A house requires regular maintenance and upkeep, but even with good care, there are some common concerns in the home that may come up. While these are more likely to occur in older homes, here are a few issues you might face as a homeowner.
Dealing with Common Home Concerns
Pest Infestation
From ants in the pantry to mouse droppings beneath the cabinets, your home can become a place small creatures also like to call home. If you’re seeing signs of pests, check exhaust vents, windows, doors, and look for areas where rodents or bugs may be getting into the house. Call a professional to assess the problem and offer solutions that are specific to your home.
Mold in the Home
Mold will sometimes grow in damp areas like the kitchen or the bathroom. Wipe up water and spills immediately and make sure to use ventilation fans to improve airflow in these rooms.
If you notice mold in places where moisture isn’t usually a problem, such as on the living room wall or on the ceiling in the hallway, this may indicate a bigger concern. Mold growth can be a sign of a leak in the house. Water damage and mold might happen because of a failing roof or a broken plumbing pipe. Call a professional to help identify the source of water that is causing mold growth. They can recommend a remediation company, as mold can be tough to eliminate on your own.
Roofing Problems are Common Concerns in the Home
One of the most common concerns of homeowners is replacing the roof. This is an expensive upgrade so it’s important to keep your roof in good shape. Regularly perform visual inspections, especially after a storm or severe weather. Look for missing or damaged shingles.
Other signs of roofing problems include granules in the gutters, algae or mold growth, and warped roof materials. If you notice signs of damage, take care of the problems right away. When moisture gets under the shingles, it can damage the structure of the roof and cause more expensive repairs.
Sagging or Sinking Floors
The floor in your house should be flat and level. Over time, a home can settle and shift. If the flooring is sloped or sagging, this indicates a structural problem. Foundation issues can be costly so it’s necessary to call a professional to assess the situation. Make repairs sooner rather than later to prevent further damage to your home.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical issues in a home can lead to shocks and even house fires. Keep an eye on the electrical system and watch for indications there is a problem. A more common sign that you should be concerned about is a breaker that trips frequently. This usually means that the circuit is overloaded.
Outlets that aren’t functioning or strange smells coming from the outlets are also signs of a problem. Call a professional electrician to troubleshoot and make repairs. He or she will have the tools and knowledge to handle the issue safely.
These are just a few problems that are not uncommon in homes. Most houses are going to have issues and require repairs, especially as they age, so it’s good to know what to look out for. Knowing about these concerns will help you to spot problems and schedule repairs before more damage is done.
Rhode Island Real Estate Inspection Services provides inspection services to customers in Rhode Island. Contact us to request an appointment.