Homeowners know better than anyone that pesky situations can arise at the drop of a hat. Little things that seem inconsequential can pose a threat to the health of your house, so anything you notice, no matter how small, should be noted and dealt with accordingly, both for your house’s sake and your wallet’s.
You can easily write a strange occurrence off as a non-issue. But when the problem grows, you’ll find yourself wishing you’d tackled it earlier. You should always be on the lookout for new issues that arise, whether it interferes with your daily life or not. You never know when you could save yourself from a significant problem.
Watch Out for These 7 Problems
Unfortunately, finding problems with your home is all too common. If you notice them early enough, though, you have a chance to fight back against the damage that has been done before it becomes irreversible. Keep your eyes open and prepare for a battle with whatever pest you may find.
1. Mold
Different kinds of mold are usually found in damp places like the bathroom or basement. When you encounter this mold, it’s typically not severe and can quickly be taken care of. You should mainly watch for mold in locations you know it shouldn’t be, such as the bedroom or living room.
About 10% of people have severe mold allergies. You don’t want to risk someone in your household being exposed to mold, so always keep an eye on the corners of your home. Mold can grow anywhere and typically means an underlying problem, especially if it’s a hazardous kind.
2. Pests
If pests have appeared in your home, don’t wait to deal with them. One bug may not indicate an issue, as it might have slipped in while a door to the outside was open. You should look out for instances of two or more bugs, which could mean you’re dealing with an infestation. Nip it in the bud before the colony of pests can grow, and you’ll be better off for it.
3. Leaking Roof
If you notice water dripping through your ceiling or pooling on your floor, identify the source of the leak first. Once you know where it’s coming from, you can discern whether you need to adjust your water pressure or if you should undertake greater measures to eradicate the leak.
You can mitigate the problem with short-term solutions until you’re able to call a professional. Put a tarp over your roof where rainwater could be getting in and use buckets to collect any remaining water. You should avoid replacing roof tiles yourself before consulting a professional. Remember that quick fixes won’t solve the issue. Water damage can wreck your entire home if not dealt with.
4. Malfunctioning HVAC
If you notice your HVAC making a strange sound, you should get it checked out immediately. HVAC issues can run you a hefty sum, so it’s essential to deal with a problem the moment it arises. Besides, if you need to replace the entire system, you may find one that’s more energy-efficient and can save you money monthly.
5. Shaky Railings
Indoor and outdoor railings are necessary wherever you have steps. Even if you don’t have a young child or elderly family member that needs them, it’s vital to have a railing because people can fall at any age. Especially outdoors, where stairs are usually made of brick or stone, you should take care when climbing stairs.
According to the data, one in five falls causes head trauma or deals another severe injury. To avoid the risk of falling, you should install stable railings as soon as you can. Going without handrails near stairs is asking for trouble.
6. Clogged Gutters
Clean out your gutters regularly so water can flow away from your house and destroy the chance of any water-related issues arising at the base of your home. With clogged gutters, the water is dammed up and can’t be released properly.
Water too close to your home can potentially damage your house’s foundation. Make sure, especially during fall and winter, that your gutters are free of debris.
7. Flickering Lights
A flicker now and then is nothing to worry about, but if that lightbulb in your living room won’t stop blinking, you may have a problem with your hands. The first step is to change the lightbulb and see if the flickering stops. If your light still flickers after changing the lightbulb, you likely have a problem with your circuitry.
You can also identify a situation like this by searching for scorch marks around your outlets. If you find minor burn marks around your outlet plate, don’t use that outlet anymore until a professional has tackled the problem. Always keep an eye on whenever lighting falters in your home, as it could be indicative of a more significant problem.
Pay Attention and Keep Your Household Safe
To identify a problem, you must be vigilant. Any changes in your home should be met with a watchful eye. Keep in mind that not every little change could mean there’s a problem hiding in your house — it could be as simple as the house aging and settling. Similarly, not every crack in the foundation or spot of mold begs worry. Use your good judgment and err on the side of caution for the safety of your household.
