Improper Drainage/Surface grading
According to nachi.org, improper drainage/surface grading was one of the most common house problems. This usually results in a build-up of water in the basement, alongside mold growth and structural damage. Generally, the most common causes of this can include tree roots and garden debris, but sometimes the home may not have been built correctly. To fix the issue, a new system may be required, including roof gutters and downspouts.
Heating Systems
Alongside electrics, heating systems are also a leading cause of house fires. From broken systems to blocked chimneys, a simple fault can result in a serious incident. While it does cost money to upgrade to something new, in the long run, it can actually save you more money. You’ll use less electricity and spend less on maintenance and repairs. A combined heating and cooling system can be a great option to consider.
Poor Overall Maintenance Issues
Lastly, if a home has been poorly maintained overall, it’s going to lead to many other issues. Crumbling masonry, broken windows, cracks, and holes will all result in further structural damage that can be extremely difficult to fix. Alongside this, you are putting your own life at risk. Without a secure home, you may become a target to intruders and even let in harmful pollutants. Sometimes, it’s worth spending a bit of money to seal or paint something, then letting it sit and get worse.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! These were eight common household problems to look out for. While not all of these can be prevented, by learning what to avoid and becoming more vigilant, you can save yourself money and feel more comfortable living in a safe home.
What do you think? Are there any other home problems that you have faced?
