Catching early signs of deterioration in your property is key for long-term structural integrity and avoiding hefty costs. Early warning signs often happen in places you don’t pay much attention to. These are 19 signs your home might be in need of some serious upkeep!
Sagging Roof
How often do you stand outside and check the state of your roof? Now’s the time to check for any signs of sagging – noticeable dips in the roofline. It’s often easier to take regular photos of your roof to compare over time, as sagging can be slow and subtle.
Damp or Musty Smells
Persistent damp smells in the home mean there’s an underlying cause that needs to be fixed. You might have mold growth on the walls or a buildup of moisture. The Spruce tells us how musty smells can also be caused by a leaky pipe or roof, which causes the buildup.
Cracks in the Foundation
It’s worth checking around windows and doors for any noticeable cracks. If your doors and windows don’t close properly or get stuck, it might also indicate a change in foundational integrity. Cracks can also appear around the exterior of your property.
Persistent Plumbing Issues
Have you noticed that your drains are always slow? You’re always dealing with clogs, and low water pressure is a daily occurrence. This can signify issues with your plumbing, which might also escalate to leaks from your ceiling and down walls.
Electrical Problems
One of the easiest ways to spot electrical problems in your home is to notice whether lights flicker or dim constantly. You might often deal with tripped circuit breakers or even blown fuses. You should also check whether the switches feel warm to the touch.
Pest Infestations
Damaged woodwork can indicate termites or other small pests in the home. Scratching or scurrying sounds can also indicate rodent infestations. According to the EPA, signs of rodent infestations include holes in food packaging and stale smells coming from hidden areas.
Peeling or Cracked Paint
If the paint on your walls and ceilings appears to be bubbling or blistering, it’s a serious sign of structural problems. You might have paint completely peeling away from certain surfaces or find that you constantly need to touch up your decor due to marks.
Uneven or Warped Floors
Have you noticed rooms that appear sloped or even sagging in certain areas? This could suggest a shift of the foundation underneath. Floors that creak could be nothing to worry about if your home is old, but if it’s a new sound or you’re noticing gaps, it’s worth looking into.
You’re Always Feeling a Draft
You might not be able to pinpoint where it’s coming from, but you feel a regular draft throughout your home. Your energy bills might have also increased because of heat loss in your property. Drafts could be located around windows and door frames.
Wall Cracks and Gaps
Cracks can appear in the interior of your property as well as on external walls. Corners are the most obvious places to check for cracks – look for gaps where the wall meets the ceiling or floor. Gaps can get progressively worse if the structure is shifting.
Water Stains and Damage
Are your walls, ceilings, or floors looking more discolored lately? Changes in color can indicate gradual water damage. You might also notice certain areas feel spongy, which is why regular manual checks are so important to see any new soft areas or moisture issues.
Your HVAC System is Failing
Your HVAC system should be regularly maintained to keep it running smoothly, but if you’re constantly having to repair it, this could be a sign that there’s a problem with your property. Things to look out for include your HVAC unit emitting strange noises and uneven heating or cooling throughout the home.
Rotten Woodwork
Rotten woodwork in the home can be indicated by soft and spongy wood or visible decay. Forbes explains that when telling the difference between termite damage and wood rot, to look for evidence of pests and holes in wood versus fungal growth and wood shrinking.
Poor Insulation
Insulation problems could result in your house never being at the right temperature, hiking up your energy bills. Poor insulation can be revealed by visible gaps in your attic or in the wall insulation. If you’ve noticed temperature changes, check the condition of your insulation.
Damaged Driveway or Walkway
Signs that your home might be falling apart can be seen outside the property, too. Does your driveway have any cracks or even potholes? You might even have sunken areas on the surface that pose tripping hazards. Weeds growing through cracks can also be a sign that maintenance is needed.
Malfunctioning Gutters
Overflowing and sagging gutters are a sign that your rainwater system or perhaps even your roof is in trouble. Check your gutter for signs of damage or visible rust. The Daily Express advises cleaning your gutters twice a year to prevent them from getting clogged and causing structural damage.
Shifts in Your Landscaping
Check your soil, garden, trees, or shrubs for any sign of movement, as structural and foundation changes can lead to landscaping adjustments. Most noticeably, trees might be leaning or even uprooting, and any stone structures like stepping stones on grass might have shifted, too.
Broken or Missing Shingles
While checking your roof for sagging, you should also check for any signs of broken or missing shingles. Damage to look for includes noticeable cracks or even a warped curl at the edge of the tiles. Checking your gutters regularly also means being able to spot broken granules from shingles.
Rusted or Damaged Pipes
Finally, checking the condition of pipes will tell you whether your home is in disarray. Pipes that are severely rusted will result in discolored water from your tap. Pipes may display signs of corrosion, and if there’s an issue, you’ll be able to detect any bad smells coming from them.
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