It’s very easy and common to see home repairs on the bottom of to-do lists for many homeowners. Life can get extremely busy, causing you to completely miss a leaky faucet or creaky door. And, sometimes making little repairs can also cause a dent in your wallet. The average homeowner spends over $2000 on home repairs annually. However, it could be much worse and more expensive if you don’t address these problems immediately. So, don’t ignore those faulty signs and sounds around your home, be sure to have Power Tools handy for quick fixes that are needed. Also, here are five important areas that you should pay attention to before your home completely deteriorates.
- Signs of water damage
If you’ve been living in your home for some time, you’ve most likely encountered water damage from faulty plumbing or the weather. When left unchecked, water damage can lead to mold development and cause structural damage that would cost more to repair. The danger with this situation is that most of the signs can be very subtle. You might be too busy to identify those little signs, but you must keep an eye out for signs of peeling paint or wallpaper, bulges in your walls or ceilings, mold, stains, and a damp or musty odor around the house. A significant and unexplainable increase in your water bill could also be a major sign of water damage. To address water damage, you must first locate the leak’s source to prevent further deterioration. In cases where you have mold, it would be better to call for professional services to handle any repairs. Where necessary, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact reliable handyman services for professional help.
- Blocked chimneys
Another repair you shouldn’t ignore is a blocked chimney. It’s incredibly important that you make an effort to regularly maintain your chimney, as the consequences could be life-threatening. You will risk suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, or fires if you fail to care for your chimneys. Using your chimney frequently can lead to a buildup of soot and creosote, which can be easily removed by brushing or vacuuming. You must also check your chimney cap to ensure that it hasn’t been damaged, as it helps prevent any harmful debris or pests from entering your chimney.
Another great way to detect if your chimney might be blocked is by getting a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, which could quickly warn you if you are too busy to notice that your chimney’s been blocked.
- Shaky railings
If you have a deck, porch, or steps in your home, you must always check to ensure they are always in good condition. One common sign you might encounter at some point has shaky or wobbly railings. It might not seem serious initially, but it can get potentially dangerous and even more expensive to repair. The good news is that early detection of shaky railings can be fixed immediately. You could even do it yourself as long as you know how to. All it takes is a simple screw tightening or placing bolts in place, making the railing sturdier.
- Clogged gutters
Gutters are perhaps the most time-consuming areas that take up much time during maintenance. But it is also one of the most crucial sections in your home that you shouldn’t ignore. Gutters that aren’t well maintained or fixed could lead to ice or water damage, especially during the colder months. The signs to look out for if you suspect that your gutters might be clogged include overflowing water from your gutter, fascia damage, poor drainage, wall discoloration, watermarks, brickwork damage, and increasing pest activity around your home.
Ensure that you give your gutter a thorough cleaning frequently and that the structure is firmly attached to the house.
- Foundation faults
Every home eventually settles after some time, and little cracks can appear in your foundation. You don’t have to ignore the cracks, whether it’s just one or multiple cracks. Instead, ensure that you fill them up as quickly as possible. When you don’t seal the cracks, it could cause serious structural problems over time. Uneven floors, rotten wood, tile cracks, or walls pulling away from your home are all signs of a faulty foundation. You must call your building contractor immediately when you see these signs.
Your home is your sanctuary, a place of relaxation after those long, stressful days. Therefore, you must treat it with the utmost care and pay attention to its condition. Despite how busy you may be, it is important to address these five problems when you detect them.
Infographic provided by Air Mechanical, a provider of electrical services in Minneapolis
