Whether you are preparing to purchase your first home or have been living in your current property for a decade, it’s essential to know some of the signs that you have serious home issues. Some problems are immediately apparent, but others can be hard to spot unless you work with a professional for a home inspection. Read on for some signs to look out for.

1. Doors That Won’t Close Easily

Do you have a door or window that used to close and open easily, but now it jams when you try to shut it? This is one of the signs of potential serious home issues with the foundation and structure. If it’s a newer property, this often means that the home is merely settling, and sanding down the frame or door will fix the issue. However, in an older home, the core issue may be foundation damage or a termite infestation.

2. Flickering Lights Could Mean Serious Home Issues

If the lights flicker randomly throughout the day, it’s a sign that your home may have electrical problems. In some cases, this points to a loose lightbulb instead of serious home issues. Pay attention to when the flickering occurs. If it happens when a major appliance like the air conditioner kicks on, there is not necessarily cause for concern. However, if it occurs randomly, your home may not have the proper wiring for your electrical needs.

3. Piles of Clumped Cloth, Hair, or Paper

Rodents are some of the most common pests that infest houses. One of the first signs of mouse activity is small piles of cloth, hair, or shredded paper that indicate a nest. If you spot teeth marks on cardboard boxes or food in your pantry or notice a nest, you should contact pest control immediately before the problem spirals out of control and you have more serious home issues on your hands.

4. Dense White Residue on the Chimney

Even if you have your chimney swept every year, serious home issues may still lurk beneath the surface. Look at your chimney for white residue on the outside of the brick. This is known as efflorescence, and it happens when moisture pulls out minerals from the masonry over time. While this is naturally occurring in small amounts, if your chimney is bright white or has a thick layer of efflorescence, it’s a sign that there could be damage to your flue liner that needs to be repaired immediately.

5. More Than One Slow Drain Due to Serious Home Issues

Particularly in the kitchen and bathroom, one drain taking a long time is not unusual. Most homeowners have a plunger or use a drain cleaner to get rid of the hair and debris causing the clog. However, if you have more than one slow drain in your house, you could have a severe problem on your hands. Call a plumber to evaluate the situation and determine if you have a clog in the sewer line that needs to be cleared.

Home Inspectors of Columbus offers inspection services to the Chattahoochee Valley of Georgia. Contact us to request an appointment.