Serious Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Put Off
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Keeping on top of home repairs can be such a bore. We don’t want to spend our precious free time fixing household problems. And there are so many better ways to spend our money. We’ve all delayed home maintenance due to time or money constraints. But there are a few home issues that should never be delayed.
Foundation Problems
Your home’s foundation supports the whole building. If you suspect there could be a problem, contact a foundation repair expert straight away. If you catch problems soon enough, you could save yourself a fortune. If left, problems are likely to get worse.
Telltale signs:
- Cracks in the floor or walls
- Doors and windows not opening or closing properly
- Gaps around window frames
It’s always a good idea to have a contingency plan to deal with unexpected costs.
Roofing Problems
While the foundation supports your home, your roof protects it from the elements. A small crack in the tiles will quickly get bigger putting your house at risk. During the winter months, rain will seep into your attic and upstairs rooms causing damage.
Telltale signs:
- Plants growing out of the chimney could indicate the presence of water
- Broken tiles
- Blocked guttering
- Water running down outside walls
- Water stains on the walls
Never climb on your roof to check for problems. Always check from the ground using binoculars. If you suspect a problem ask an expert to take a look for you. They will be trained in working at heights.
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Electrical Faults
Electrical issues can cause a safety hazard and should never be ignored. You should always check for electrical faults as part of a regular home maintenance plan. Don’t tackle electrical problems yourself. Always call an expert.
Telltale Sign:
- Flickering lights
- Worn or damaged wiring
- Some lights may be bright while others are dim
- Outlets not working
- The circuit breaker keeps tripping
Blocked Drainage
If left unchecked, blocked drainage could cause water to seep into your home. It could even cause problems with the foundation.
Telltale Signs:
- Water not clearing from outside drains
- Standing water to the exterior of your property
- Damp basement
- Water stains on external walls due to blocked gutters
- Sinks taking a while to clear water
Leaks
Most of us would not ignore the presence of water in our home. But what about smaller leaks? It may start as a tiny leak under the sink. Over time it is likely to get worse and could cause more serious and lasting damage to your home. Make sure you address leaks straight away.
Peeling Paint
We often see paint as something cosmetic. But what we forget is that it also has a purpose. Your external paintwork not only looks good, but it is also protecting your home from the elements. Once it peels away, it allows water to damage the surface. So don’t ignore the peeling. Get your scraper out and give that paintwork a bit of a spruce up.
We rarely ignore home repairs through laziness. There are usually very good reasons such as lack of time or funds. In truth, some home maintenance won’t cause any damage if left for a while. But if you spot any of the above signs, get onto it straight away. Delays could cause serious damage and increased costs.
