10 Most Costly House Problems

Every homeowner experiences problems with their home sooner or later. The intensity of these problems depends on the level of maintenance the house has received over the years. Whether you are buying a home or selling your current house, you may want to check for certain problems that have been left unattended to. If you wait until after a home appraiser or inspector flags the issues, it could result in a lot more money out of your pocket. So, don’t wait until closing to fix the problems or address them with the owner.

Some of the following home problems are so common that many homeowners simply learn to live with them. However, the problems can be avoidable by providing proper maintenance and checking out the most common ones periodically.

Here are 10 of the most common problems that homeowners encounter while buying or living in a home:

1.       Problem roofs. The roof of your home is one of those things that you don’t pay much attention to. That is, until you see a leak. The roof can be one of the most costly things to fix, so use binoculars to check for warning signs. Also, get a professional roof inspection before putting your house on the market.

2.       Water in the basement. These problems should be solved as soon as possible to minimize damage that can include mold and mildew.

3.       Deferred maintenance. Keeping your home in top condition is an investment that will return the more you spend.

4.       Flaws in the foundation. Older homes and even newer ones can settle unevenly. Look for sloping floors and cracks in the foundation walls as well as above windows.

5.       Poor ventilation. The effects of poor ventilation on your health are huge, so make sure places like the attic are properly vented in order to avoid mold or roof rot.

6.       Faulty plumbing. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on the water supply system. Trace leaks to sources immediately, and replace corroding pipes.

7.       Defective HVAC systems. If you have just bought a home or you are thinking of selling your current home, it’s a good idea to contact a HVAC contractor for an inspection.

8.       Faulty gutters and downspouts. Constant checking is needed to properly maintain the gutters and downspouts in order to avoid water damage.

9.       Drainage problems. Homeowners often overlook landscaping issues which can which allow water to drain into the house’s basement or crawlspace. Water damage can be costly to repair and lessen the value of your home.

10.   Faulty wiring. Many electrical problems are caused by homeowners who try to do the work themselves or hire someone unlicensed. Look for dangling hotwires, open receptacle boxes, and aluminum wiring.

In the midst of checking your home or home-to-be for common problems, consider the advantages of knowing the true value of the property. Be sure to obtain a free home valuation report from Neighborhood IQ to find out how much a home is worth before you ultimately buy or sell! Also keep n mind that Home Loan Advisor can analyze your property, current market conditions, local market comps, and other variables in our proprietary algorithm as well as match you with potential lenders who have products that may help you and provide you with a sense of stability.