So you’ve finally bought your own home. Congratulations! You’re about to begin a life-changing adventure. But if you don’t keep an eye on these common house issues, it can be one of the most stressful parts of homeownership. Keeping your house clean and undamaged is even more important if you plan to sell or rent it.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid headaches and avoid paying for costly repairs down the road. Below is a list of some key things to look out for as a homeowner. Take a look.
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You Are Constantly Falling Sick
Allergic reactions might be a sign of dust build-up. Check out your home’s air quality. If it’s not clean, consider installing an air purifier or getting a professional deep cleaning by apartment cleaning Seattle.
Dust mites and other allergens in your home can trigger allergic reactions and make breathing difficult for anyone with asthma. The best way to deal with this is to clean regularly and vacuum regularly.
Ground Movement
Ground movement is when the dirt and soil beneath your house shifts. This can cause cracks in the foundation and other issues with your home’s structure. To prevent these problems, ensure that your house sits on stable ground.
If you notice cracks in the walls or floorboards of your home, call a professional immediately. They will be able to tell if any damage has been done due to shifting soil and advise you on what steps you should take next.
AC Cooling Problems
AC cooling problems can be a big headache for homeowners. AC units are expensive to repair or replace, and working on an air conditioning unit can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It’s best to leave the repairs to an experienced professional with the knowledge and equipment necessary for safe work.
If you choose to do it yourself, make sure that you follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Wear protective gear (including goggles), and use only tools recommended by experts at home improvement centers.
Roof Leaks
If you notice that your home has roof leaks, it’s important to call a professional to assess the situation. If you ignore this problem, it could cause serious damage to your home and even mold growth.
It’s also important to note that roof leaks are fairly common. One out of every four homes will experience leaks within five years of construction.
While there are several different roofing materials (shingles made from asphalt or fiberglass, for example), all roofs need proper ventilation for the attic space above them. This helps prevent heat build-up, leading to extensive damage if left untreated.
Unpleasant Smell
If your house has an odor that you can’t seem to get rid of, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. A musty smell often means mold is growing somewhere in your house. Mold spores can grow anywhere there’s moisture — underneath bathroom tiles, behind wall panels, or in the attic.
So if you notice an odor coming from one area in particular, start looking there first. If you have pets or children in the house and notice a lingering scent, there may be pet urine stains or feces that you haven’t cleaned up yet.
Flooding And Natural Disasters
First and foremost, natural disasters are a very real possibility when it comes to buying a house. Flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other natural disasters can cause millions of dollars in damage. Before buying a house, make sure you have flood insurance if the neighborhood has a history of flooding and you’re required to have it. If you are in an area that is often hit by hurricanes, tornadoes or wildfires, make sure you have insurance for that as well.
If you don’t, you could be out millions if the house is completely destroyed. If you’re buying a house that needs repairs, you could be facing a lot of costs. In fact, any repairs on the house could end up costing you a lot of money. Make sure you have a home inspection report done before you buy a house to make sure there aren’t any major problems that you’re not aware of.
Repairs and Maintenance: When Something Breaks, It Will Cost You
When you buy a house, you have to remember that anything could break at any time. Whether it’s a clogged drain or a broken furnace that needs to be replaced, any repairs while you own the house will come out of your pocket.
There is no routine maintenance that someone else is responsible for. Homeowners are responsible for all repairs, maintenance and upgrades that need to be done to keep the house in good working order. This could be costly and could potentially cost you thousands of dollars. Before buying a house, make sure you’re prepared for the extra maintenance costs. It’s also important to keep an inventory of all the house’s current problems and work order logs so you can keep track of when the repairs need to be done so that you can save up for the money to pay for them.
Final Word
As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of the issues that can arise in your home. The sooner you know about them, the better equipped you will be to solve them.
If you find yourself with an issue or two that is beyond your scope of knowledge and expertise—or if you have questions about any of these issues—it’s best to seek professional assistance.