Being an American homeowner does give you a greater level of security, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities that renters do not have. This includes maintaining the house and all its key systems on a regular basis and spending money on repairs and replacements when necessary. Unfortunately, lots of homeowners are guilty of putting off repairing small issues in the hope that they will not get any worse. This is obviously wishful thinking and can end up making the problems more expensive in the long run. Here are 6 property problems that are often ignored but should be fixed as soon as possible.
1. A broken and/or leaking roof
To some, it might seem a strange decision to delay fixing something as important as a property’s roof as it can be dangerous and lead to further property damage. Of course, replacing a roof can be an expensive project, and many people will delay it for as long as they can. Unfortunately, even small issues with a roof can lead to much bigger problems if ignored. If you do not have cash available at the moment, but you are concerned about delaying for too long, you might want to consider a personal loan to get the job done.
2. Gutter problems
The gutters on the property are there to drain water and dirt away from its structure, preventing water damage. If the guttering is blocked or broken, it can lead to significant problems in the foundations of the house and the exterior. Ignoring one or two broken gutters could therefore be an expensive mistake.
3. Plumbing issues
The plumbing in your home (pipes, toilets, heating system) is essential for your safety and comfort, which is why you should get a professional to check it over every year. Annual servicing gives the professional the chance to identify small problems before they develop into major ones and can also keep your heating system working efficiently, saving you more of your precious dollars.
4. Poor insulation
If your home is very cold in the winter and too hot in the summer, it is poorly insulated. This is not only an uncomfortable way to live but will also be increasing your energy costs significantly through increased use of air conditioning and heating. Investing in insulation should have big benefits for your comfort, pocket, and the environment. For those that live in particularly cold climates in the US, the difference it could make to your bills could be incredible.
5. Cracked foundations
Your entire property is sitting on the foundations, so cracks or faults could represent serious problems for your family’s safety. Foundations can crack for several reasons, including unstable soil or poor drainage beneath the property or settling. Whether the cracks are vertical or horizontal, they need to be seen by a professional.
6. Water leaks
If there is a water leak in your home, you may not notice it at first until it causes serious damage to the property’s walls, floors, or ceilings or even leads to an electrical fire. Keep a close eye on your water bills – if you notice that they are increasing significantly and you are not using any more water than usual, you could have a leak.