Both new and seasoned homeowners can miss some common issues within the home. While some of these issues may seem like little things, they can lead to far bigger problems. Addressing issues as they arise prevents you from ending up with a far costlier home repair down the line.
Maintaining a home has no small feat, which is why there are a few areas that may seem small, but you shouldn’t ignore them. Here are a few areas of issue that should not go unnoticed.
Leaks, Dark Spots, or Sagging on the Ceiling
Leaks, dark spots, and areas that appear to sag on your ceiling are a sign of a severe issue. This is a sign that your roof has sustained damage. If the damage to your roof is not addressed right away, you risk further water damage to the foundation of your house. It can also lead to the development of mold.
Mold is a homeowner’s nightmare. Oftentimes it goes undetected until it is too late. Black mold in the walls is not only a health hazard, but it can also weaken the structure of your home. If you notice a patch of black mold, a mixture of bleach and water, combined with vigorous scrubbing can remove it.
The key here is stopping small patches before they spread. If black mold spreads, it can progress to the point where drywall needs to be professionally cut away to fully eradicate the problem.
Dead or Dying Trees and Branches
If you’ve got trees near your home, maintaining them is essential. Weather, age, and disease can all affect your trees. Trees that are close to your home can cause thousands of dollars in repair costs. All it takes is one branch to lead to a giant hole in your roof. Roof repairs are costly, even if the branches just damage your shingles, that’s still a hefty cost.
If an entire tree comes down on your home, you’re looking at more than just the cost of roof repair. Regular tree maintenance should be done around the year. There are plenty of qualified arborists to choose from, with around 82,000 in the U.S., according to Arborist Near Me.
While you can trim trees yourself, having an arborist can understand factors that you may have missed. Regular tree samples, treatments, and trimmings can keep your trees healthy.
Reoccusing Plumbing Issues
Plumbing issues are an unfortunate part of homeownership. From the occasional clogged drain to more serious problems, plumbing issues aren’t something to ignore. Sinks and bathtubs need cleaning when they are slowly draining, clogged, making bubbling sounds, or emitting foul odors. Forbes found that these were the most common plumbing issues that homeowners come across.
Besides being frustrating and unpleasant, plumbing issues can damage the foundation of your home. HomeAdvisor found that the average homeowner spends around $4,640 on foundation repairs.
Ignoring simple drains and clogs can cause damage to pipes as well. This can lead to leaks in the walls, which can in turn require drywall and pipes to be removed and replaced.
Pests
Pests are unwanted visitors in any home. They can also cause serious damage to the interior and exterior of your home. If you have a rodent problem, they burrow and travel through your walls. Rodents and other small animals can chew through electrical wiring, causing faulty electricity and, in some cases, even leading to fire.
Bugs can also damage your home. Building nests that can reach sizes that eventually need to be removed by a trained professional. Any pests should be addressed at the first sign of them. It’s easier to stop the problem early on with traps and repellents rather than reaching the stage of needing to pay for fumigation.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
When your home is showing you signs of a problem, you should never ignore it. While something may seem like a simple clogged drain, it could be an indication that there is a much deeper problem occurring. Before being forced to spend thousands on repairs, address easy repairs before a professional is required.
Elor McDori
