7 Home Issues You Should Never Ignore
As a homeowner, you quickly learn that no home is perfect. Every house has its own quirks, and these idiosyncrasies are sometimes what we even love most about our home. However, it’s important to understand what traits are harmless and add character to your home and which home issues you should never ignore.
7 Home Issues You Should Never Ignore
If you spot any of the following issues in your home, get in touch with a professional to help ensure your home is safe as soon as possible.
1. Mold
One of the most common issues homeowners confront is mold. While spotting mold in rooms that are subject to higher moisture levels is not uncommon, it’s a serious issue if you notice it in strange places or larger amounts. Mold is typically identified by its musty smell and spotted pattern. The CDC recommends cleaning mold with commercial products as well as finding the cause of the mold and correcting that as well. To get started on mold clean-up, use a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
2. Sagging Floors, Ceilings, or Roof
While home settling is often the culprit of warped floors, ceilings, and roofs, it’s always best to look into structural issues. In addition to your home settling over time, these structural issues may be due to more serious causes such as moisture or foundation problems. If you spot a significant change in the appearance of your floors, ceilings, or roof, it’s best to contact a professional home inspector to ensure your home is still structurally sound.
3. Foundation Cracks
Other than spotting a crack in your home’s foundation, there are a few key indicators that may also point to foundation issues. If your windows and doors have suddenly become difficult to open and close, it can be a sign that your foundation is shifting. While fixing cracks in the foundation can become costly, it’s one of the most severe issues with homes and should never be ignored.
4. Faulty Lighting
Faulty lighting can often be a sign of serious electrical issues with your home. Common signs of a problem include flickering lights, change in brightness, and dysfunctional light switches. If you’ve determined there is not a problem with the light bulb or fixture itself, your home may be suffering from bad electrical lines and could be at risk for a potential fire. Contact a professional electrician if you suspect your home’s lighting may be an issue.
5. Pests
It’s not uncommon to see a few more insects in your home during significant weather changes. Common household pests are well-known to take refuge in your home for the same reason you do: it’s comfortable! However, if you’re finding signs of more than just a few unwelcome pests, you may have an infestation on your hands. Pests are not only unpleasant and annoying but if left untreated, can cause serious damage to you and your home. Learn more about Inspect-It 1st’s home pest inspection services.
6. Flaking Paint
Peeling paint is not only unsightly but can also lead to pricey damage to your home. If the paint on your home’s exterior is peeling significantly, be sure to address the situation before your home’s bare siding becomes damaged by the elements. Significant exposure to rain or snow can deteriorate the underlying wood and eventually lead to mildew and mold growth. If you spot flaking paint inside your home, be sure there’s no serious underlying issue such as water leakage or humidity issues.
7. Damaged Gutters
Though gutters need to be cleaned of debris every so often, take note if they aren’t functioning well even after a thorough cleaning. Gutters that are leaky or bent can prove to be ineffective in keeping water away from your home’s foundation line. If you notice significant pooling of water near your home, consider replacing your gutters or adding splash pans to keep things safe and dry.
For help addressing any of the above home issues, contact your local expert at an Inspect-It 1st office near you. Our home inspectors are ready to help ensure your home is safe and problem-free.