The Most Common Hidden House Problems to Watch Out For

The Most Common Hidden House Problems to Watch Out For

As time goes on, homes tend to age, and certain issues start to appear. Some of these issues can even cause potential harm to those living inside and decrease the property’s overall value. This is why it is especially important to be careful when buying or renovating a home that has been standing for more than ten years. In this article, we are going to discuss some of the most common hidden house problems that you should watch out for. This way, you can be as safe as possible. Interested? Then keep on reading! We hope that you enjoy this The Most Common Hidden House Problems to Watch Out For post.

The Most Common Hidden House Problems to Watch Out For

Pests

Mice, ants, bed bugs, and spiders, are creepy crawlies that can make their way into your home. While these unwanted guests can be more prevalent in older homes, they can also appear in newer properties. You may be surprised by how some of these pests enter your household. For example, bed bugs are known to catch rides on pets or clothing. They like to make their home in mattresses, bite our exposed skin, and multiply quickly. Ensure you inspect your mattress regularly and call a bed bug control company if you notice any itchy red bumps on your skin.

One of the biggest concerns, especially for older homes with mostly wooden interiors, is termites. While they might not be as disease-ridden as mice or cockroaches, they can be extremely difficult to eradicate. Once they have infested the property, it can be challenging to get them all. They might be small, but they can chew through all of the structural elements of your home, causing significant damage.

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Roof leaks

When you are first looking at buying a home, roof leaks are one of the hardest things to predict. You might have been living in a place for over a month before it rains, and you start noticing wet spots! On top of them being very hard to notice, they can cause a lot of damage and lead to further structural problems as the area around them deteriorates. While a small roof leak can cost around $300 to repair, the harder the job, the more pricey it can be. If you’ve just bought a home, it’s certainly an additional expense you would rather not have.

Foundation issues

While a few small cracks in your wall might not seem like much of a concern, it can lead to bigger issues down the track. These often occur when the interior foundation starts to give way. The longer you leave it, the worse the damage will get. Your home may even crumble underneath you! This is why it’s very important to get things checked by a company such as Brightside Home Inspections. They will be able to give you a full report before you finalize buying an older property. It can save you a lot of hassle further on down the track!

Asbestos

Asbestos is a very hazardous material that was initially used in the building process as it works as an excellent electrical insulator. However, the fibers can have serious health effects, resulting in asbestosis and even cancer. According to asbestos.com, more than 90,000 lose their lives every year to some type of related condition. While it is now illegal in many countries, older homes may still have it present as it is impossible to track down every company that used it. If your home was built before or during the 1980’s, definitely make sure you get some professionals in to get this checked.

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Mold growth

Improper drainage, leaks, and damp areas aren’t just annoying to repair; they can also lead to mold growth, which is another highly hazardous household concern. As it produces spores that float through the air, when inhaled, it can cause breathing problems, allergic reactions, and in severe cases, aspergillosis.

Some of the most common household molds include:

• Aspergillus: Yellow-green mold that appears mostly on food, clothing, and paper. 
• Cladosporium: Green, brown, or black mold that grows on wet wood and fabric.
• Stachybotrys: Black mold that grows in very damp conditions, including pipes, ducts, drywall, and cardboard.
• Alternaria: Black and olive green mold with a fluffy appearance that grows on water-damaged and damp materials.

Unsafe electrics

When electrics are installed today, many rules and procedures need to be followed. In older homes, this wasn’t always the case, as we didn’t have the technology that is available today. Improper wiring can not only increase your electric bill but can also lead to a range of other problems. For example, faulty leads can cause fires, and wires that aren’t covered correctly may harm inquisitive children. If you suspect there are any of these issues, call in an electrician ASAP for an inspection so that you can see exactly what the damage is and get that wiring repair.

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Plumbing problems

As mentioned above, certain leaks can lead to mold growth and structural damage. However, that’s not the only thing you need to be concerned about. Small issues can grow over time and result in a much more complicated situation. The last thing you want is to have to hire an emergency plumber to deal with a flooded bathroom! On top of this, one small leak can significantly increase your water bill. You might not even know it’s happening if it’s in a difficult spot! Keep an eye on your account and call in a professional if you suspect something is wrong. Your wallet will thank you for it! 

Broken windows

Last on the list, and one thing that can be overlooked, are broken windows. Even just a simple crack in the wood can ruin its effectiveness, leaving you freezing in the winter and boiling in the summer. It can also be quite expensive to repair, especially if there is an issue with the glass. If you are on a tight budget, check out these quick fixes for draughty windows for a temporary solution.

And that’s it! These were eight common hidden household problems that you should watch out for! Whether you have been living in a home for quite a while, buying or thinking of selling, being aware of these can help ensure that you and your family are safe. What do you think? Are there any other hidden concerns that you would add to this list? We hope that you found this The Most Common Hidden House Problems to Watch Out For post valuable. Good luck!

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