Becoming a homeowner is one of the most significant accomplishments of many families. When you move in for the first time to enjoy a place you can call your own, that day is extraordinary.
Homeownership can also become a financial problem. When your property is in NYC, the property taxes, high real estate costs, and other expenses can add up quickly.
That’s why you need to stay on top of the maintenance and repair issues in your home. These warning signs are the ones you shouldn’t ignore or put off when seen.
What Home Repairs Require Immediate Attention?
1. Evidence of Pests
Do you see ants running across your kitchen counter? Are there mice or rat droppings in the garage? These signs are evidence that openings in your home need to get closed. In addition, you’ll want to check your pipes and ducts, condensate lines, access panels, and even the exhaust vents to ensure nothing can get into the home.
Bird and mouse droppings can be particularly hazardous to human health.
2. Mold and Mildew
Mold typically forms in the bathroom and kitchen. However, if you live in a wet climate, it could be anywhere on the exterior or interior of your property. Independent inspectors can look at the problem, let you know if it can be cleaned with DIY products, or require a remediation company to provide services.
3. Warped Floors
Some sagging floors or warpage are due to the natural settling process of your home. Even so, it would help if you never assumed it was harmless. Problems like a leaking sink or toilet could cause the flooring to rot your subfloor, which is an issue that would require immediate repair.
Some bracing or support beams might have been removed if you’re in the middle of a renovation and the floor starts to sag. Those would need to be returned.
4. Standing Water
If your property experiences standing water when it rains, the poor drainage along compacted soils or improper grading could deteriorate your home’s foundation. This problem could lead to moisture issues in the crawlspace or basement.
It is relatively easy to install a French drain on your property to collect water in that circumstance. However, if the issue is more extensive, a specialist might need to come re-grade your land.
5. Damaged Shingles
Regular roof inspections are an essential part of the homeownership experience. If you see any signs of damage or missing shingles, the repair must happen immediately. In addition, should any moisture reach the wood sheathing underneath, the cost to fix the issue can rise dramatically.
6. HVAC Sounds
Once you’ve lived in a home for a few days, you can get used to the different sounds it makes. The HVAC system tends to make the most noise, pumping heated or cooled air into your living areas.
Although these systems make plenty of sounds, the ones that shouldn’t be there are bangs, thumps, and squeals. Anything that seems loud or unusual could involve the motor, compressor, or belts. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have this system checked at least twice per year to ensure things run smoothly.
7. Encroaching Plants
When trees or plants grow too close to your home, they can trap moisture or cause damage to your siding during storms. They can even fill your gutters with debris. Most items should be at least three feet from your structure to avoid problems.
Although climbing ivy on brick looks beautiful, it can weaken the mortar. It should be trimmed to stay away from gutters, windows, and trim. By taking these steps, you’ll also prevent most pests from gaining access to your house.
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