Wear and tear occur naturally the more you live in a house. It might start as cracks in the walls and foundation, missing insulation in the attic, or a water stain on the ceiling. These red flags can translate into big trouble and cost you thousands of dollars in new installations or repairs. And since no one likes spending on avoidable home repairs, addressing these minor issues upon pinpointing them can save you money. Here are five major home repairs you should never overlook.
Signs of Rodents and Pests
Nothing feels creepy than imagining sharing your space with unwanted guests. Insects and rodent invasion can cause severe damage to a home. The ceiling and foundation are common places where termites and other crawling creatures hide. Signs of insect or rodent invasion include piles of shed wings throughout your house, destroyed baseboards, drywall, and insulation, and the waste they leave behind. Don’t hesitate to call a professional exterminator immediately if you see a sign of any pest invasion.
Mildew and Mold Growth
Many people associate mold and mildew growth with poor housekeeping. However, that’s not always the case because mildew and mold can still invade a clean home. Toxic substances grow any time water spills over to places it isn’t supposed to, such as on the floor and basement. Signs to watch include chronic sinus symptoms, bubbled wallpapers or paints, and stale-smelling air. You may use DIY kits to detect mildew or mold growth in your home, but these kits aren’t always accurate. If you suspect mold or mildew growth in your home, call a professional to treat it and fix any underlying issue causing water to get to where it isn’t supposed to.
Water Leaks
People often ignore leaking roofs or faucets, hoping that leaking will stop to avoid costly plumbing repairs? While replacing a worn faucet or snaking a clogged drain can be done using a DIY kit, a more severe plumbing issue falls into the repairs an ordinary homeowner should never attempt to do themselves. Many emergencies in a home start with water going to where it doesn’t belong. For example, faulty plumbing, drippy pipes, and leaky roofs can lead to destructive and costly flooring, insulation, and drywall damage. Severe water leaks can contribute to toxic mildew and mold growth. If you suspect any signs of a leaking roof and live in the area, have your roof inspected by the best roofing company in Austin. Telltale signs of leaking roofs and pipes include damp insulation, buckling or warped floors, and water stains on the walls or ceiling. What started as an annoying roof leak can escalate to a flood and add up to thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Cracked Foundation
Inspecting your home’s foundation occasionally can help spot cracks. While small, hairline cracks may not be a big deal, they can escalate and damage your foundation if not fixed with an epoxy sealant. However, any wider crack on your foundation can signify a severe structural problem. An easy way to tell if a crack is too big to ignore is to try to fit a standard pencil into it. While inspecting your home for cracks, watch out for buckling wallpaper or paint. If you notice any of these signs, have the entire foundation inspected and repaired by a professional.
Overloaded Electrical Systems
Research claims that approximately 45,000 homes burn down annually due to fires caused by faulty electrical systems. Though homes built before 1970 are more vulnerable to fire, no home is immune from a fire possibility. Signs to watch include switch plates that feel warm, frequent blown breakers or fuses, and flickering lights. Call an electrician immediately if you notice any of these signs. Anything more complicated than a basic light fixture is an electrical repair you should never attempt to do yourself. Electrical repairs should be left to licensed electricians who have spent many years training to work with deadly electrical currents.
A weird smell, small cracks on the wall, and a clogged faucet are signs that your home needs professional repair. By keeping an eye on these signs, homeowners can recognize issues they can handle themselves and those requiring professional intervention. Make your home repairs less painful by opening an emergency savings account and keeping the contact info of nearby professionals.
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