Handling Common Home Concerns
Home maintenance can be expensive and time-consuming but is the key to keeping a healthy and safe home environment. As a homeowner, there is a range of common home concerns that must be consistently addressed to avoid more serious problems in the future. Whether you’re looking to buy a new house or trying to avoid hefty home maintenance bills, here’s a list of some of the most common home concerns you should watch out for:
Hard Water
A common home concern is dealing with water that contains a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This is known as hard water. Over time, the minerals in hard water build up inside the water pipes and in ceramic and bathroom fixtures, which inhibits the flow of water.
How do you fix it?
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to deal with hard water including water purifiers, reverse osmosis systems, and water softener systems. Your situation and budget will help determine which solutions is best for your household.
Poor Drainage
Keeping your gutters clear is a key part of being a homeowner, as improper drainage can cause serious foundation problems. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, all the water from rain and snow will collect and drain against your siding and into your foundation, causing it to weaken over time. Clogged gutters also lead to damp basements, providing the perfect environment for mold and mildew.
How do you fix it?
Avoiding clogged and broken gutters is easy and inexpensive. All you have to do is keep them clean. It’s recommended for homeowners to clean their gutters at least twice a year. Depending on how many trees surround the house, you may need to clean them more often. Keep an eye on your gutters and figure out what time frame works best for your property.
Termites
Termites are one of the most destructive and expensive concerns for homeowners. These wood-eating insects can cause serious damage to a house’s foundation, flooring, windows, doors, and even furniture. According to the USDA, termites cause around $40 billion in damages around the world.
How to deal with termites?
Stay alert to signs that your home might have a termite infestation. Look for flying swarmers, weakened or damaged wood, mud tunnels, and sawdust-like termite droppings. If you conclude that you do have termites, call a professional to mitigate the problem as soon as possible.
Other common home concerns
There are other concerns that you’ll have to manage as a homeowner, such as:
- Wiring issues
- Cracks in your home’s structure
- Pest infestations
- Plumbing problems
- Broken or damaged shingles
- Mold growth
- Poor drainage around the property
With the right knowledge, tools, and help from experts, each of these can be managed to minimize damage to your property.
Home Inspectors of Columbus offers home inspection to customers in the Chattahoochee Valley. Contact us to request our services.